Argentina Soybean Export Data: Volume, Buyers, Exporters

Q: Is Argentina the world's largest soybean exporter?

rgentina is typically the world's third largest whole soybean exporter by volume, behind Brazil and the United States. However, Argentina is the world's largest exporter of soybean meal and soybean oil, which are processed from domestically crushed soybeans.

Q: What is the HS Code 1201 breakdown for Argentina Soybeans Export?

rgentina’s exports are dominated by non seed soybeans (HS 120190), accounting for 99.9% of the total value, while soybean seed for sowing (HS 120110) made up just 0.1%.

Q: Why does the unit price differ across partners in Argentina Soybeans Export?

Price variations stem from the sub code mix, with non seed soybeans (HS 120190) traded at bulk commodity rates, while niche seed grade beans (HS 120110) command higher values.

Key Takeaways

Argentina's Soybeans exports in 2025 saw dramatic shifts in volume and market concentration.

Argentina Soybeans Export value surged 170% YoY to $14.05B, with shipment frequency rising 43%, indicating larger average shipment sizes.
99.9% of exports were non-seed beans (HS 120190), dominated by China (93% share), while seed beans (HS 120110) accounted for just 0.1%.
HS Code 1201 trade data reveals extreme reliance on China, which imported 93% of total value, followed distantly by Russia and the U.S. (1.6% each).
The U.S. was the top buyer of seed beans (HS 120110), with $5.98M in imports, likely for specialized food or seed use.

This overview covers the period January–December 2025 and is based on verified customs data from the yTrade database.

Argentina Soybean Export Value and Volume in 2025

The 2025 Argentina Soybeans Export data shows a total of 14.05B USD across 4,020 shipments. This represents a massive 170% year-over-year increase in value from 2024, with shipment frequency rising 43%.

Total export value: $14.05 billion
Total shipments: 4,020
Average unit price: $0.86/kg
Year-on-year value change: +170%
Year-on-year weight change: +197%

Under today’s policy environment, these historical totals help contextualize the exposure of a key export sector to new fiscal and trade measures. The reinstated 33% export duty on soybeans and the new U.S.-Argentina reciprocal trade agreement both directly impact the future profitability and destination mix for the hs code 1201 value [Argentina reinstates higher export duties].

Monitor for Margin Compression: Track how the reinstated 33% export duty interacts with global prices to squeeze producer margins, potentially affecting future export volumes and payment reliability.
Assess Trade Flow Diversion: Watch for shifts in sourcing patterns as the new U.S.-Argentina agreement [United States and Argentina Sign Agreement] could alter competitive dynamics in key markets.
Buffer for Documentation Load: Prepare for potential administrative changes and increased scrutiny on certificates of origin as new bilateral tariff preferences are implemented.

Table: Argentina Soybeans Export Value, Weight, Unit Price(Source: yTrade)

Metric	2025	2024	YoY Change
Total Value	14.05B USD	5.21B USD	+169.80%
Total Weight	16.32B kg	5.50B kg	+196.86%
Frequency	4.02K	2.81K	+43.20%
Avg Unit Price	$0.86/kg	$0.95/kg	-9.11%

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Argentina Soybean Export by Product Type

Argentina primarily exports non-seed soybeans (HS 120190, "Soya beans; other than for sowing"), which accounted for 99.9% of the total export value ($14.03B) in 2025. A minimal share (0.1%, $13.74M) consisted of soybean seed for sowing (HS 120110).

The export structure is highly concentrated, with the bulk commodity for crushing and oil production completely dominating the trade. This extreme skew indicates Argentina's role as a global supplier of raw, industrial-grade soybeans rather than specialized planting seed or consumer-ready products.

