Mar 17 • 20:27 UTC 🇦🇷 Argentina La Nacion (ES)

"It goes at two speeds": against the world, soy in Argentina shows stable prices and a cautious producer sells

Despite falling international prices, Argentine soybeans maintain stable prices due to low local supply and producers' cautious selling behavior.

The soybean market in Argentina is currently characterized by a contrast to international trends, where prices have plummeted significantly due to global geopolitical tensions, especially the conflict in the Middle East and the strained relations between the United States and China. While soybean prices on the Chicago Board of Trade saw a dramatic drop of over $25 per ton, marking the largest drop in four years, prices in Argentina remained stable, fluctuating around $320–340 per ton. This stability can be attributed to local market dynamics, particularly a low supply leading up to the new harvest.

Producers in Argentina are approaching sales with caution, as many do not feel the immediate need for liquidity and are choosing to wait for potentially better market conditions before selling their remaining stocks. Current estimates suggest that between 700,000 and 1 million tons of soybeans are still available for sale from the previous campaign, corresponding to a market value of approximately $400–430 million. This slow sales pace contrasts sharply with the international market, where significant price movements are more common.

The implications of this dual-speed market are significant for both local producers and the broader Argentinian economy. As producers hold on to their stocks, they seek to navigate the uncertain international landscape while positioning themselves to benefit from potentially better prices in the near future. The upcoming harvest could further influence market conditions, highlighting the delicate balance between local supply and global demand that will shape the future of soy production in Argentina.

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