Did Argentina’s temporary suspension of taxes on agricultural exports have an effect on U.S. farmers?
Yes.
Argentina’s temporary suspension of export taxes in September 2025 briefly increased competition for U.S. farmers, especially in the soybean market.
The measure removed export duties on soybeans, corn, wheat, and beef until a $7 billion sales limit was reached. Within days, Argentine exporters filled that quota, prompting the reinstatement of taxes.
During the suspension, U.S. soybean exporters saw reduced demand and lower spot prices as international buyers, particularly in China, shifted short-term purchases to take advantage of Argentina’s tax-free window.
According to the American Soybean Association, the suspension undermined fair trade and disadvantaged U.S. producers by allowing Argentine soy to sell at lower prices.
A USDA Foreign Agricultural Service report confirmed the Argentine government later made the lower rates permanent, cutting soybean export taxes from 33 percent to 26 percent.
Experts say though brief, the suspension’s market ripple highlighted how swiftly policy shifts abroad can affect U.S. commodity producers.
This fact brief is responsive to conversations such as this one.
Sources:
- Argentina Ministry of Economy, Boletín Oficial de la República Argentina (Sept. 2025): boletinoficial.gob.ar
- American Soybean Association: ASA Responds to Argentina Soybean Actions
- USDA Foreign Agricultural Service: Argentina Permanently Lowers Ag Export Taxes (PDF)
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