ANALYSIS OF ARGENTINA’S TRADE: DATA, PRODUCTS & PROCEDURES, FOR MORE DETAILED INFORMATION OR A SPECIFIC MARKET INTELLIGENCE MATTER OR ANY OTHER MATTER PLEASE CONTACT US

1. MACROECONOMIC TRADE CONTEXT

Annual Trade Volume 2024:

Total Trade: US$140.5 billion
Exports: US$79.7 billion (↑ 19.4% from 2023)
Imports: US$60.8 billion (↓ 17.5% from 2023)
Trade Balance: US$+18.9 billion surplus (all-time record)
Merchandise Trade Balance: US$18.9 billion
Exports Per Capita: US$1,640 (104th globally)
Imports Per Capita: US$1,300 (139th globally)
Global Export Rank: 48th out of 226
Global Import Rank: 54th out of 226
GDP: US$638 billion (23rd globally)
GDP Per Capita: US$13,800 (77th globally)
Currency: Argentine Peso (ARS), subject to managed float with significant exchange controls
Economic Complexity Index (Trade): 61st out of 130 (ECI: 0.00, 2024)
Economic Complexity Index (Technology): 52nd out of 96 (ECI: -0.10, 2021)
Economic Complexity Index (Research): 21st out of 137 (ECI: 1.28, 2023)

Key Trade Trends (2024):

Indicator	2024 Value	Change from 2023
Total Exports	US$79.7 billion	↑ 19.4%
Total Imports	US$60.8 billion	↓ 17.5%
Trade Surplus	US$18.9 billion	New record (surpassed 2009 record)
Export Growth Rate	+19.4%	Driven by agricultural recovery and Vaca Muerta oil
Import Decline	-17.5%	Reflecting economic contraction and foreign exchange controls
Export Destinations	186 markets	↑ 4 markets from 2023

Geographic Distribution 2024:

EXPORT MARKETS (US$79.7B):

Rank	Country	Export Value (US$)	Share of Total
1	Brazil	13.0 billion	16.3%
2	United States	6.92 billion	8.7%
3	Chile	6.57 billion	8.2%
4	China	5.95 billion	7.5%
5	India	3.91 billion	4.9%

Source: OEC

By Geographic Region:

MERCOSUR: ~25% (Brazil dominant)
Latin America: ~15% (Chile, Peru, Mexico)
Asia: ~20% (China, India, Vietnam)
Europe: ~15% (EU, Switzerland)
North America: ~9% (United States)

IMPORT ORIGINS (US$60.8B):

Rank	Country	Import Value (US$)	Share of Total
1	China	~11.4 billion	~18.7%
2	Brazil	~10.8 billion	~17.8%
3	United States	~5.8 billion	~9.5%
4	Germany	~2.5 billion	~4.1%
5	Thailand	~1.5 billion	~2.5%

Estimates based on OEC and trade flow data

Trade Balance by Major Partner (2024):

Partner	Trade Balance (US$)
Chile	+5.75 billion surplus
India	+2.64 billion surplus
Vietnam	+2.4 billion surplus
Peru	+2.1 billion surplus
Malaysia	+1.42 billion surplus
China	-5.41 billion deficit
Paraguay	-2.09 billion deficit
Germany	-1.62 billion deficit
Thailand	-1.37 billion deficit
Mexico	-917 million deficit

2. DETAILED EXPORT PRODUCT ANALYSIS

A. AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS (Dominant Share)

1. Soybean Complex: US$19.62 billion (24.6% of total exports)

Total Soybean Exports: US$19.624 billion

Product Category	Export Value	Share of Soy Complex
Soybean Meal	US$8.69 billion	44.3%
Soybean Oil	US$5.85 billion	29.8%
Soybeans (Raw)	US$5.08 billion	25.9%

Annual Growth: ↑ 40.7% from 2023
Share of Total Exports: 25% (one quarter of all exports)
Primary Destinations: India (US$2.93B), China (US$2.21B), Vietnam (US$1.62B), Saudi Arabia (US$616M)

2. Corn: US$7.22 billion (9.1% of total exports)

World-class producer: Argentina is among world’s largest corn exporters
Primary Destinations: Vietnam, Algeria, Egypt, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia

3. Wheat: US$5.5+ billion (est.)

December 2025 export surge: Wheat exports increased US$355 million (93.8% year-on-year)
Primary Destinations: Brazil, Indonesia, Chile, Kenya

4. Other Agricultural Products

Product Category	Export Value
Delivery Trucks	US$4.65 billion
Gold	US$3.75+ billion (growing 39% in 2024)
Crude Petroleum	US$5.26 billion

B. REGIONAL ECONOMY EXPORTS (2024)

Total Regional Economy Exports: Representing 12% of total goods exports

1. Fishery Products: US$2.007 billion (↑ 12.9%)

Product Type	Performance
Crustaceans	Leading export category
Frozen Fish	Strong growth
Primary Destinations	Spain, China, United States

