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Argentina Sets Permanent Cut to Grain Export Duties as Milei Targets Eventual Elimination

Independent estimates put the fiscal cost near US$520–570 million, partly offset by higher income‑tax receipts.

Overview

  • The Economy Ministry lowered rates to 24% for soy, 22.5% for soy byproducts, 7.5% for wheat and barley, 8.5% for corn and sorghum, and 4.5% for sunflower.
  • Analysts from IARAF, LCG and CEPA peg the direct hit around 0.1% of GDP, with IARAF estimating a net 0.08% of GDP (about US$520 million) after stronger corporate income‑tax collection and US$66 million flowing to provinces via revenue‑sharing.
  • Agricultural chambers, the Rosario and other grain exchanges, and Coninagro welcomed the move as a competitiveness boost and pressed for a clear, predictable roadmap to phase out duties.
  • Santa Fe’s government estimates the cut will leave about US$114 million a year with provincial producers and firms, highlighting that export duties are not shared with provinces.
  • Frequent changes to export taxes earlier this year drove sharp collection drops, with DEX revenue down 35% in August, 28% in September, 69% in October and 71% in November, complicating fiscal planning.