Soybean · importers
Argentina ranks sixth of 96 at $3.3B in the oil seeds chapter, a surprising result for a country better known for exporting beans and their products.
| Market | HS 12 imports |
|---|---|
| China | $61.5B |
| Germany | $7.1B |
| Japan | $5.3B |
| Mexico | $4.9B |
| Netherlands | $4.2B |
Figures are for the whole of HS chapter 12 (oil seeds and oleaginous fruits); soybean is only part of it. Source: UN Comtrade, as reported by national authorities; latest available year per market.
A country with a large crushing industry can import beans to keep its mills running when its own crop is short, or to process material bought from neighbours before re-exporting the oil and meal. The chapter ranks fifth among Argentina’s import chapters and is 5.5% of its $60.8B total imports, a higher share than any other big importer of this chapter. The figure looks less like consumer demand and more like raw material for industry.
For a seller, the relevant customer is a processor, not a household market.
Total imports are only $60.8B, so a $3.3B chapter weighs heavily. Industrial machinery at $9.7B, vehicles at $9.0B and electrical machinery at $6.1B lead. Brazil, China, the USA and Paraguay lead the overall source list, which covers all goods, but it shows the weight of regional trade with neighbours who can deliver by river or road.
The Netherlands is above at $4.2B and the United States below at $2.9B. Argentina’s 2.4% share of reported world imports is safely ahead of the market below it. Given the exporter profile, a seller should ask whether the buyer imports under temporary arrangements for processing, since customs treatment of such trade can differ, and confirm the current rules with the authorities.
The $3.3B is the value of all of HS chapter 12, oil seeds and oleaginous fruits, so soybeans are only one part. The ranking rests on what each country declares for its latest year, and re-exports or temporary-admission trade can distort it, which is especially relevant for an economy with a large processing industry.
Customs shipment data under the soybean heading names the consignee, weight and declared value for each cargo. Use it to identify mills that import regularly, agree Incoterm, currency and payment terms with those you choose, and reach them through this site’s free marketplace.
Sixth of 96 at $3.3B in 2024, a 2.4% share of reported world imports.
Mills may need supply when their own crop is short, or may process neighbours' beans for re-export. Ask the buyer which case applies.
It is 5.5% of $60.8B and ranks fifth, the largest share of any market on the ranking.
Read customs shipment data for the soybean heading and note consignees with repeated arrivals.
Keep exploring