2. Dairy Products: US$1.279 billion (↑ 8.3%)

Product Type	Performance
Milk Powder	Major export product
Cheese	Growing segment
Primary Destinations	Brazil, Algeria, Chile

3. Peanuts: US$1.19 billion (↑ significant, near 20-year high)

Global position: Argentina is among world’s largest peanut exporters
Export growth: Reached near 20-year high in 2024

C. MINERAL FUELS & ENERGY PRODUCTS

1. Crude Petroleum: US$5.26 billion

Vaca Muerta shale formation: Driving export growth
Export growth: Significant increase in 2024 (following pipeline infrastructure completion)
Primary Destinations: Chile, Brazil, United States, Netherlands

2. Refined Petroleum: US$1.8+ billion (est.)

Products: Gasoline, diesel, fuel oil
Primary Destinations: Paraguay, Uruguay, Brazil, Chile

3. Natural Gas:

Pipeline exports: To Chile (reversing historical flow)
LNG potential: Vaca Muerta development

D. MANUFACTURED GOODS

1. Motor Vehicles and Parts: US$5.5+ billion

Category	Export Value
Delivery Trucks	US$4.65 billion
Passenger Vehicles	US$2.1+ billion (est.)
Auto Parts	US$1.8+ billion (est.)

Primary Destinations: Brazil (dominant), Chile, Peru, Colombia, Mexico

2. Chemicals and Plastics

Category	Export Value
Plastics and Articles	US$0.9+ billion
Chemical Products	US$1.2+ billion
Pharmaceuticals	US$0.5+ billion

3. Other Manufactures

Category	Export Value
Iron and Steel Products	US$0.8+ billion
Aluminum	Growing exports due to domestic demand contraction
Plastic Inputs	Growing exports due to domestic demand contraction
Machinery and Equipment	US$1.2+ billion

E. TOP EXPORTS (December 2025 Snapshot)

Rank	Product	Export Value
1	Soybean Meal	US$1.17 billion
2	Delivery Trucks	US$838 million
3	Soybean Oil	US$805 million
4	Gold	US$751 million
5	Wheat	US$733 million

F. SERVICES EXPORTS

1. Knowledge-Based Services (KBS): US$7.5+ billion (↑ 12% in 2024)

Record high: Reached historic levels in 2024
Components: Software, IT services, professional services, R&D
Growth driver: Leading services export sector
Global rank: Argentina is a regional leader in tech services exports

2. Tourism: US$3.5+ billion (↓ 10% in 2024)

Decline: Reflecting economic challenges and currency dynamics

3. DETAILED IMPORT PRODUCT ANALYSIS

A. MACHINERY AND ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT

1. Machinery, mechanical appliances, parts (HS 84): US$7.5+ billion (est.)

Industrial machinery: For manufacturing, agriculture, construction
Agricultural machinery: Tractors, harvesters, implements
Power generation equipment: Turbines, generators, boilers
Primary Sources: China, Brazil, Germany, United States

2. Electrical machinery and electronics (HS 85): US$6.0+ billion (est.)

Telecommunications equipment: Mobile phones, network infrastructure
Computers and peripherals
Household appliances
Primary Sources: China, Brazil, United States, South Korea

B. TRANSPORTATION EQUIPMENT

1. Cars and Motor Vehicles: US$4.5+ billion (est.)

Category	Import Value
Passenger Cars	US$2.8+ billion
Auto Parts	US$1.5+ billion
Commercial Vehicles	US$0.8+ billion

Primary Sources: Brazil (dominant), Mexico, Argentina’s own production (intra-industry trade)

2. Aircraft and Parts: US$0.8+ billion (est.)

Commercial aircraft: For Aerolíneas Argentinas and other carriers
Private jets
Primary Sources: United States (Boeing), France (Airbus)

C. CHEMICAL PRODUCTS

1. Pharmaceutical Products: US$1.5+ billion (est.)

Packaged medicaments: US$1.1+ billion
Active pharmaceutical ingredients
Primary Sources: Switzerland, Germany, United States, India

2. Organic Chemicals: US$1.2+ billion (est.)

Petrochemical intermediates
Industrial chemicals

3. Fertilizers: US$0.8+ billion (est.)

Mixed Mineral or Chemical Fertilizers: US$500+ million
Nitrogenous fertilizers
Potassic fertilizers
Primary Sources: Russia, China, Morocco, United States

D. PLASTICS AND RUBBER

1. Plastics and Articles (HS 39): US$1.5+ billion (est.)

Plastics in primary forms: For manufacturing
Plastic articles: Consumer and industrial products
Primary Sources: China, Brazil, United States, Germany

E. OPTICAL AND MEDICAL EQUIPMENT

1. Optical, medical apparatus (HS 90): US$0.9+ billion (est.)

Medical devices and instruments
Surgical equipment
Diagnostic apparatus
Primary Sources: United States, Germany, China

