Oats market in Argentina

Earlier Report Observations

The oat market volume in Argentina grew from 492.7 thousand tons in 2018 to 597.1 thousand tons in 2020. This increase was driven by the expansion of production capacity at key players like Industrias de Avena S.A., which raised its monthly output from 30 to 500 tons, and the introduction of new, more productive oat varieties developed by INTA, such as Bonaerense INTA Maná, Marita INTA, and Carlota INTA.

Regulatory changes significantly impacted the market. The enactment of the Healthy Eating Promotion Law in October 2021 established new front-of-pack labeling requirements for food products, including oats. Subsequently, in 2022, the market surged to 722.9 thousand tons, coinciding with the INASE resolution mandating a gradual shift to certified oat seeds by 2025 and the launch of Argentina's first gluten-free oats suitable for celiacs, created through public-private collaboration.

The market volume stood at 429.1 thousand tons in 2023. During this period, further regulatory updates were implemented, including amendments to the Argentine Food Code to allow the production of gluten-free oat products and the continued incremental increase in seed certification to reach 100% certified production by 2028.

Production oats in Argentina

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Argentina maintained the 11th position globally in terms of oats production volume.

Top producers of oats, 2017-2020

World map of production of oats, 2017-2020

Argentina's oats production increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 600.1 thousand tons of oats, representing a modest year-over-year growth of 5.0%. However, looking at the broader period from 2017 to 2020, production actually declined by 23.6%, which translates to an annualized decrease of 8.6%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 491.7 thousand tons. That year also saw the largest decline of 37.4%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the most significant increase at 16.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in Argentina in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports oats from Argentina

Exports in kind, t

The data shows irregular changes, reflecting a volatile market environment. Export volumes reached their lowest point in 2018 and peaked in 2020, with a 44-fold difference between these extremes. In 2020, Argentina exported 3,085 tons of oats, marking a sharp year-over-year decrease of 91.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Argentina in kind, 2017-2020, t

Throughout the 2017–2020 period, Chile remained the primary destination for Argentina's oats exports in kind, accounting for 77.3% of total flows. The remaining share was distributed among various smaller markets.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Argentina in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. The lowest export value was recorded in 2018, while the highest occurred in 2020, resulting in a peak-to-trough ratio of 13.3 times. In 2020, Argentina's oats exports amounted to 516.5 thousand US dollars, showing a dramatic reduction of 90.1% compared to the previous year.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Argentina in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Over the 2017–2020 period, Chile, Italy, and South Africa were the largest contributors to Argentina's oats exports in value terms. Chile accounted for 54.6% of exports, Italy for 11.6%, and South Africa for 9.3%. Together, these three countries represented 75.6% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Argentina in value, 2017-2020

Imports oats to Argentina

Imports in kind, t

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. Import volumes dropped to their minimum in 2017 and climbed to their maximum in 2018, representing a 168-fold shift. In 2020, Argentina's cross-border shipments of oats totaled 51 tons, which is 70.7% lower than the previous year. The highest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 1,014 tons. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 82.9%, while the most significant increase was in 2018 at 16,743.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Argentina in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Chile remained the main market for Argentina's oats imports in kind, holding a 77.6% share of total flows. The rest of the volume was fragmented across numerous other destinations.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Argentina in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

Volatility characterized the market behavior during these years. The period saw a trough in 2017 and a peak in 2018, with a 35-fold amplitude. In 2020, Argentina's oats import volumes reached 44.6 thousand US dollars, which is 44.1% weaker compared to the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 273.8 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 70.8%, while the largest increase was in 2018 at 3,400.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Argentina in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In the 2017–2020 period, the country structure of Argentina's oats imports in value terms was highly concentrated. Chile and Uruguay together accounted for 94.3% of total flows, with other partners forming a residual share.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Argentina in value, 2017-2020