Report by the WTO Secretariat

The production and exportation of agricultural products are of particular importance for the Argentine economy. Argentina is one of the world’s leading exporters of soya beans and soyabean by-products, maize and sunflowers. It is also a major producer and exporter of other cereals, beef (bovine meat) and dairy products. Value chains have been created for soya beans, maize, meat, sunflowers, dairy products and other products, which significantly contribute to GDP and employment and are major sources of foreign currency. Since Argentina’s previous review in early 2013, the production sectors linked to exports, particularly agriculture, have been the strongest performers. In general, the external sector has continued to play an important role in the Argentine economy. Despite the contraction in exports and the economy in general during the review period, exports have not only contributed to maintaining the balance of payments and preventing a further decline in GDP, but have also been a significant source of public sector financing.