F. TEXTILES AND APPAREL

1. Articles of Apparel and Clothing Accessories (HS 392620): US$6.7 million (specific category)

Primary Source: China (US$5.2M)
Other Sources: Pakistan, Brazil, Spain, Vietnam

2. Other Textile Products: US$0.5+ billion (est.)

G. OTHER IMPORT CATEGORIES

Category	Import Value
Iron and Steel	US$0.7+ billion
Articles of Iron/Steel	US$0.6+ billion
Paper and Paperboard	US$0.5+ billion
Furniture and Lighting	US$0.4+ billion
Toys and Games	US$0.3+ billion

H. TOP IMPORTS (December 2025 Snapshot)

Rank	Product	Import Value
1	Cars	US$488 million
2	Motor vehicle parts (8701-8705)	US$227 million
3	Delivery Trucks	US$119 million
4	Packaged Medicaments	US$114 million
5	Mixed Mineral or Chemical Fertilizers	US$39 million

4. TRADE PROCEDURES & REGULATIONS – DEEP DIVE

A. CUSTOMS LEGAL FRAMEWORK

1. Primary Authority:

ARCA (Agencia de Recaudación y Control Aduanero) – formerly AFIP
Dirección General de Aduanas (Customs Directorate)

2. Legal Basis:

Código Aduanero (Ley 22.415) – Customs Code (primary legislation)
Ley de Impuesto al Valor Agregado – VAT Law
Decretos Reglamentarios – Implementing Decrees
Resoluciones Generales ARCA – General Resolutions

3. International Memberships:

WTO Member: Since 1995
MERCOSUR: Founding member (1991) with Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay (Venezuela suspended)
GAFTA?: Observer status
Bilateral Agreements: Multiple with Latin American countries

4. MERCOSUR Integration:

Common External Tariff (CET):

Structure: Four-digit NCM (Nomenclatura Común del MERCOSUR) – harmonized with HS
Tariff range: 0-35% (average varies by sector)
Exceptions: National lists allow deviations from CET
Sugar, automotive sectors: Special regimes

MERCOSUR Origin Rules:

General rule: 60% regional content (CIF) or 40% (FOB)
Specific rules: For certain products
Certificate of Origin: Required for preferential treatment

MERCOSUR Economic Complementation Agreements:

ACE 35: With Chile
ACE 36: With Bolivia
ACE 55: With Mexico (automotive)
ACE 58: With Peru
ACE 59: With Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela
ACE 72: With India (preferential)

B. 2024-2025 REGULATORY DEVELOPMENTS

1. Decree 642/2024 – Banknotes Import Exemptions (July 2024)

Key Provisions:

Article	Measure	Impact
Article 1	Exemption from statistical tax (3%) for import of banknotes (NCM 4907.00.10)	Reduced import costs for currency
Article 2	VAT exemption extended to banknotes not yet having legal tender at import	Clarified tax treatment
Article 3	PAÍS Tax exemption for banknote imports (incorporated into Decree 99/19 exceptions)	Eliminated 30% tax on forex for currency purchases

Purpose: Facilitate import of banknotes to address currency circulation needs

2. General Resolution 5617/2024 – Withholding Tax System (December 2024)

Issuing Authority: ARCA (formerly AFIP)

Applicable Transactions:

Purchase of foreign currency for savings
Import payments for certain goods
Foreign currency purchases for international services
International travel services through domestic agencies
Purchase of international transport tickets

Exempt Transactions:

Medicine purchases
Book purchases
Educational platforms and software
Land transport to neighboring countries
Research project expenditures
Firefighting and civil defense equipment imports

Scope: Applies to residents (individuals, legal entities, and other obligated parties)

3. Export Duties (Derechos de Exportación):

Current Structure:

Agricultural products: Variable rates (soybeans ~33%, corn/wheat ~12%)
Industrial products: Lower rates (0-5%)
Mining products: Variable rates
Hydrocarbons: Variable rates

2024-2025 Changes:

Gold export duties eliminated (contributing to 39% export growth)
Ongoing debate on broader tax reform

4. Import Controls (SIMI/SIRA System):

Current Status:

SIMI (Sistema de Importaciones de la República Argentina): Electronic import declaration system
Licensing categories: Automatic and non-automatic
Processing times: Variable (often extended for non-automatic licenses)

C. IMPORT PROCEDURES

1. Documentation Requirements

Mandatory Documents:

Commercial Invoice:
- Detailed goods description
- HS/NCM classification
- Quantity, unit price, total value
- Incoterms and payment terms
Bill of Lading / Air Waybill:
- Original negotiable document
- Shipper, consignee, notify party
- Goods description matching invoice
Packing List:
- Detailed weight, volume, package contents
- Marks and numbers
Certificate of Origin:
- For preferential claims (MERCOSUR, ACEs)
- Issued by Chamber of Commerce or authorized entity
Import License (SIMI):
- Electronic declaration with customs
- Status: Approved, to be consulted, or rejected
Insurance Certificate
- Marine/cargo insurance
Payment Documentation:
- Bank transfer receipts
- Letters of credit
- Proof of forex purchase

