China has resumed importing corn from a South American country for the first time in more than a decade, marking a significant shift in global agricultural trade.
The move, confirmed by state-owned trader COFCO, follows the successful completion of an initial shipment that reflects growing alignment between the two markets. According to the Rosario Board of Trade, current crop estimates support export projections exceeding 40 million tonnes, driven by a strong harvest recovery and accelerated logistics.
Argentine officials report that planting area has increased by nearly 7% to 11.2 million hectares, with notable growth in Buenos Aires, Córdoba and Santa Fe provinces. The national average yield stands at 71 quintals per hectare, contributing to a projected total production of 67.6 million tonnes — a 30% increase from the previous season.
Despite favorable output conditions, harvesting has faced delays due to frequent rainfall, which has forced producers to prioritize soybean collection during favorable weather windows. As of late April, early-planted corn shows 32% progress, even as later-planted crops remain in critical stages.
The Rosario Board of Trade also noted that shipments between March and April reached 10.3 million tonnes — 54% higher than the same period last year and 3.7 million tonnes above the five-year average. Monthly exports have surpassed five million tonnes for the first time in history.
In March alone, corn exports generated nearly $990 million in revenue, a 50.4% year-on-year increase fueled by the introduction of the new harvest into commercial channels.
Argentina’s corn is now reaching 111 global markets, with the recent delivery to China representing a historic milestone after overcoming a decade of sanitary and regulatory barriers.
