2025 Argentina Molluscs (HS 0307) Export: Market Collapse

Key Takeaways

Molluscs, classified under HS Code 0307 (Molluscs, whether in shell or not, live, fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, salted or in brine; flour, meals and pellets of aquatic invertebrates), exhibited extreme volatility from January to September 2025.

• Market Pulse: Exports surged to a February peak of $607.48M before collapsing 81.29% by May, halting entirely by July due to policy disruptions.
• Structural Shift: Argentina Molluscs Export reliance on China (77.5% of value) creates high risk, with bulk shipments driving volume over margin.
• Product Logic: HS Code 0307 trade data shows a split—91% frozen cuttlefish/squid (low-value bulk) vs. niche high-value items (up to $29.80/kg).

This overview covers the period from January to September 2025 and is based on verified customs data from the yTrade database.

Argentina Molluscs (HS Code 0307) Key Metrics Trend

Market Trend Summary

The Argentina Molluscs Export trend began 2025 with exceptional strength, reaching a February peak of $607.48M. This surge was followed by extreme volatility, with a 40.84% value contraction in March and an 81.29% collapse in May. The trend ultimately deteriorated to a near-total halt by July, with exports falling to negligible levels through September, marking one of the most volatile trade trajectories of the year.

Drivers & Industry Context

The extreme volatility and subsequent collapse in the hs code 0307 value correlate directly with major policy disruptions. yTrade analysis attributes the July export halt to "policy shifts and trade barriers" [yTrade], consistent with broader U.S. government reports noting increased non-tariff barriers affecting agricultural trade flows [USTR]. This regulatory instability likely disrupted shipping schedules and export licensing, overwhelming any seasonal demand cycles that normally stabilize mollusc trade.

Table: Argentina Molluscs Export Trend (Source: yTrade)

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Argentina HS Code 0307 Export Breakdown

Market Composition & Top Categories

Argentina's HS Code 0307 export market is overwhelmingly dominated by frozen cuttle fish and squid, which accounts for over 91% of the value and 96% of the weight shipped throughout the first three quarters of 2025. According to yTrade data, this single sub-category saw over 5,000 shipments, highlighting its central role in Argentina's mollusc trade. The remaining sub-codes, including some higher-value frozen varieties and a small portion of dried or salted products, collectively represent less than 9% of the export value.

Value Chain & Strategic Insights

Unit prices for Argentina's HS Code 0307 exports range widely from 1.54 to 29.80 USD per kilogram, indicating a market split between bulk commodity frozen products and more specialized, higher-grade items. This price spread suggests that while the majority of trade is price-sensitive commodity frozen seafood, niche segments command premiums, likely due to quality or processing differences. The trade structure for HS Code 0307 breakdown thus reflects a hybrid market where volume drives overall value, but targeted high-value opportunities exist.

Table: Argentina HS Code 0307) Export Breakdown Details (Source: yTrade)

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Argentina Molluscs Destination Countries

Geographic Concentration & Market Risk

Argentina's Molluscs exports are overwhelmingly concentrated in a single market. From January to September 2025, China accounted for 77.5% of the total export value, a level of dependence that creates significant market risk. This trade likely represents bulk shipments for industrial processing or re-export rather than direct consumer sales. Diversifying Argentina Molluscs export destinations is critical to mitigate vulnerability to demand shifts in this one partner.

Purchasing Behavior & Demand Segmentation

The market for Argentina's Molluscs is primarily driven by volume, not margin. China's weight share of 84% outpaces its value share, confirming a commodity profile focused on price-sensitive bulk processing. While smaller partners like the U.S. and France show premium characteristics with higher value-to-weight ratios, their impact is negligible against China's scale. For suppliers, this market offers volume scale, not margin potential, defining the core trade partners for Molluscs.

Table: Argentina Molluscs (HS Code 0307) Top Destination Countries (Source: yTrade)

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Action Plan for Molluscs Market Operation and Expansion

• Diversify buyers immediately: China’s 77.5% share exposes Argentina to policy shocks; target U.S. and EU premium markets to reduce dependency.
• Lock in short-term contracts: Volatility from trade barriers demands flexible terms; avoid long-term commitments until regulatory clarity emerges.
• Optimize logistics for bulk: With 96% of volume in frozen cuttlefish/squid, renegotiate freight rates or consolidate shipments to protect thin margins.
• Brand premium segments: Isolate high-value sub-categories (e.g., dried/salted) with traceability claims to justify $29.80/kg price points.
• Monitor policy alerts daily: USTR reports confirm non-tariff barriers; assign a team to track licensing changes in real-time.

Take Action Now —— Explore Argentina Molluscs HS Code 0307 Export Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is driving the recent changes in Argentina Molluscs Export in 2025?

Argentina's Molluscs exports saw extreme volatility in 2025, peaking in February before collapsing by July due to policy shifts and trade barriers disrupting shipments and licensing.

Q2. Who are the main destination countries of Argentina Molluscs (HS Code 0307) in 2025?

China dominates Argentina's Molluscs exports, accounting for 77.5% of total value, with minor shares going to the U.S. and France.

Q3. Why does the unit price differ across destination countries of Argentina Molluscs Export in 2025?

Prices range from $1.54 to $29.80/kg due to a split between bulk frozen products (low-value) and higher-grade processed items (premium).

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

Exporters must diversify beyond China to mitigate risk, while exploring niche high-value segments to offset reliance on bulk commodity trade.

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

Buyers in China benefit from stable bulk supply, while smaller markets like the U.S. and France access premium products at higher unit prices.

Q6. How is Molluscs typically used in this trade flow?

Argentina’s exports are primarily frozen cuttlefish and squid (91% of value), likely destined for industrial processing or re-export rather than direct retail.

Detailed Monthly and Quarterly Report

Argentina HS Code 0307 Export Data Snapshot 2025 JAN

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