Argentina Announced a Permanent Reduction in Export Taxes
Government announced a permanent reduction in export taxes of up to 26%, with rates for beef falling from 6.75% to 5%, corn and sorghum from 12% to 9.5%, sunflower from 7.5% to 5.5%, soybeans from 33% to 26%, and soybean by-products from 31% to 24.5%. (Argentine Rural Society)
Argentina will ship the first corn cargo to China on August 15th, with 24,718 tonnes, after Beijing approved imports of grains from Argentina in 2023. (Association of Argentine Cooperatives; Argentine Chamber of Corn)
2025 sugarcane season has already exceeded 10 million tonnes milled, with Tucumán standing out, processing 7.79 million tonnes, producing 508,700 tonnes of sugar and 120 million liters of hydrated alcohol, of which 69 million were dehydrated for biofuels. (Tucumán Institute for the Promotion of Sugar and Alcohol)
In Southwest Chaco, researchers from the National Institute of Agricultural Technology implemented free-range chicken farming practices that increased egg production from 76% to 88%, improving farmers’ output and profitability. (INTA)
Almost half of Brazilian exports to the US were exempt from the 40% extra tariff, totaling US$ 18.4 billion in 2024, or 43.4% of the US$ 42.3 billion exported. The list excludes strategic products for the US such as oil, energy, industrial inputs and Embraer aircraft, but does not include crops such as coffee. (Amcham Brasil)
Daily average beef exports grew 24.5% in July, and revenue in dollars jumped 56%, reaching US$ 1.35 billion for the month. (Scot Consultoria; Secex)
Brazilian Beef Exporters Association estimates Brazilian beef exporters could lose up to US$ 1 billion with the 50% tariff announced by the US, the second largest destination for the product after China. (Abiec)
Brazil is no longer on the Hunger Map, with less than 2.5% of the population at risk of malnutrition. The country had already left the list in 2014, but returned between 2018 and 2020. (FAO)
2.5% drop in investments in agtechs in the country resulted in a 2024 total of US$ 203.4 million. (Itaú BBA; Slinghub)
Brazilian ag cooperatives recorded revenues of US$ 78.9 billion in 2024, up 3.6%, with surpluses of US$ 5.4 billion, a 48% increase, driven by agribusiness and rising commodity prices. Assets grew by 12%, reaching US$ 55.4 billion, with emphasis on investments in storage infrastructure and energy transition. (Organization of Brazilian Cooperatives)
According to Ibiapaba Netto, executive director of CitrusBR, the exclusion of the Brazilian orange juice sector from the new US tariffs prevents an export impact of US$ 648 million, since Brazil accounts for 70% of US imports and the US absorbs 42% of Brazilian exports. (CitrusBR)
Cargill has acquired 100% of Mig-Plus, a manufacturer of premixes, feed concentrates, and feed for pigs and ruminants, expanding its presence in southern Brazil. The agreement has been signed and is pending approval by the Administrative Council for Economic Defense. (Cargill)
Brazil and Vietnam discussed expanding bilateral trade to US$ 15 billion by 2030 during a meeting between the MDIC and Vietnamese representatives, confirming a delegation visit to Brazil in the second half of the year. In 2024, Vietnam was the 18th largest destination for Brazilian exports, with cotton, corn, and soybeans standing out, and trade flow reached US$ 7.7 billion, with a Brazilian surplus of US$ 415 million. Brazil also wants to deepen Vietnam’s relationship with Mercosur, a bloc it currently leads. (MDIC)
Scientists from the Agricultural Research Institute have begun experimental planting of the Jaspe FL INIA rice variety in a desert region of Chile. This variety is drought-resistant and has a short cycle, capable of producing up to 50% less water per irrigation. (INIA)
Chile invests in sustainable practices to produce premium wines, with 90 certified wineries representing 80% of exports. Actions include the use of renewable energy, water reduction, regenerative agriculture, recyclable packaging, social projects, and biodiversity conservation, with a goal of carbon neutrality by 2050 and 40,000 hectares dedicated to environmental preservation. (National Association of Wine Producers and Exporters of Chile; Vinos de Chile Technology Consortium)
Sugarcane production grew 6% in 2024 and continues to increase in 2025, but is still below the historical average. Milling rose 7%, but sugar production fell 2.8% due to the shift to ethanol, which saw a 30% increase in sales. (Bancolombia)
National Potato Technical Committee was established in Bogotá to discuss profitability, income stabilization, food security and sovereignty, resource efficiency, and climate adaptation, bringing together farmers and government authorities with a focus on combating smuggling, trade defense, strengthening exports, public procurement, and agrarian reform, with the aim of improving competitiveness and the sector’s supply chain. (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development)
Banana production in Ecuador fell by up to 45% due to rain, cold weather, and low sunlight, causing shortages and high prices. The closure of Chiquita in Panama reduced global supply. Current exports are 4 to 6 million boxes per week, below normal. (Fresh Plaza)
Only 10% of Mexican agriculture uses regenerative practices, which could lead to losses of up to 50% in corn and wheat production by 2080. According to the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center and Grupo Bimbo, these techniques reduce costs, increase productivity, and mitigate climate change, but face barriers such as lack of infrastructure and financing. The Group already applies the model on 300,000 hectares and wants to reach 500,000 by 2026. (Grupo Bimbo; Cimmyt)
Farmers in Jalisco will have their expired water concessions returned by decree of President Claudia Sheinbaum, through an agreement to partially donate water to municipalities experiencing shortages, such as Ameca. (Sader; Conagua)
In May 2025, 24,470 hectares of agriculture were lost in the country due to drought or rainfall, with 96% of the damage concentrated in Tamaulipas, Guanajuato, Querétaro, San Luis Potosí and Veracruz, with losses in sorghum, pumpkin, broccoli, barley, oats, sugarcane, and safflower. (Ministry of Agriculture)
Paraguay launched an official mission to Finland, led by President Santiago Peña, to attract investment and open markets for the forestry sector, seeking to transform the current 300,000 hectares of forest into up to 3 million, generate jobs, and integrate into global value chains with processed wood products, in partnership with Finnish companies and representatives of local industry. (Paraguayan Federation of Timber Producers)
Soybean planted area in the Paraguayan Chaco fell by 45,591 hectares in 2025 as farmers migrated to crops such as cotton due to drought. (Inbio)
Peruvian coffee exports to Chile grew 90% in the 1Q of 2025, driven by the search for new markets due to changes in the international scenario. (Peruvian Chamber of Coffee and Cocoa)
The opening of Indonesian market for blueberry exports, providing access to more than 281 million consumers. Shipments are expected to reach US$ 100 million in the first year. (Senasa; Proarándanos)
23% increase in value and 31% increase in volume in Peruvian ag exports in the 1H of 2025. (Fluctuating)
Rice sector faces difficulties with low prices and water shortages. Only 46% of the record harvest has been sold, and an estimated 15,000 hectares have been lost compared to the previous harvest. Farmers are calling for continuity in public policies and prioritizing the restoration of the Montevideo–Río Branco railway for transportation, while advocating for the export of paddy rice as a vital measure for the sector. (Rice Farmers Association)
Livestock market continues to experience steady prices, strong demand, low supply, and high activity, even with the temporary suspension of live cattle exports for slaughter. Slaughter increased by 6.9% compared to 2024. (Romualdo & Cía; Ministry of Livestock, Agriculture, and Fisheries)
AZ Group will launch a 100% virtual agribusiness course in Uruguay in August. The program includes modules on markets, marketing, and decision-making, and will feature experts from Fucrea and companies in Uruguay and Argentina. (AZ Group)
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