- China, in sight
- Land of opportunities
However, the possibility of Argentina entering into a trade agreement with the United States (US) took center stage in 2025 Increase exports The private sector has important goals in its sights.
Although relations with the United States are almost entirely praised and celebrated by the business community when it comes to it do businessParadoxically, the interest is in China.
Enforced by the tariffs he imposed Donald Trumpthe Asian giant, accelerated its penetration into other markets such as Southeast Asia, Africa, Europe and Latin America.
Supplying everything from cars, robots, prefabricated structures to solar panels and a variety of home appliances, China consolidated a increasing production flow to destinations where competes with Germany, Japan and South Korea.
Despite the trade war, official data on tariff movements for November reflected that global exports reached $330.3 billionwhile imports totaled $218.6 billionwhat a gave favorable balance of $11,680 millionthe third highest in history.
In September, China concentrated 15.9% of Argentina’s total exports and 25.2% of imports, representing bilateral exchanges $3,109 million.
This result displaced Brazil as the main trading partner. Interest is growing on this side of the continent “open” Chinaas a destination for local products beyond the soy and meat that runs in the veins.
China, in sight
This was one of the axes of the Chinese Agriculture Day which brought together representatives of the public sector, economic chambers and agricultural companies with the aim of deepening and accelerating the dialogue with them commercial and technological opportunities with this Asian destination.
Within this framework, experts agreed that Argentina could increase its exports by up to 3000 million US dollars annually to China if the bilateral agenda makes progress.
The event took place in the hall of Cereal Bag, in the center of Buenos Aires. In the same building, hours earlier, businessmen from the agro-industrial chain told El Cronista that the “radical” change in terms of export volumes could come from a “firm” working agenda with China and they downplayed the significance of the agreement with the United States.
“So far we know everything they want to sell us very little of what they want from Argentina”said a representative of the poultry sector, although he did not harm the good relationship between Trump and Milei.
At the same time, another food manufacturer mentioned at the year-end toast that strengthening bonds was “key.” with greater “diplomatic” involvement in order to be able to “put the finishing touches” on upcoming operations Delay in health protocols.
Another concern focuses on the European Union This includes average tariffs of 15% on food from Argentina. “You contact us from Spainwe do numbers, but Due to the tariff we are left outsaid a must producer who exports 2,500 tons a year to China.
The pact that is negotiated with the Mercosur The next plan is to phase out tariffs December 20th during the summit of heads of state and government of the regional bloc in Foz do IguacuState of Parana.
Land of opportunities
“The Chinese market is a transcendental market” explained Gustavo Idígoras during the Chinese Agriculture Dayand at the same time emphasized that the country is making demands today stricter standards. “Full traceability from batch to port must be ensured and shared,” he said.
Currently, almost 80% of what Argentina exports to China is agro-industrial products, with soybeans and beef accounting for 65% of the total between 2020 and 2023. Today there are more than 12% of Argentina’s agricultural exports depend on the Chinese marketand for products such as soybeans, meat or sorghum their proportion is over 80% to 90%.
The regional economy They also strive to increase awareness. The sector of peanutwhich exported $1.2 billion in 2024 could reach $1.5 billion if tariffs are reduced or agreements are brought forward.
In legumesexplained Sergio Raffaelli “Today we are at 30 or 40 million dollars in peas, but we can go up to 200 million.” and the blueberries, if tariffs with China are eased, achieves an export potential of 1000 million US dollars yearly.
All of these numbers came together as one general diagnosis: The possibilities are there, but they require Predictability, technical agreements and a sustainable foreign trade strategy.
During the panel biotechnology, Manuel Chiappe emphasized the unique opportunity that cooperation between the two countries offers: “We are not just talking about research and development, but also about giving producers real tools for this.” Improve productivity“.
“Argentina and China can produce counter-seasonal seeds. “This allows us to have materials available a season earlier, and this is a fundamental tool,” he emphasized.
Carla Martin Bonito, President of COPAL, agreed and emphasized the importance of further expanding the presence of national foods in a strategic destination. “Argentina can and must grow in China,” he explained.
On the same line, Javier LozadaPresident of the Argentine China Chamber, summarized the direct impact of international trade on the country’s economic development. “It means more exports more productionmore activity, more movement, more work,” said.
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