2. Import Licensing Categories

Automatic Licenses:

For most goods
Approved within days (electronically)
Valid for 60-90 days

Non-Automatic Licenses:

For sensitive products (textiles, footwear, toys, steel, electronics)
Require additional documentation and approvals
Processing time: 30-90+ days
Subject to product-specific regulations

3. Prohibited and Restricted Imports

Prohibited Imports:

Narcotic drugs
Weapons (without authorization)
Hazardous waste
Used clothing and footwear
Certain chemicals

Restricted Imports:

Product Category	Regulating Authority
Food Products	SENASA (Animal/Plant Health)
Pharmaceuticals	ANMAT (Drug, Food, Medical Device Administration)
Medical Devices	ANMAT
Cosmetics	ANMAT
Agricultural Products	SENASA
Chemicals	Ministry of Environment
Telecommunications Equipment	ENACOM
Firearms/Explosives	Ministry of Security

4. Customs Clearance Process

Step 1: Pre-arrival Processing

Electronic submission through MARIA system (Sistema María)
SIMI declaration registered
Risk assessment by customs

Step 2: Documentation Review

Verification of documents
Channel selection

Step 3: Clearance Channels

Channel	Inspection Level	Timeframe
Verde (Green)	No physical inspection	1-2 days
Naranja (Orange)	Document verification only	3-5 days
Rojo (Red)	Document verification + physical inspection	5-10+ days

Step 4: Duty Payment

Customs duties calculated
VAT and other taxes paid
Electronic payment through authorized banks

Step 5: Release

Customs release order
Goods delivered to importer

5. Customs Valuation

WTO Valuation Method: Transaction value basis (CIF)
Additions: Commissions, assists, royalties, transport, insurance
Currency Conversion: Based on official exchange rate (Banco de la Nación)
Transfer pricing rules: Apply to related party transactions

D. TAXATION & DUTIES

1. Customs Duties

MERCOSUR Common External Tariff (NCM):

General range: 0-35%
Average rate: ~14%
Capital goods: 0-14%
Raw materials: 0-8%
Consumer goods: 18-35%

Preferential Rates:

MERCOSUR members: 0% (with Certificate of Origin)
ACEs (Economic Complementation Agreements): Reduced rates with Chile, Bolivia, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico
GSP (Generalized System of Preferences): Benefits from developed countries

2. Value Added Tax (IVA)

Standard Rate: 21%
Reduced Rate: 10.5% (certain foods, books, newspapers)
Zero Rated: Exports
Additional Rate: 25% (luxury goods, utilities)
IVA on Imports: Due upon customs clearance (21% of CIF + duty)
IVA Perception: Additional withholding on imports (advance payment of income tax)

3. Statistical Tax (Tasa de Estadística)

Rate: 3% on CIF value (subject to exemptions)
Decree 642/2024: Exemptions for banknotes imports

4. PAÍS Tax (Impuesto PAÍS)

Rate: 30% (on foreign currency purchases for certain transactions)
Applicable to: Import payments for goods and services (with exceptions)
Decree 642/2024: Exemption for banknote imports

5. Income Tax Withholding (Percepción de Ganancias)

Rate: Varies by product category (2-10%)
Advance payment: Credited against annual income tax liability

6. Excise Taxes (Impuestos Internos)

Product Category	Rate
Tobacco	60-75%
Alcoholic Beverages	8-20%
Soft Drinks	8%
Electronics	10-17%
Luxury Vehicles	10-20%

7. Export Duties (Derechos de Exportación)

Product Category	Rate
Soybeans	33%
Soybean derivatives (meal/oil)	31%
Corn	12%
Wheat	12%
Gold	0% (eliminated in 2024)
Industrial products	0-5%

E. SPECIAL TRADE REGIMES

1. Temporary Admission

For goods imported for processing and re-export
Requirements:
- Prior authorization
- Bank guarantee
- Time limit: Usually 6-12 months
- Goods must be re-exported

2. Bonded Warehousing

Depósito Fiscal: Storage without duty payment
Purpose: For re-export or subsequent local release
Time limit: Up to 5 years
Requirements: Bonded warehouse license from ARCA

3. Drawback Regime

Refund of import duties on goods subsequently re-exported
Eligibility: Goods incorporated into exported products
Application: Within 6 months of export

4. Free Zones

Major Free Zones:

Free Zone	Location	Specialization
Zona Franca La Plata	Buenos Aires	General, logistics
Zona Franca Córdoba	Córdoba	Industrial, automotive
Zona Franca Mendoza	Mendoza	Agriculture, logistics
Zona Franca San Juan	San Juan	Mining support
Zona Franca Tucumán	Tucumán	Agro-industry

