Argentina will carry out its first-ever corn export to China with a 34,000-ton shipment set to depart in the coming days, marking a milestone for the country's agribusiness sector as it opens a strategic new market amid a record crop.

The announcement was made on April 1, 2026, by Economy Minister Luis Caputo during an event at the Rosario Board of Trade. The cargo will be shipped by COFCO International from the port of Timbúes, in Santa Fe province, aboard the vessel MV Rooster, formally establishing a new trade corridor after more than a decade of phytosanitary restrictions.

According to the company, the corn was sourced and will be executed through its global trading platform, reinforcing Argentina's role in the international grain supply chain. Late last year, COFCO had already completed the country's first wheat shipment to China, signaling a broader expansion of bilateral agricultural trade.

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Market opening after years of restrictions

The shipment follows China's approval of Argentine corn imports and the completion of required sanitary and export registration procedures, which had limited trade flows between both countries for over ten years.

COFCO stated that the cargo will supply China's animal feed sector, one of the world's largest consumers of grains. In this context, Argentina is positioned as a complementary origin within the global sourcing strategy of Chinese buyers.

The company also highlighted that the operation reflects a growing alignment between both markets, particularly regarding biotechnology approvals and import protocols, key factors for sustaining long-term trade.

Record crop boosts export potential

The shipment comes amid a strong production outlook. According to the Rosario Board of Trade, Argentina's 2025/26 corn crop could reach 62 million tons, a record high driven by expanded planted area and improved yields.

This production surge underscores the need to expand export destinations. In that scenario, access to the Chinese market provides a critical outlet to absorb supply and enhance commercial opportunities.

Argentina is already one of the world's leading corn exporters, but shipments to China had historically been restricted. This first cargo represents a starting point that could scale depending on demand and market conditions.

Industry players emphasize that the key challenge ahead will be maintaining competitiveness, ensuring quality standards, and complying with strict import requirements to consolidate this new trade relationship.