Argentina Frozen Beef Export Market -- HS Code 0202 Trade Data & Price Trend (Sep 2025)

Argentina Frozen Beef Export (HS 0202) Key Takeaways

Argentina's Frozen Beef exports under HS Code 0202 in September 2025 show a clear shift toward premium boneless cuts, with the highest-value sub-code accounting for 35.52 million USD at 4.59 USD/kg, signaling mid-range specialization. The market is stabilizing after volatility, with exports rebounding to 474.01 million USD, likely aided by Argentina's duty-free policy. China dominates as the primary buyer, absorbing 69.93% of export value, though high-margin markets like Israel and the U.S. offer growth potential. This analysis is based on cleanly processed Customs data from the yTrade database for September 2025.

Argentina Frozen Beef Export (HS 0202) Background

What is HS Code 0202?

HS Code 0202 refers to "Meat of bovine animals, frozen," commonly known as frozen beef. This product is a staple in global food supply chains, serving industries such as retail, food service, and processed meat manufacturing. Its demand remains stable due to its versatility, long shelf life, and role as a protein source in diverse cuisines.

Current Context and Strategic Position

Argentina recently eliminated export duties on frozen beef and other agricultural goods until October 2025 under Decree No. 682 [KPMG]. This policy shift aims to bolster Argentina's frozen beef export competitiveness, particularly in key markets like the European Union, where preferential trade terms apply [European Union]. As one of the world's top beef exporters, Argentina's strategic position in HS Code 0202 trade data is critical for global supply stability. Market participants should monitor these developments closely, as policy adjustments and international demand fluctuations could significantly impact trade flows.

Argentina Frozen Beef Export (HS 0202) Price Trend

Key Observations

The Argentina Frozen Beef Export trend in September 2025 reached a value of 474.01 million USD, marking a slight sequential increase and signaling a stabilization after recent volatility.

Price and Volume Dynamics

The hs code 0202 value trend shows a recovery from a July low of zero exports, with values climbing to 464.28 million USD in August and edging higher in September. This rebound aligns with Argentina's policy shift to eliminate export duties on certain goods, as detailed in [KPMG], which likely reduced costs and incentivized shipments amid global demand cycles. The sequential growth from August to September reflects improved exporter momentum, though underlying data anomalies prevent detailed price or volume analysis.

Argentina Frozen Beef Export (HS 0202) HS Code Breakdown

Product Specialization and Concentration

According to yTrade data, Argentina's export of frozen beef under HS Code 0202 in September 2025 is led by boneless frozen cuts, specifically the sub-code 02023000891 for "Meat; of bovine animals, boneless cuts, frozen," which accounts for the highest export value at 35.52 million USD and a 7.49% value share. The unit price for this product is approximately 4.59 USD per kilogram, indicating a mid-range specialization. However, an extreme price anomaly is present with sub-code 02022090920 for bone-in cuts, which has a significantly lower unit price of 1.39 USD per kilogram; this outlier is isolated from the main analysis due to its deviation from the typical price range.

Value-Chain Structure and Grade Analysis

The non-anomalous sub-codes are grouped into two categories: boneless frozen cuts and bone-in frozen cuts. Boneless cuts, with unit prices ranging from approximately 3.52 to 6.03 USD per kilogram, show variations suggesting different quality grades or cut specifics. Bone-in cuts, represented by one sub-code at 3.76 USD per kilogram, align with lower-value segments. This structure indicates that Argentina's HS Code 0202 trade data reflects a move towards differentiated products rather than purely fungible bulk commodities, with boneless cuts dominating the value chain.

Strategic Implication and Pricing Power

The grade variations in Argentina's HS Code 0202 export suggest that exporters of higher-unit-price boneless cuts have greater pricing power and should focus on premium market segments. The presence of standardized options implies cost-based competition for lower grades. Strategically, enhancing quality differentiation can strengthen Argentina's export position under this code, leveraging the existing product diversity to capture value in international markets.

