Argentina - Japan Trade 2024 Q4: Deficit & Tech Imports

Key Market Takeaways: Argentina - Japan Trade

The bilateral trade relationship between Argentina and Japan reflects heavy reliance on Japanese imports amid declining Argentine exports in Q4 2024.

• Deficit-Driven Trade: Argentina posted a $285.1M deficit, with imports ($357.91M) dwarfing exports ($72.81M). YoY export declines (-73.6% in October) contrasted with import growth (+38.97% in December).
• Resource-for-Tech Exchange: Argentina - Japan trade statistics show a lopsided structure: Argentina ships niche/unclassified goods (HS 99, 59.59% share) and food, while Japan dominates with vehicles (HS 87, 39.3%) and machinery (HS 84, 25.78%).
• Asymmetric Complementarity: Japan holds the high-value position, supplying critical industrial inputs, while Argentina’s exports lack diversification and complexity.

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

Argentina-Japan Trade Trend in Q4 2024

Argentina Export Performance: Shipments to Japan

• Total Volume: $72.81M in Q4 2024.
• Growth Trend & Context:
  • YoY declines persisted across all months, with October (-73.6%) and December (-43.48%) showing severe contractions.
  • No mitigating news to explain the slump.
• Key Volatility: November saw a 55.53% MoM surge, but December reversed with a -9.69% drop.

Argentina Import Performance: Sourcing from Japan

• Total Volume: $357.91M in Q4 2024.
• Growth Trend & Context:
  • Strong YoY growth in October (+23.43%) and December (+38.97%), offset by November’s softer +9.33%.
• Key Volatility: December posted the highest monthly value ($127.09M) and an 8.98% MoM jump.

Argentina - Japan Trade Balance & Market Dynamics

• Net Position: Deficit of $285.1M (Imports dwarfed exports).
• Relationship Status: Heavy reliance on Japanese imports, with exports failing to offset demand.

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

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

Get Historical Argentina Japan Trade Records

Argentina-Japan Top Trading Products in Q4 2024

Argentina Export Profile: What Does Argentina Sell to Japan

• Top Commodity: HS Code 99 (59.59% share). Likely unclassified or special category goods, dominating nearly 60% of exports.
• Demand Driver: Japan's imports are heavily skewed toward HS Code 99, suggesting niche or specialized products (e.g., art, antiques, or non-standard items). Secondary exports (HS 03, 20) indicate seafood and processed food demand, aligning with Japan's consumer market.
• Concentration: Extreme—HS Code 99 alone accounts for 59.59%, indicating high reliance on a single category.

Argentina Import Profile: What Does Argentina Buy from Japan

• Top Commodity: HS Code 87 (39.30% share)—vehicles and automotive parts, reflecting Japan's industrial strength.
• Dependency Nature: Dominated by machinery (HS 84, 25.78%) and precision instruments (HS 90, 9.41%), signaling critical technology dependency for Argentina's industrial and medical sectors.

Argentina - Japan Trade Relationship Dynamics

• The Exchange Model: Resource-for-Tech Complementarity. Argentina exports niche/specialized goods and food (HS 99, 03, 20) while importing high-value machinery and vehicles (HS 87, 84, 90).
• Value Chain Position: Japan holds the higher value-add position, supplying advanced manufactured goods. Argentina's exports are less complex, leaning toward raw/processed commodities.

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

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

Check Detailed Argentina-Japan Trade HS Code Breakdown

Future Outlook & Strategic Recommendations

Forecast

The Argentina-Japan trade relationship is likely to remain imbalanced in the near term, with Japan maintaining its dominance in high-value exports (vehicles, machinery) while Argentina struggles to expand its niche exports (HS Code 99). The persistent trade deficit ($285.1M in Q4 2024) signals continued reliance on Japanese technology, with no immediate catalysts to reverse the trend. However, Japan’s steady demand for Argentina’s specialized goods (HS 99) and food products (HS 03, 20) offers a narrow but stable export channel. Traders should brace for volatility, as Argentina’s export declines (-73.6% YoY in October) contrast sharply with Japan’s import growth (+38.97% YoY in December).

Strategic Moves

• Diversify Export Markets: Argentina must reduce dependence on HS Code 99 by promoting secondary exports (seafood, processed foods) to Japan and exploring new Asian markets to mitigate concentration risk.
• Secure Long-Term Tech Contracts: Argentine importers should lock in favorable terms for Japanese machinery (HS 84) and automotive parts (HS 87) to hedge against future price surges and supply chain disruptions.
• Leverage Trade Diplomacy: The Argentine government should negotiate bilateral agreements to lower tariffs on high-potential exports (e.g., organic food, lithium) and attract Japanese investment in value-added processing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How did Argentina - Japan trade perform in 2024 Q4?

Argentina's exports to Japan fell sharply (-73.6% YoY in October), while imports surged (+38.97% YoY in December), totaling $72.81M (exports) and $357.91M (imports).

What are the top exports from Argentina to Japan?

HS Code 99 (unclassified/special goods) dominated with 59.59% share, followed by seafood (HS 03) and processed food (HS 20).

What does Argentina import from Japan?

Top imports were vehicles/auto parts (HS 87, 39.30%), machinery (HS 84, 25.78%), and precision instruments (HS 90, 9.41%).

What is the trade balance between Argentina and Japan?

Argentina faced a $285.1M deficit, with imports far exceeding exports, reflecting heavy reliance on Japanese technology and industrial goods.