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Argentina’s Zero-Duty Grain Window Closes in 72 Hours, Prompting Backlash and Congressional Scrutiny

Exporters registered roughly 19.6 million tonnes to hit a USD 7 billion cap as rural leaders say the gains accrued to a few large firms and lawmakers seek transparency on procedures and beneficiaries.

Overview

  • Industry group CIARA-CEC says more than USD 3.5 billion will be paid to producers, acopios and cooperatives in the coming days as companies finalize liquidations with the BCRA and ARCA.
  • Producers and rural entities argue the short window favored major exporters, noting reports that seven companies concentrated about 86% of DJVE filings and urging farmers to hold grain rather than accept lower prices.
  • Sector estimates put the immediate fiscal cost near USD 1.5 billion in foregone export duties, intensifying demands to disclose who benefited and how much foreign currency was delivered.
  • Opposition legislators filed information requests and pressed to enforce the Martínez Raymonda rule, alleging DJVEs may have been registered without prior grain ownership and calling for investigations.
  • Officials framed the measure as an emergency move to secure dollars, and market participants say a post by U.S. Treasury chief Scott Bessent discouraging an extension helped accelerate registrations.