Week 202632
Argentina’s exports to China rose sharply in the first half of 2026, driven by stronger sales of soybeans, lithium carbonate and beef to the Asian market.
According to the China Observatory of the International Strategy Institute at the Argentine Chamber of Exporters, or CERA, Argentine exports to China reached $4.89 billion between January and June, up 59.1% from the same period in 2025.
Imports from China totaled $7.98 billion in the first half, down 3.8% year on year. As a result, Argentina posted a $3.09 billion trade deficit with China during the period.
Monthly data showed a brief improvement in May, when Argentina recorded a $357 million trade surplus with China after exports reached $1.51 billion. In June, however, the balance swung back in China’s favor, with the Asian country posting a monthly surplus of $558 million.
Argentina exported $943 million to China in June, 8.1% more than in the same month last year. Imports from China rose 16.3% to $1.50 billion.
The figures consolidated China’s position as Argentina’s second-largest trading partner. China was also the second-largest destination for Argentine exports, accounting for 9.9% of shipments, and the country’s top source of imports, with a 22.5% share.
Soybeans, lithium and beef lead exports
Argentina’s export basket to China in June remained concentrated in primary and mineral products.
Soybeans, excluding seed for planting, accounted for 32.2% of shipments to China. Lithium carbonate represented 16.5% of exports, while frozen boneless beef accounted for 14.4%.
Grain sorghum made up 6.1% of exports, while cereals and barley represented 4.2% and 2.8%, respectively.
The composition of exports highlights the importance of agricultural commodities, animal protein and lithium in Argentina’s trade relationship with China.
Among containerized shipments, beef was Argentina’s main export to China. The chart below shows the monthly volumes, according to Datamar data:
Beef Exports to China | Argentina | H1 2026 | TEUs
Source: DataLiner (click here to request a demo)
On the import side, Argentina’s purchases from China in June were led by industrial and technology products. Electrical machinery, equipment and materials accounted for 23.5% of imports, followed by machinery, boilers and mechanical equipment, with 18.6%.
Motor vehicles, tractors and auto parts represented 14.6% of imports from China, while organic chemicals accounted for 9.7%.
Tariffs and investment shape the outlook
CERA also analyzed the broader international trade context involving China. The report cited new U.S. tariff measures adopted under Section 301, affecting 60 economies, including China and Brazil, after measures under Section 122 expired.
The U.S. move adds another layer of uncertainty to global trade flows and could influence commercial strategies across agricultural, industrial and mineral supply chains.
In Argentina-China relations, national authorities are reportedly working to schedule an official mission to Beijing, with the participation of Presidential Secretary-General Karina Milei, Economy Minister Luis Caputo and Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno. The goal would be to advance trade agreements.
Lithium investment is also becoming a central part of the bilateral agenda. Argentina recently approved the Tres Quebradas lithium project in Catamarca under the Incentive Regime for Large Investments, known as RIGI.
The project is operated by Liex S.A., a subsidiary of China’s Zijin Mining, and involves planned investment of $709 million, with annual exports estimated at around $400 million.
For exporters, port operators and logistics companies, the growth in Argentine exports to China reinforces the importance of the Asian market in the country’s trade strategy.
Soybeans, beef and lithium remain the main drivers of sales, while Chinese imports continue to supply Argentina with machinery, technology, vehicles and industrial inputs.
Source: DataPortuaria
