Argentina - Japan Trade 2024 Q1: Deficit Widens

Argentina's trade deficit with Japan hit $216M in Q1 2024, as raw material exports lag behind high-tech imports. Explore Argentina-Japan trade trends & top products via yTrade data.

Key Market Takeaways: Argentina - Japan Trade

The bilateral trade relationship between Argentina and Japan contracted sharply in Q1 2024, with Argentina deepening its trade deficit.

  • Economic Pulse: Argentina posted a -$216.17M trade deficit (exports: $47.03M, imports: $263.20M), with YoY declines in both directions.
  • Exchange Structure: Argentina - Japan trade statistics reveal a resource-for-tech dynamic—raw materials (70% HS Code 99) flow to Japan, while high-tech machinery (41% HS Code 87) dominates imports.
  • Strategic Interdependence: Japan holds the value-add advantage, supplying critical industrial inputs, while Argentina remains a niche supplier of primary goods.

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

Argentina-Japan Trade Trend in Q1 2024

Argentina Export Performance: Shipments to Japan

  • Total Volume: $47.03M in Q1 2024.
  • Growth Trend & Context:
    • YoY declines persisted across all months, with March (-67.72%) marking the sharpest drop.
    • No mitigating news to explain the contraction.
  • Key Volatility: January saw the steepest MoM drop (-63.42%).

Argentina Import Performance: Sourcing from Japan

  • Total Volume: $263.20M in Q1 2024.
  • Growth Trend & Context:
    • YoY declines were consistent, though February (-25.72%) was the least severe.
  • Key Volatility: February recorded the lowest monthly value ($76.00M), while January had the highest ($95.35M).

Argentina - Japan Trade Balance & Market Dynamics

  • Net Position: Argentina ran a trade deficit of -$216.17M (Exports $47.03M vs. Imports $263.20M).
  • Relationship Status: Heavy reliance on Japanese imports, with exports failing to offset the imbalance.

Argentina Import Trend from Japan 2024 Q1 (Source: yTrade)**

MonthValueMoMYoY
Jan95.35M4.27%-5.52%
Feb76.00M-20.3%-25.72%
Mar91.85M20.86%-10.12%
Total263.20M--

Argentina Export Trend to Japan 2024 Q1 (Source: yTrade)**

MonthValueMoMYoY
Jan16.71M-63.42%-64.33%
Feb15.36M-8.12%-42.08%
Mar14.95M-2.63%-67.72%
Total47.03M--

Get Historical Argentina Japan Trade Records

Argentina-Japan Top Trading Products in Q1 2024

Argentina Export Profile: What Does Argentina Sell to Japan

  • Top Commodity: Rank #1 Export is HS Code 99 (69.80% share).
  • Demand Driver: Japan likely uses these for industrial processing (raw materials/intermediates).
  • Concentration: Highly concentrated, with HS Code 99 dominating at nearly 70% of exports.

Argentina Import Profile: What Does Argentina Buy from Japan

  • Top Commodity: Rank #1 Import is HS Code 87 (41.23% share).
  • Dependency Nature: Critical technology dependency (high-tech/machinery).

Argentina - Japan Trade Relationship Dynamics

  • The Exchange Model: Resource-for-Tech Complementarity. Argentina exports raw materials (HS Code 99) and imports high-tech machinery (HS Code 87).
  • Value Chain Position: Japan holds the higher value-add position, supplying advanced machinery and vehicles (HS Codes 87, 84, 85).

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

HS CodeValuePercent
87108.51M41.23%
8460.01M22.80%
8520.84M7.92%
9020.65M7.85%
2914.01M5.32%
3013.22M5.02%
736.36M2.42%
405.07M1.93%
394.29M1.63%
382.01M0.76%

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

HS CodeValuePercent
9932.82M69.80%
037.03M14.94%
204.43M9.42%
221.18M2.52%
04494.71K1.05%
02408.93K0.87%
12399.27K0.85%
38260.49K0.55%

Check Detailed Argentina-Japan Trade HS Code Breakdown

Future Outlook & Strategic Recommendations

Forecast

Argentina’s trade deficit with Japan is likely to persist in Q2 2024, driven by continued declines in exports and sustained demand for Japanese high-tech imports. The sharp YoY drop in Argentine shipments (notably HS Code 99) signals weakening competitiveness or reduced Japanese demand for raw materials. Without structural shifts, the resource-for-tech imbalance will deepen, exacerbating Argentina’s reliance on Japan for critical machinery. Traders should brace for volatility, particularly in commodity prices and currency fluctuations.

Strategic Moves

  • Diversify Export Markets: Argentine exporters must reduce dependence on HS Code 99 by targeting alternative buyers in Southeast Asia or Europe to mitigate Japan’s declining demand.
  • Secure Long-term Tech Contracts: Importers should lock in favorable terms for Japanese machinery (HS Code 87) now to hedge against future supply chain disruptions or price hikes.
  • Leverage Trade Diplomacy: Argentina’s government must prioritize bilateral talks to secure tariff reductions or quotas for key exports, balancing the trade deficit.

Frequently Asked Questions

How did Argentina - Japan trade perform in 2024 Q1?

Argentina's exports to Japan totaled $47.03M, with YoY declines across all months. Imports from Japan reached $263.20M, also showing consistent YoY drops.

What are the top exports from Argentina to Japan?

The top export is HS Code 99, accounting for 69.80% of Argentina's shipments to Japan, likely raw materials for industrial processing.

What does Argentina import from Japan?

Argentina's top import is HS Code 87 (41.23% share), reflecting a critical dependency on high-tech machinery and vehicles from Japan.

What is the trade balance between Argentina and Japan?

Argentina recorded a trade deficit of -$216.17M in Q1 2024, driven by heavy reliance on Japanese imports and weak export performance.

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