Free Zone Benefits:

Duty-free imports
VAT exemption
Tax incentives
Simplified customs procedures
Goods may remain indefinitely

5. Automotive Regime (Régimen Automotriz)

Special regime under MERCOSUR
Trade balancing requirements: Import rights tied to exports
Intra-industry trade: With Brazil and Mexico

F. SECTOR-SPECIFIC REGULATIONS

1. Food and Agricultural Products (SENASA)

Requirements:

Phytosanitary certificates for plant products
Veterinary certificates for animal products
SENASA registration for food facilities
Product registration for certain foods
Health and safety standards compliance

2. Pharmaceutical Products (ANMAT)

Product registration: Required for all pharmaceuticals
GMP certification: From country of origin
Clinical trial data: For new drugs
Import license: Per shipment authorization
Cold chain requirements: For temperature-sensitive products

3. Cosmetics and Personal Care (ANMAT)

Product notification: Through ANMAT system
Safety assessment reports
GMP certification recommended
Labeling: Spanish mandatory

4. Medical Devices (ANMAT)

Registration required based on risk class (I, II, III, IV)
Technical documentation
Clinical evidence for higher-risk devices
ANMAT authorization before import

5. Telecommunications Equipment (ENACOM)

Type approval: Mandatory for all telecom equipment
Homologation: Certification that equipment meets standards
Testing: By accredited labs
Import license: Required for each model

6. Chemical Products

Registration: With Ministry of Environment
Safety Data Sheets (SDS): In Spanish
Hazard classification: Under global system
Import permits: For controlled chemicals

G. COMPLIANCE & ENFORCEMENT

1. Post-Clearance Audit

Risk-based selection of importers/exporters
Audit focus: Valuation accuracy, classification, origin, tax payments
Record keeping: Minimum 5 years

2. Penalties for Violations

Violation	Penalty
Under-declaration	100-500% of evaded duty + fines
Misclassification	Duty adjustment + 50-200% fine
False documentation	Fine + possible criminal prosecution
Smuggling	Imprisonment (2-8 years) + fine
Customs debt	Interest + enforcement actions

3. Appeals Process

Objection to ARCA within 15 days
Administrative appeal to Tax Court (Tribunal Fiscal de la Nación)
Judicial review to federal courts

5. TRADE AGREEMENTS NETWORK

A. MULTILATERAL AGREEMENTS:

Agreement	Status	Coverage
WTO	Member since 1995	Multilateral trade rules
MERCOSUR	Founding member (1991)	Customs union with Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay (Venezuela suspended)
GAFTA?	Observer status	Not a full member

B. MERCOSUR AGREEMENTS:

Partner	Status	Type
European Union	Political agreement 2019, pending ratification	Comprehensive FTA
EFTA	Signed 2019	Free trade agreement
Singapore	Signed 2023	FTA (MERCOSUR-Singapore)
India	Preferential Trade Agreement 2009	Limited preferences
SACU	Negotiating	Southern African Customs Union
Egypt	Negotiating	Free trade agreement
Palestinian Authority	Preferential Agreement	Limited preferences

C. ECONOMIC COMPLEMENTATION AGREEMENTS (ACEs):

Agreement	Partner	Coverage
ACE 14	Brazil	MERCOSUR framework (historical)
ACE 35	Chile	Comprehensive bilateral
ACE 36	Bolivia	Bilateral within MERCOSUR
ACE 55	Mexico	Automotive sector
ACE 58	Peru	Bilateral
ACE 59	Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela	Bilateral
ACE 62	Mexico	Broader trade (replacing ACE 55)
ACE 72	India	Preferential Trade Agreement

D. RULES OF ORIGIN (MERCOSUR):

General Criteria:

Regional Value Content: 60% (CIF) or 40% (FOB)
Change in Tariff Classification: HS 4-6 digit level
Specific processes: For certain products

Documentation:

Certificate of Origin MERCOSUR (Form A)
Issued by authorized entities (Chambers of Commerce)

6. MAJOR TRADE INFRASTRUCTURE

A. PORTS

Buenos Aires Region:

Port	Location	Specialization
Puerto Buenos Aires	Buenos Aires City	Container, general cargo (60%+ of container traffic)
Puerto Dock Sud	Buenos Aires Province	Liquid bulk, petrochemicals
Puerto La Plata	Buenos Aires Province	Grain, containers, industrial

Paraná-Paraguay Waterway (Hidrovía):

Port	Location	Specialization
Puerto Rosario	Santa Fe	Grain exports (world’s largest grain export complex)
Puerto San Lorenzo	Santa Fe	Grain, oilseeds
Puerto San Martín	Santa Fe	Grain, fertilizers
Puerto Villa Constitución	Santa Fe	Steel, grain
Puerto Santa Fe	Santa Fe	General cargo