Table: Argentina HS Code 0202) Breakdown Details (Source: yTrade)

Check Detailed HS Code 0202 Breakdown

Argentina Frozen Beef Export (HS 0202) Destination Countries

Geographic Concentration and Dominant Role

In September 2025, CHINA MAINLAND dominated Argentina's Frozen Beef exports, accounting for 69.93% of the value and 81.30% of the quantity. The higher quantity share compared to value indicates bulk trade of lower-grade or processed Frozen Beef, while the high frequency share of 79.46% suggests frequent, large-volume shipments typical for mass consumption or processing hubs.

Destination Countries Clusters and Underlying Causes

The export destinations form two clear clusters. The Volume/Hub Cluster, led by China, focuses on high-quantity, lower-value-per-unit trade, likely for processing or wholesale distribution. The High-Yield Cluster includes Israel, the United States, and others, where value shares exceed quantity shares (e.g., Israel's value share is 13.79% vs. quantity share of 7.49%), indicating demand for premium, higher-grade Frozen Beef, possibly for retail or niche markets. This split reflects Argentina's ability to serve both bulk and premium segments in the global meat trade.

Forward Strategy and Supply Chain Implications

Argentina should prioritize maintaining efficient logistics for high-volume buyers like China to secure stable revenue, while expanding into high-margin markets such as Israel and the US through targeted marketing of premium Frozen Beef cuts. Supply chains can be optimized by reducing transit times for perishable goods and leveraging trade agreements to access premium markets. Monitoring policies like duty changes [KPMG] could support cost reductions, though direct impacts on Frozen Beef are unclear.

Table: Argentina Frozen Beef (HS 0202) Top Destination Countries (Source: yTrade)

Get Complete Destination Countries Profile

Action Plan for Frozen Beef Market Operation and Expansion

• Segment buyers using hs code 0202 trade data to target premium markets. Offer higher-priced boneless cuts to high-yield destinations like Israel and the U.S. to increase profit margins for the Argentina Frozen Beef Export.
• Optimize the Frozen Beef supply chain for high-volume shipments to China. Prioritize logistics and port efficiency to maintain cost-competitive, bulk trade and ensure supply security.
• Leverage grade differentiation within Argentina's Frozen Beef Export. Market specific boneless cut variations to buyers seeking quality, strengthening pricing power beyond standard commodity trade.
• Monitor trade policy changes affecting hs code 0202. Adjust contracts and pricing swiftly to capitalize on duty shifts, protecting export revenue.

Take Action Now —— Explore Argentina Frozen Beef Export Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is driving the recent changes in Argentina Frozen Beef Export 2025 September?

Argentina's Frozen Beef exports rebounded in September 2025, reaching 474.01 million USD, likely due to policy shifts like the elimination of export duties and stabilized global demand.

Q2. Who are the main destination countries of Argentina Frozen Beef (HS Code 0202) 2025 September?

China dominated with 69.93% of export value, followed by Israel (13.79%) and the United States, reflecting a split between bulk and premium markets.

Q3. Why does the unit price differ across destination countries of Argentina Frozen Beef Export?

Boneless frozen cuts (e.g., sub-code 02023000891 at 4.59 USD/kg) command higher prices, while bone-in cuts (e.g., 02022090920 at 1.39 USD/kg) target lower-value segments, creating price disparities.

Q4. What should exporters in Argentina focus on in the current Frozen Beef export market?

Exporters should prioritize premium boneless cuts for high-margin markets like Israel and the US while maintaining efficient bulk shipments to China for volume stability.

Q5. What does this Argentina Frozen Beef export pattern mean for buyers in partner countries?

Buyers in China benefit from cost-effective bulk supply, while those in Israel/US access higher-grade cuts, indicating Argentina’s ability to serve diverse market needs.

Q6. How is Frozen Beef typically used in this trade flow?

Frozen Beef is primarily traded for mass consumption or processing (e.g., China’s bulk imports) and retail/niche markets (e.g., Israel’s premium cuts).