Argentina - Germany Trade 2024 Q4: Resource-for-Tech Imbalance

Key Market Takeaways: Argentina - Germany Trade

The bilateral trade relationship between Argentina and Germany shows growth with high volatility in Q4 2024.

• Economic Pulse: Argentina runs a $473.30M trade deficit with Germany, driven by $722.80M in imports (rebounding in December) versus $249.50M in exports (mixed YoY performance).
• Exchange Structure: Argentina - Germany trade statistics reveal a resource-for-tech model—Argentina supplies agricultural goods (meat, HS Code 02) and ambiguous HS Code 99 items, while Germany dominates with machinery (HS Code 84) and high-tech exports.
• Strategic Interdependence: Highly complementary but imbalanced—Germany holds the value-add advantage, while Argentina’s export basket remains narrow and commodity-dependent.

This bilateral trade snapshot is based on verified customs data from the yTrade database.

Argentina-Germany Trade Trend in Q4 2024

Argentina Export Performance: Shipments to Germany

• Total Volume: $249.50M in Q4 2024.
• Growth Trend & Context:
  • Mixed YoY performance: +63.45% in October, +95.8% in November, but -32.08% in December.
  • No specific trade news to explain volatility.
• Key Volatility: December saw a sharp MoM drop (-22.96%), while October had the highest MoM growth (+24.08%).

Argentina Import Performance: Sourcing from Germany

• Total Volume: $722.80M in Q4 2024.
• Growth Trend & Context:
  • Strong YoY rebound in December (+53.77%), offsetting minor declines earlier (-1.17% in November).
• Key Volatility: November recorded the lowest imports ($230.22M, -7.9% MoM), while December rebounded (+5.38% MoM).

Argentina - Germany Trade Balance & Market Dynamics

• Net Position: Trade deficit of $473.30M (Imports exceed exports).
• Relationship Status: Argentina remains heavily dependent on German imports, with exports failing to close the gap despite December’s export contraction.

Argentina Import Trend from Germany 2024 Q4 (Source: yTrade)**

Argentina Export Trend to Germany 2024 Q4 (Source: yTrade)**

Get Historical Argentina Germany Trade Records

Argentina-Germany Top Trading Products in Q4 2024

Argentina Export Profile: What Does Argentina Sell to Germany

• Top Commodity: HS Code 99 (53.67% share). Likely unclassified or special category goods, given the high share and ambiguous code.
• Demand Driver: HS Code 02 (30.11%) suggests meat exports, indicating Germany sources agricultural products for consumer markets or food processing.
• Concentration: Extreme—HS Code 99 and 02 combined account for 83.78% of exports, signaling heavy reliance on a narrow basket.

Argentina Import Profile: What Does Argentina Buy from Germany

• Top Commodity: HS Code 84 (32.23% share)—machinery (e.g., industrial equipment, nuclear reactors).
• Dependency Nature: High-tech dominance (HS Codes 84, 85, 90) points to critical technology dependency for industrial and medical sectors.

Argentina - Germany Trade Relationship Dynamics

• The Exchange Model: Resource-for-Tech Complementarity. Argentina supplies agricultural goods (meat, animal feed) while Germany provides machinery, pharmaceuticals, and precision instruments.
• Value Chain Position: Germany holds the higher value-add position, exporting complex manufactured goods. Argentina’s exports are commodity-driven with lower value capture.

Import Analysis by Product: Germany to Argentina (Source: yTrade)

Export Analysis by Product: Argentina to Germany (Source: yTrade)

Check Detailed Argentina-Germany Trade HS Code Breakdown

Future Outlook & Strategic Recommendations

Forecast

The Argentina-Germany trade relationship is expected to remain volatile in the near term, with Argentina’s export performance heavily dependent on agricultural commodity demand while imports of German high-tech goods continue to dominate. The sharp December export contraction (-32.08% YoY) suggests potential demand softening or supply-side bottlenecks, but Germany’s resilient import rebound (+53.77% YoY in December) signals sustained appetite for Argentine raw materials. Traders should anticipate fluctuating trade balances, with Argentina’s deficit likely persisting unless export diversification or value-added processing gains traction.

Strategic Moves

• Diversify Export Basket: Argentine exporters must reduce reliance on HS Code 99 and 02 (83.78% of exports) by exploring secondary commodities like processed foods or biofuels to mitigate volatility.
• Lock in Tech Imports: Given Germany’s dominance in machinery (HS Code 84) and precision instruments, Argentine importers should negotiate long-term supply agreements to hedge against price spikes and logistical disruptions.
• Pursue Trade Financing: Argentine businesses should leverage export credit agencies or bilateral trade facilities to bridge the $473.30M deficit and secure working capital for high-potential sectors.

Frequently Asked Questions

How did Argentina - Germany trade perform in 2024 Q4?

Argentina exported $249.50M to Germany, with mixed YoY growth, while imports totaled $722.80M, showing a strong rebound in December.

What are the top exports from Argentina to Germany?

Argentina's top exports to Germany include unclassified/special category goods (HS Code 99) and meat products (HS Code 02), accounting for 83.78% of total exports.

What does Argentina import from Germany?

Argentina primarily imports machinery (HS Code 84) and high-tech goods (HS Codes 85, 90) from Germany, reflecting a dependency on industrial and medical technology.

What is the trade balance between Argentina and Germany?

Argentina recorded a trade deficit of $473.30M with Germany in Q4 2024, as imports significantly exceeded exports.