Southern Ports:

Port	Location	Specialization
Puerto Bahía Blanca	Buenos Aires	Grain, petrochemicals, deep-water
Puerto Quequén	Buenos Aires	Grain exports
Puerto Mar del Plata	Buenos Aires	Fishing port
Puerto Comodoro Rivadavia	Chubut	Oil, fishing
Puerto Madryn	Chubut	Aluminum (Aluar), fishing
Puerto Deseado	Santa Cruz	Fishing
Puerto Río Gallegos	Santa Cruz	Coal, fishing
Puerto Ushuaia	Tierra del Fuego	Antarctic logistics, electronics

B. AIRPORTS:

Airport	Location	Cargo Volume	Notes
Ezeiza International (EZE)	Buenos Aires	250,000+ tons	Main cargo airport
Jorge Newbery (AEP)	Buenos Aires	50,000+ tons	Domestic cargo
Córdoba International (COR)	Córdoba	30,000+ tons	Automotive, regional
Mendoza International (MDZ)	Mendoza	15,000+ tons	Wine, perishables

C. LAND BORDER CROSSINGS

With Brazil:

Crossing	Route	Importance
Paso de los Libres – Uruguaiana	RN 14	Major Mercosur trade route
Puerto Iguazú – Foz do Iguaçu	RN 12	Tourism, regional trade
Paso San Javier – Porto Xavier	RN 14	Regional crossing
Paso de la Barca – São Borja	RN 121	Agricultural exports

With Uruguay:

Crossing	Route	Importance
Gualeguaychú – Fray Bentos	RN 136	Pulp, general cargo
Concordia – Salto	RN 14	Regional trade
Colón – Paysandú	RN 135	Regional trade
Puerto Unzué – Nuevo Berlín	Ferry	Alternative crossing

With Paraguay:

Crossing	Route	Importance
Posadas – Encarnación	RN 12	Major crossing
Clorinda – Asunción	RN 11	Bridge connection
Formosa – Alberdi	Ferry	Regional trade

With Chile:

Crossing	Route	Importance
Cristo Redentor (Mendoza)	RN 7	Main trade route to Chile
Paso Los Libertadores (Mendoza)	RN 7	Alternative route
Paso Pino Hachado (Neuquén)	RN 242	Southern crossing
Paso Cardenal Samoré (Río Negro)	RN 231	Lake crossing
Paso Integración Austral (Santa Cruz)	RN 40	Southernmost crossing

With Bolivia:

Crossing	Route	Importance
Pocitos – Yacuiba	RN 34	Main crossing
La Quiaca – Villazón	RN 9	Regional trade
Salvador Mazza – Yacuiba	RN 34	Alternative crossing

D. TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE

Highways:

RN 7: Mendoza-Chile (Andes crossing)
RN 9: Buenos Aires-Rosario-Córdoba (industrial corridor)
RN 11: Santa Fe-Resistencia (Paraguay border)
RN 12: Buenos Aires-Entre Ríos (Uruguay/Brazil)
RN 14: Buenos Aires-Misiones (Brazil border)

Railways:

Belgrano Cargas: Northern grain network (under rehabilitation)
San Martín Cargas: Western network
Urquiza Cargas: Mesopotamia network
Roca Cargas: Southern network

Pipelines:

Oldelval: Vaca Muerta oil to Puerto Rosales/Blanca
TGS/TGN: Natural gas networks
Gasoducto Néstor Kirchner: Vaca Muerta gas to Buenos Aires (new)

7. EMERGING TRENDS & FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS

A. Record Trade Surplus (2024)

US$18.9 billion surplus: All-time record (surpassing 2009’s US$16.89B)
Drivers: Agricultural recovery post-drought + Vaca Muerta oil exports
13 consecutive months of trade surplus (through December 2024)
Export growth: +19.4%
Import decline: -17.5%

B. Vaca Muerta Shale Revolution

Oil Exports:

US$5.26 billion in 2024
Pipeline infrastructure completed (Oldelval expansion, Néstor Kirchner gas pipeline)
Growing exports to Chile, Brazil, United States

Gas Exports:

Reversal of pipeline flow to Chile
LNG export potential (longer-term)
Investment in midstream infrastructure

C. Lithium Development

Projects: Salar de Hombre Muerto, Salar de Olaroz, Salar de Cauchari
Export growth: New projects coming online
Primary Destinations: China, South Korea, Japan, United States
Strategic importance: Critical mineral for EV batteries

D. Agricultural Recovery

Post-drought rebound: Significant increase in soybean, corn, wheat production
Soybean complex: US$19.6 billion (↑ 40.7%)
Wheat growth: +US$355M in December 2025 (93.8% year-on-year)

E. Regional Economy Export Growth

Sector	Growth	Value
Fishery	+12.9%	US$2.01B
Dairy	+8.3%	US$1.28B
Peanuts	Significant	US$1.19B (near 20-year high)

