Delay in soybean harvest reduced Argentine agricultural exports by 12% in April

The rains in April made it difficult to harvest soybeans in Argentina and slowed exports in the agricultural sector. As of the 18th of the month, only 13% of the expected area had been harvested — 10 percentage points behind the previous year. The information is from the Rosario Stock Exchange.

The impact was reflected in shipments, which totaled 6,92 million tons, a drop of 12% compared to the same month in 2024 and also below the average of the last five years.

The soybean complex recorded exports of 2,77 million tons. Meal accounted for most of the decline, with a volume 21% lower than average. In contrast, oil showed an increase of 14,5% in the annual comparison, driven by the biofuels industry in the United States.

Corn shipments totaled 3,49 million tons, 16% lower than in April last year. Logistics prioritized the transportation of soybeans after the rains stopped. The lower supply also contributed. Despite this, the FOB price rose 13% compared to 2024, driven by strong demand and Brazil's absence in the spot market. Currently, a ton of the cereal is around US$ 225.

In the case of wheat, exports grew 27% year-on-year, reaching 660 thousand tons. However, they were 24% below the average of the last five years.

Soybean meal is going through a critical moment: its price is at its lowest level in the last five years. The global surplus of the byproduct is putting pressure on prices and compromising the purchasing power of the industry. In the domestic market, the price per ton has fallen to R$290. Oil, on the other hand, remains firm, supported by strong international demand.

Meanwhile, the global market remains attentive to climate developments and possible progress in trade negotiations between China and the United States. In Chicago, soybean, corn and wheat prices closed April with weekly drops of up to 2,5%.