Table: Argentina HS Code 1201) Export Breakdown Details (Source: yTrade)

HS Code	Product Description	Value	Weight	Quantity	Frequency	Value Ratio
120190	Soya beans; other than seed, whether or not broken	14.03B	16.31B	1.13B	3.17K	99.90%
120110	Soya beans; seed, whether or not broken	13.74M	9.46M	7.98M	850.00	0.10%
120100	Soya beans, whether or not broken	360.00K	200.00K	400.00	2.00	0.00%

Which Countries Buy Soybeans from Argentina

Argentina’s soybean exports are overwhelmingly concentrated in China Mainland, which accounted for 93% of total export value in 2025, followed distantly by Russia (1.6%), the United States (1.6%), Iraq (1.2%), and Iran (0.6%). This extreme concentration in a single market highlights a significant dependency on Chinese demand for bulk processing and animal feed.

Top non-seed soybeans buyers from Argentina (HS 120190)

Top destinations by value: China Mainland (12.81B, 93% value share), Russia (225.84M), United States (213.31M), Iraq (169.81M), Iran (84.50M). China’s massive volume aligns with its role as the global hub for soybean crushing and feed production. Russia and Iran likely import for domestic oil and meal processing, while shipments to the United States and Iraq may serve niche food-grade or re-export purposes.

China Mainland: 93% of export value
Russia: 1.6%
United States: 1.6%
Iraq: minor share
Iran: minor share

Top soybean seeds buyers from Argentina (HS 120110)

Top destinations by value: United States (5.98M), Uruguay (5.11M), Bolivia (2.20M), Paraguay (269.76K), Italy (110.97K). The high shipment frequency to the United States suggests small-lot, just-in-time deliveries for specialized food or seed use. Uruguay and Bolivia, as neighboring countries, likely import for regional processing or animal feed, while Italy’s small volume indicates boutique food-grade demand.

United States: leading buyer at $5.98 million
Uruguay, Bolivia, Paraguay, Italy: smaller volumes

Table: Argentina Soybeans Top Destination Countries (Source: yTrade)

HS Code	Country	Value	Quantity	Frequency	Weight
120190	CHINA MAINLAND	12.81B	32.88M	1.97K	14.65B
	RUSSIA	225.84M	600.13K	37.00	304.12M
	UNITED STATES	213.31M	409.72K	154.00	186.14M
	IRAQ	169.81M	439.92K	20.00	191.27M
	IRAN	84.50M	218.60K	8.00	127.04M
120110	UNITED STATES	5.98M	5.62M	599.00	3.71M
	URUGUAY	5.11M	2.29M	87.00	3.69M
	BOLIVIA	2.20M	36.63K	34.00	1.81M
	PARAGUAY	269.76K	3.15K	14.00	172.14K
	ITALY	110.97K	111.00	5.00	61.79K

Get Argentina Soybeans (HS Code 1201) Complete Destination Countries Profile

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Argentina the world's largest soybean exporter?

Argentina is typically the world's third-largest whole soybean exporter by volume, behind Brazil and the United States. However, Argentina is the world's largest exporter of soybean meal and soybean oil, which are processed from domestically crushed soybeans.

What is the HS Code 1201 breakdown for Argentina Soybeans Export?

Argentina’s exports are dominated by non-seed soybeans (HS 120190), accounting for 99.9% of the total value, while soybean seed for sowing (HS 120110) made up just 0.1%.

Who are the main partners for Argentina Soybeans Export (HS Code 1201)?

China Mainland was the top destination, absorbing 93% of Argentina’s soybean exports, followed by Russia and the United States (each 1.6%).

Why does the unit price differ across partners in Argentina Soybeans Export?

Price variations stem from the sub-code mix, with non-seed soybeans (HS 120190) traded at bulk commodity rates, while niche seed-grade beans (HS 120110) command higher values.

How to verify a Soybeans Exporter in Argentina?

Check for consistent shipment frequency; confirm HS Code 1201 sub-codes align with Argentina’s export profile; validate recurring trade with key markets like China.

What is the difference between HS 120190 and HS 120110 in Argentina soybean export data?

HS 120110 covers certified soybean seeds for agricultural planting; HS 120190 covers soybeans for industrial processing, food use, or direct consumption. Argentina's exports are overwhelmingly HS 120190 destined for commercial crushing operations.