F. 2024-2025 Regulatory Reforms

Decree 642/2024: Exemptions for banknote imports (statistical tax, VAT, PAÍS)
Resolution 5617/2024: Withholding tax framework clarified
Gold export duties eliminated: Contributing to 39% gold export growth
Export duty debate: Ongoing discussions on broader tax reform

G. Challenges and Structural Issues

Export Composition:

Commodity-dependent: Growth driven exclusively by commodities
Differentiated goods stagnant: Only +1.9% growth in higher value-added products
Brazil market share loss: Argentina losing position in most product categories

Import Compression:

-17.5% import decline reflects economic contraction
Foreign exchange controls limiting import capacity
Impact on industrial production

Knowledge-Based Services:

+12% growth (record high)
Tourism: -10% decline

H. Outlook for 2025

Projections:

Total goods exports: +4.2% growth
Differentiated goods: -5.1% decline (due to exchange rate appreciation)
Drivers: Better wheat harvest, new lithium projects, Vaca Muerta expansion
Risks: Lower international commodity prices, exchange rate appreciation, macroeconomic conditions

8. KEY CONTACTS & RESOURCES

A. GOVERNMENT AGENCIES:

ARCA (Agencia de Recaudación y Control Aduanero)
- Website: arca.gob.ar
- Customs administration, tax collection
Ministerio de Economía
- Website: economia.gob.ar
- Trade policy, economic strategy
Secretaría de Comercio
- Website: argentina.gob.ar/comercio
- Import/export regulations, trade facilitation
SENASA (Servicio Nacional de Sanidad y Calidad Agroalimentaria)
- Website: senasa.gob.ar
- Food safety, animal/plant health, agricultural exports
ANMAT (Administración Nacional de Medicamentos, Alimentos y Tecnología Médica)
- Website: anmat.gob.ar
- Pharmaceuticals, medical devices, cosmetics, food
INDEC (Instituto Nacional de Estadística y Censos)
- Website: indec.gob.ar
- Trade statistics, economic data
Banco Central de la República Argentina (BCRA)
- Website: bcra.gob.ar
- Foreign exchange regulations, payment systems
Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores (Cancillería)
- Website: cancilleria.gob.ar
- International trade negotiations, MERCOSUR
ENACOM (Ente Nacional de Comunicaciones)
- Website: enacom.gob.ar
- Telecommunications equipment approvals
AABE (Agencia de Administración de Bienes del Estado)
- Free zones administration

B. BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS:

Cámara Argentina de Comercio y Servicios (CAC)
- Website: cac.com.ar
- General business chamber
Unión Industrial Argentina (UIA)
- Website: uia.org.ar
- Manufacturing industry association
Cámara de Exportadores de la República Argentina (CERA)
- Website: cera.org.ar
- Exporters’ chamber
Bolsa de Comercio de Buenos Aires
- Website: bolsar.com
- Stock exchange, trade information
Consejo Argentino de Comercio Internacional (CACI)
- International trade promotion

C. TRADE PORTALS AND DIGITAL PLATFORMS:

Platform	Purpose	Website
Sistema María	Customs declarations	afip.gob.ar/maria
TAD (Trámites a Distancia)	Online procedures	tramitesadistancia.gob.ar
VUCE (Ventanilla Única de Comercio Exterior)	Single window for trade	argentina.gob.ar/comercio/vuce
INDEC Trade Statistics	Official trade data	indec.gob.ar/nuevaweb/cuadros/19/intercambio_2024.xls

D. PRACTICAL GUIDANCE FOR TRADERS:

For Exporters to Argentina:

SIMI Registration Required: All imports must register in the SIMI system before shipment
NCM Classification: Must match MERCOSUR’s Nomenclatura Común (8 digits)
SENASA/ANMAT Approvals: Food, pharmaceuticals, medical devices require prior certification
Payment Terms: Complex foreign exchange controls require advance planning
- PAÍS Tax (30%) applies to most forex purchases for imports (with exceptions)
Withholding Tax System (RG 5617/2024): Certain transactions subject to advance income tax withholding
Banknote Imports (Decree 642/2024): Special exemptions available
Documentation Accuracy: Essential to avoid delays in red channel
Local Representation: Recommended due to regulatory complexity
Certificate of Origin: Required for MERCOSUR preference

For Importers from Argentina:

Certificate of Origin: Obtain from authorized chambers for MERCOSUR/ACE preferences
Quality Certification: Available from SENASA, ANMAT, INAL (food institute)
Documentation: Complete commercial invoices and packing lists
Payment Terms: Negotiable; advance payment may be requested
Export Duties: Check applicable rates (soybeans 33%, corn 12%, etc.)
Gold Exports: No export duties (2024 reform)

9. ECONOMIC IMPACT & STRATEGIC POSITION

A. Trade Balance Dynamics:

Year	Merchandise Trade Balance (US$ bn)
2022	6.9
2023	5.4
2024	18.9 (record)
2025	15.0 (forecast)

