Argentina - Mainland China Trade 2025 Q1: Widening Deficit

Key Market Takeaways: Argentina - Mainland China Trade

• The bilateral trade relationship between Argentina and Mainland China shows persistent volatility amid a widening trade deficit in Q1 2025.
• $5.28B total trade volume with a $3.42B deficit for Argentina, as Chinese imports ($4.35B) dwarf Argentine exports ($931.13M).
• Resource-for-Tech exchange: Argentina’s top exports (meat, minerals) contrast with China’s dominance in machinery/electronics (27.3% of imports).
• Asymmetric interdependence: Argentina relies heavily on Chinese tech imports, while its commodity exports face declining demand.

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

Argentina-Mainland China Trade Trend in Q1 2025

Argentina Export Performance: Shipments to Mainland China

• Total Volume: $931.13M in Q1 2025.
• Growth Trend & Context:
  • YoY decline persisted across all months, ranging from -37.49% (Jan) to -5.06% (Feb).
  • February saw a 31.33% MoM surge, but March dropped sharply (-23.85% MoM).
• Key Volatility: February’s export spike (31.33% MoM) was offset by March’s steep decline.

Argentina Import Performance: Sourcing from Mainland China

• Total Volume: $4.35B in Q1 2025.
• Growth Trend & Context:
  • Strong YoY growth (51.46% in Jan, 104.15% in Feb) despite MoM volatility (-10.83% in March).
• Key Volatility: January’s imports peaked at $1.53B (27% MoM growth), then tapered off.

Argentina - Mainland China Trade Balance & Market Dynamics

• Net Position: Trade deficit of $3.42B (Imports $4.35B > Exports $931.13M).
• Relationship Status: Heavy reliance on Chinese imports, with exports failing to offset the deficit.

Argentina Import Trend from Mainland China 2025 Q1 (Source: yTrade)**

Argentina Export Trend to Mainland China 2025 Q1 (Source: yTrade)**

Get Historical Argentina Mainland China Trade Records

Argentina-Mainland China Top Trading Products in Q1 2025

Argentina Export Profile: What Does Argentina Sell to Mainland China

• Top Commodity: Rank #1 export is HS 02 (Meat and edible meat offal) at 32.47% share.
• Demand Driver: Mainland China uses these for industrial processing and to serve its consumer market.
• Concentration: The top 3 exports (HS 02, 99, 03) account for 66.40% of total exports, indicating high concentration.

Argentina Import Profile: What Does Argentina Buy from Mainland China

• Top Commodity: Rank #1 import is HS 85 (Electrical machinery and equipment) at 27.30% share.
• Dependency Nature: Critical technology dependency, with machinery and electronics dominating imports.

Argentina - Mainland China Trade Relationship Dynamics

• The Exchange Model: Resource-for-Tech Complementarity. Argentina exports raw materials (meat, minerals) while importing high-tech machinery and electronics.
• Value Chain Position: Mainland China holds the higher value-add position, supplying advanced manufactured goods, while Argentina provides primary commodities.

Import Analysis by Product: Mainland China to Argentina (Source: yTrade)

Export Analysis by Product: Argentina to Mainland China (Source: yTrade)

Check Detailed Argentina-Mainland China Trade HS Code Breakdown

Future Outlook & Strategic Recommendations

Forecast

Argentina’s trade deficit with Mainland China is expected to widen further in Q2 2025, driven by persistent demand for Chinese high-tech imports and sluggish recovery in Argentine commodity exports. While Chinese industrial demand for Argentine meat and minerals may stabilize, the structural imbalance—resource-for-tech dependency—will continue to pressure Argentina’s trade balance. Exporters should brace for volatility, particularly in primary goods shipments, as China’s import appetite remains tied to its domestic economic cycles. Without intervention, the deficit could erode Argentina’s foreign exchange reserves over the medium term.

Strategic Moves

• Diversify Export Markets: Argentine meat and mineral exporters must aggressively target alternative buyers in Southeast Asia and the Middle East to reduce overreliance on Chinese demand.
• Secure Long-term Tech Contracts: Importers of Chinese machinery (HS 85) should negotiate multi-year supply agreements to lock in pricing and mitigate supply chain disruptions.
• Leverage Bilateral Investment Channels: Argentine firms should partner with Chinese manufacturers to localize production of critical components, shifting from pure imports to value-added collaboration.

Frequently Asked Questions

How did Argentina - Mainland China trade perform in 2025 Q1?

Argentina recorded a trade deficit of $3.42B, with exports to Mainland China at $931.13M (YoY decline) and imports at $4.35B (strong YoY growth).

What are the top exports from Argentina to Mainland China?

HS 02 (Meat and edible meat offal) is the top export, accounting for 32.47% of total exports, followed by HS 99 and HS 03.

What does Argentina import from Mainland China?

HS 85 (Electrical machinery and equipment) is the top import, representing 27.30% of total imports, reflecting Argentina’s reliance on Chinese technology.

What is the trade balance between Argentina and Mainland China?

Argentina faces a trade deficit of $3.42B, driven by heavy imports of high-tech goods and declining exports of raw materials.