Argentina’s Cotton Exports Surge 144% in 2024

Argentina’s regional economies closed out 2024 with a sharp increase in exports, according to the Regional Economies Export Monitor (MEER) from the Argentine Confederation of Medium-Sized Enterprises (CAME). In December alone, exports rose 23.8% in value and 25.7% in volume, generating an additional $1.68 billion and 1.5 million more tonnes compared to the previous year.

Among the standout sectors, cotton recorded the second-highest growth in export value, surging 144.4% year-over-year.

These are the top destinations for Argentina’s cotton exports, according to DataLiner data.

Cotton Exports Top Destinations | Dataliner Argentina | TEUs

Source: DataLiner (click here to request a demo)

In volume terms, cotton exports also saw a remarkable increase, totaling 164,862 tonnes between January and December 2024—a 115.1% jump from the previous year. This solidified cotton’s role as a key player in Argentina’s regional economies.

The average export price per tonne of cotton stood at $1,211.40, up 13.6% from the previous year. While other regional economies saw international prices decline, cotton maintained an upward pricing trend in global markets.

This surge in both value and volume was driven not only by rising international demand but also by domestic factors. During the prior comparison period, many export transactions were delayed as producers and traders held back inventory, anticipating a more favorable exchange rate. With market conditions stabilizing, export activity rebounded strongly.

MEER, developed by CAME, tracks Argentina’s regional product exports across six economic regions: Buenos Aires + CABA, Central, Cuyo, Patagonia, Northwest, and Northeast.

Cotton’s strong performance in 2024 not only highlights improvements in market dynamics but also reflects the impact of economic policies on exports. The removal of export restrictions and greater exchange rate stability helped boost sector growth.

Globally, cotton demand remains steady, with China, India, and Pakistan leading consumption. However, global trade has faced some volatility due to economic uncertainty and inflation in key markets. Despite these challenges, Argentina capitalized on emerging opportunities in international trade.

The future of the sector will largely depend on the country’s macroeconomic conditions and producers’ ability to adapt to global market demands. Innovation in production processes and quality improvements will be crucial for sustaining growth in the medium and long term.

With these results, cotton has cemented its status as a cornerstone of Argentina’s regional economies, reinforcing its importance in the country’s export landscape.

by Veronica González

Source: America-retail

Sharing is caring!