2024 Performance:

Record surplus: US$18.9 billion (surpassing 2009 record)
Export growth: +19.4%
Import decline: -17.5%
13 consecutive months of surplus (through December 2024)
Export value: US$79.7 billion
Import value: US$60.8 billion

B. Global Strategic Position:

Agricultural Superpower: World leader in soybean meal, oil, corn, wheat exports
Soybean Complex Dominance: 25% of total exports from soy alone
Vaca Muerta Shale: World-class hydrocarbon resource (oil and gas)
Lithium Triangle: Part of world’s premier lithium-producing region
MERCOSUR Member: 2nd largest economy in bloc after Brazil
G20 Member: Active in global economic governance
Knowledge-Based Services Hub: Regional leader in tech exports
Food Security Role: Critical supplier to global food markets

C. Competitiveness Indicators:

Indicator	Value	Global Rank
Economic Complexity (Trade)	0.00	61st of 130
Economic Complexity (Technology)	-0.10	52nd of 96
Economic Complexity (Research)	1.28	21st of 137
Exports Per Capita	US$1,640	104th of 209
Imports Per Capita	US$1,300	139th of 209

D. Economic Diversification Challenges:

Export Concentration:

Top 3 exports: Agricultural commodities dominate
Soy complex alone: 25% of total exports
Commodity-driven growth: 2024 export surge exclusively from commodities
Differentiated goods: Only +1.9% growth

Structural Issues:

Brazil market share loss: Declining in most product categories
Exchange rate volatility: Affects competitiveness
Foreign exchange controls: Constrain imports and investment
Export duties: High rates on agricultural products

E. Challenges:

Commodity Dependence: Export growth tied to agricultural and energy prices
Macroeconomic Instability: High inflation, currency volatility
Foreign Exchange Controls: Complex payment system for imports
Regulatory Complexity: Multiple approvals, licensing requirements
Infrastructure Gaps: Port, rail, road limitations
Brazil Competition: Losing market share in key products
Climate Vulnerability: Agriculture dependent on rainfall (drought risk)
Export Duties: Reduce competitiveness in international markets

F. Opportunities:

Vaca Muerta Development: Oil and gas export expansion
Lithium Boom: Critical mineral for global energy transition
Knowledge-Based Services: Tech export growth (+12% in 2024)
Agricultural Technology: Precision farming, biotechnology
MERCOSUR-EU FTA: Potential market access (pending ratification)
Regional Economy Exports: Fishery (+12.9%), dairy (+8.3%), peanuts
Renewable Energy: Wind, solar potential
Bioeconomy: Value-added agricultural products
Mining Sector: Copper, gold, silver potential
Food Security: Growing global demand for food

SUMMARY OF ARGENTINA’S TRADE CHARACTERISTICS:

Record Trade Surplus: US$18.9 billion in 2024 (all-time record)
Agricultural Dominance: Soy complex alone accounts for 25% of total exports (US$19.6B)
Commodity-Driven Growth: 2024 export surge exclusively from commodities; differentiated goods stagnant
Vaca Muerta Impact: Oil exports US$5.26B; gas pipeline exports to Chile resumed
Regional Economy Growth: Fishery (+12.9% to US$2.01B), dairy (+8.3% to US$1.28B), peanuts (near 20-year high)
Knowledge-Based Services: +12% growth to record high
2024-2025 Regulatory Reforms: Decree 642/2024 (banknote import exemptions) ; Resolution 5617/2024 (withholding tax framework) ; Gold export duties eliminated
Brazil Market Share Loss: Argentina losing competitiveness in key products
MERCOSUR Integration: Deep ties with Brazil, regional agreements; ACEs with Chile, Bolivia, Mexico, Peru, Colombia
Import Compression: -17.5% decline reflecting economic contraction and forex controls

Argentina represents a classic agricultural and resource-based economy undergoing a historic trade surplus driven by post-drought agricultural recovery and Vaca Muerta energy exports. With soy complex alone accounting for 25% of exports (US$19.6B, +40.7%) , the country remains heavily dependent on commodities while knowledge-based services show promise (+12% to record high) .

The 2024 regulatory landscape saw targeted reforms: Decree 642/2024 exempting banknote imports from statistical tax, VAT, and PAÍS Tax ; Resolution 5617/2024 clarifying the withholding tax framework ; and elimination of gold export duties (contributing to 39% gold export growth) .

Argentina’s trade future depends on sustaining agricultural competitiveness, realizing Vaca Muerta’s full potential, developing lithium resources, and addressing structural challenges including macroeconomic instability, foreign exchange controls, and declining market share in Brazil . The country’s vast natural resources, skilled workforce, and strategic position in MERCOSUR provide foundations for growth, but realizing this potential requires consistent policies and improved competitiveness.