Argentina Molluscs Export Market -- HS Code 0307 Trade Data & Price Trend (Q1 2025)

Argentina Molluscs Export (HS 0307) Key Takeaways

Argentina's Molluscs exports under HS Code 0307 in Q1 2025 were dominated by frozen cuttlefish and squid, accounting for 94% of value, with China absorbing 79% of shipments—highlighting heavy reliance on bulk trade. Export value surged in February before crashing in March amid policy shifts, while unit prices rose sharply. The data reveals untapped potential in premium markets like France and the U.S., where higher-value products command better margins. This analysis, covering 2025 Q1, is based on processed Customs data from the yTrade database.

Argentina Molluscs Export (HS 0307) Background

What is HS Code 0307?

HS Code 0307 covers molluscs, whether in shell or not, live, fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, salted, or in brine, as well as flour, meals, and pellets of aquatic invertebrates. This product is primarily used in the food industry, particularly for human consumption and aquaculture feed, driving stable global demand due to its nutritional value and versatility. Argentina's molluscs export under this code is a key component of its seafood trade, catering to international markets.

Current Context and Strategic Position

The 2025 U.S. Trade Policy highlights ongoing scrutiny of foreign trade barriers, including seafood imports, as outlined in the FOREIGN TRADE BARRIERS report. This policy environment underscores the need for vigilance in Argentina's molluscs export sector, which faces both opportunities and regulatory challenges. Argentina's strategic position as a supplier of high-quality molluscs under HS Code 0307 is bolstered by its access to key markets, but shifting trade policies demand close monitoring of hs code 0307 trade data to maintain competitiveness.

Argentina Molluscs Export (HS 0307) Price Trend

Key Observations

The Argentina Molluscs Export trend for Q1 2025 showed marked volatility, with export value peaking at 607.48 million USD in February before declining to 359.39 million USD in March, while the unit price climbed from $4.85 to $6.56 per kg over the quarter.

Price and Volume Dynamics

The sequential surge in February, with value up 27.6% month-over-month, reversed sharply in March as volume dropped by over 50% despite higher prices. This shift coincides with trade policy updates from the USTR and USITC in March [USTR], which likely introduced new tariff or barrier measures that constrained export flows and drove up costs. The hs code 0307 value trend reflects these external pressures, overriding typical seasonal demand patterns for molluscs.

Argentina Molluscs Export (HS 0307) HS Code Breakdown

Product Specialization and Concentration

According to yTrade data for 2025 Q1, Argentina's export under HS Code 0307 is overwhelmingly dominated by frozen cuttle fish and squid, specifically the sub-code for this product, which accounts for over 94% of the total value and 97% of the weight, with a unit price of 5.31 USD per kilogram. This high concentration shows a clear specialization in this frozen form. A few minor sub-codes with extremely low unit prices, such as one at 0.61 USD per kilogram, are isolated anomalies due to their insignificant shares and do not impact the main market structure.

Value-Chain Structure and Grade Analysis

The non-anomalous exports fall into two groups: other frozen molluscs like scallops, which command a higher unit price of nearly 17 USD per kilogram, indicating a premium grade, and processed items such as dried or salted molluscs with lower prices. This split suggests that Argentina's HS Code 0307 trade is primarily in bulk commodities, with some differentiation based on product type and quality, rather than involving complex value-added processing.

Strategic Implication and Pricing Power

The heavy reliance on frozen cuttle fish and squid gives Argentina strong pricing power in that segment, but the presence of higher-value scallops highlights potential for diversification. Analysis of HS Code 0307 trade data suggests that exporters should focus on maintaining consistent quality for the dominant product while exploring opportunities in premium niches to enhance overall market resilience.

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

Check Detailed HS Code 0307 Breakdown

Argentina Molluscs Export (HS 0307) Destination Countries

Geographic Concentration and Dominant Role

In Q1 2025, Argentina's Molluscs exports were heavily concentrated, with CHINA MAINLAND dominating as the top destination. China accounted for 79.29% of the export value and 83.94% of the weight, indicating a focus on bulk shipments of lower-value products. The high frequency share of 47.74% suggests frequent, possibly fresh, shipments to meet demand. This disparity between weight and value shares points to trade in raw or minimally processed Molluscs from Argentina.

Destination Countries Clusters and Underlying Causes

The export partners for Argentina's Molluscs can be grouped into three clusters based on trade patterns. First, the Volume Cluster is led by CHINA, with its high weight share, likely serving as a hub for bulk processing or re-export. Second, the High-Yield Cluster includes FRANCE, UNITED STATES, SPAIN, and NORWAY, where value shares exceed weight shares, indicating demand for premium, higher-grade Molluscs such as processed or specialty varieties. Third, the Transactional Cluster features THAILAND, SOUTH KOREA, and CANADA, characterized by relatively high frequency shares, which may reflect regular, smaller shipments for retail or fresh market supply chains in the Molluscs trade.

Forward Strategy and Supply Chain Implications

For Argentina's Molluscs exports, prioritizing the High-Yield Cluster markets like France and the United States could enhance profit margins through premium product offerings. Simultaneously, improving logistics for high-frequency partners such as Thailand and South Korea is crucial to maintain product freshness and meet just-in-time delivery demands. Analyzing HS Code 0307 trade data shows opportunities to diversify beyond bulk reliance on China, focusing on value-added strategies for sustainable growth in Argentina's Molluscs shipments.

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

Get Complete Destination Countries Profile

Action Plan for Molluscs Market Operation and Expansion

• Diversify into premium markets like France and the U.S. by targeting buyers with higher value shares in HS Code 0307 trade data. This reduces over-reliance on bulk shipments to China and increases profit margins for Argentina Molluscs Export.
• Optimize the Molluscs supply chain for high-frequency partners like Thailand and South Korea. Use shipment frequency data to streamline logistics and ensure freshness. This secures recurring revenue and builds trust with time-sensitive buyers.
• Leverage Argentina's pricing power in frozen cuttlefish and squid by maintaining strict quality controls. Consistent high-grade products defend market share and justify premium pricing in key export markets.
• Mitigate supply chain risks by monitoring trade flows for HS Code 0307. Early detection of demand shifts or geopolitical issues allows proactive adjustments to Argentina Molluscs Export strategy, avoiding disruptions.

Take Action Now —— Explore Argentina Molluscs Export Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The export value peaked in February 2025 before sharply declining in March, likely due to new trade policy measures from the USTR and USITC. Higher unit prices in March could not offset the 50% volume drop, indicating external pressures disrupted typical demand patterns.

Q2. Who are the main destination countries of Argentina Molluscs (HS Code 0307) 2025 Q1?

China dominated with 79.29% of export value, followed by France, the United States, Spain, and Norway, which formed a premium-focused cluster. Thailand, South Korea, and Canada also featured as high-frequency buyers.

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

Prices vary because China primarily buys bulk frozen cuttlefish and squid (94% of exports at $5.31/kg), while France and the US import premium products like scallops (nearly $17/kg) or processed molluscs.

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

Exporters should maintain quality for the dominant frozen cuttlefish/squid trade with China while expanding into premium markets (e.g., France, US) and improving logistics for high-frequency buyers like Thailand.

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

Chinese buyers benefit from stable bulk supply, while premium-market buyers (e.g., France) can access higher-grade products. High-frequency partners must ensure freshness due to smaller, regular shipments.

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

Argentina’s exports are primarily frozen cuttlefish and squid (94% share), sold as bulk commodities, with minor volumes of premium scallops or processed items like dried molluscs for niche markets.

Detailed Monthly Report

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