Argentina - Netherlands Trade 2023 Q1: Surplus Amid Export Slump

Key Market Takeaways: Argentina - Netherlands Trade

The bilateral trade relationship between Argentina and Netherlands shows a trade surplus for Argentina but with eroding export demand in Q1 2023.

• Economic Pulse: Argentina posted a $134.98M surplus ($365.40M exports vs. $230.42M imports), but exports collapsed -64.53% YoY, signaling demand weakness.
• Exchange Structure: Argentina - Netherlands trade statistics reveal a resource-for-tech model—Argentina supplies oilseeds (HS 12) and meat (HS 02), while importing refined fuels (HS 27) and machinery (HS 84).
• Strategic Interdependence: Highly complementary but imbalanced—Netherlands captures higher value-add in energy and tech, while Argentina relies on agrarian exports.

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

Argentina-Netherlands Trade Trend in Q1 2023

Argentina Export Performance: Shipments to Netherlands

• Total Volume: $365.40M in Q1 2023.
• Growth Trend & Context:
  • YoY declines persisted across all months, averaging -64.53%, reflecting sustained demand weakness.
  • February’s -77.39% YoY drop was the sharpest contraction.
• Key Volatility: March saw a 34.28% MoM rebound, though this followed two months of steep sequential declines (-36.04% in Jan, -33.08% in Feb).

Argentina Import Performance: Sourcing from Netherlands

• Total Volume: $230.42M in Q1 2023.
• Growth Trend & Context:
  • Mixed YoY performance: February’s 68.01% surge offset Jan-Mar declines (-23.55% and -36.98%).
• Key Volatility: February’s 92.19% MoM spike drove quarterly totals, while March corrected -15.54% MoM.

Argentina - Netherlands Trade Balance & Market Dynamics

• Net Position: Trade surplus of $134.98M (Exports $365.40M > Imports $230.42M).
• Relationship Status: Argentina maintained a net exporter role, but YoY export collapses signal eroding competitiveness or demand shifts. The February import spike suggests volatile procurement patterns.

Argentina Import Trend from Netherlands 2023 Q1 (Source: yTrade)**

Argentina Export Trend to Netherlands 2023 Q1 (Source: yTrade)**

Get Historical Argentina Netherlands Trade Records

Argentina-Netherlands Top Trading Products in Q1 2023

Argentina Export Profile: What Does Argentina Sell to Netherlands

• Top Commodity: HS Code 99 (39.24% share). Likely unclassified or special category goods, indicating a niche or aggregated export segment.
• Demand Driver: HS Code 12 (28.72%) suggests oilseeds or grains, pointing to Netherlands' industrial processing needs (e.g., biofuels, animal feed). HS Code 02 (10.14%, meat) serves consumer demand.
• Concentration: Top 3 exports (HS 99, 12, 02) account for 78.1% of total, showing high reliance on a few commodities.

Argentina Import Profile: What Does Argentina Buy from Netherlands

• Top Commodity: HS Code 27 (66.00% share), primarily mineral fuels (e.g., refined petroleum), indicating energy dependency.
• Dependency Nature: Dominance of HS 27 signals critical energy security reliance. HS 30 (pharmaceuticals, 8.49%) and HS 84 (machinery, 8.32%) reflect supplementary tech imports.

Argentina - Netherlands Trade Relationship Dynamics

• The Exchange Model: Resource-for-Tech Complementarity. Argentina exports raw materials (oilseeds, meat) and imports energy (refined fuels) and machinery.
• Value Chain Position: Netherlands holds higher value-add, supplying processed energy and tech (HS 27, 84, 90) versus Argentina’s agrarian and bulk commodity exports (HS 12, 02).

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

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

Check Detailed Argentina-Netherlands Trade HS Code Breakdown

Future Outlook & Strategic Recommendations

Forecast

Argentina’s trade surplus with the Netherlands is likely to narrow in Q2 2023 as export declines persist amid weak demand for key commodities like oilseeds (HS 12) and meat (HS 02). The Netherlands’ energy-driven imports (HS 27) may remain volatile, but structural reliance on refined fuels ensures steady inflows. Traders should anticipate continued YoY export contraction (-64.53% in Q1) unless Argentina diversifies beyond bulk agrarian goods. The resource-for-tech exchange model will hold, but Argentina’s eroding competitiveness demands urgent action.

Strategic Moves

• Diversify Export Basket: Argentine exporters must reduce reliance on HS 99 (unclassified goods) and HS 12 (oilseeds) by targeting higher-value agro-processed goods (e.g., edible oils, leather products) to stabilize revenue.
• Lock in Energy Contracts: Importers should secure long-term agreements for Dutch refined fuels (HS 27) to hedge against price spikes, given February’s 92.19% MoM volatility.
• Upgrade Trade Infrastructure: Logistics firms must optimize port efficiency and cold-chain systems to cut costs for perishable exports (HS 02 meat), countering March’s 34.28% MoM rebound with sustainable growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

How did Argentina - Netherlands trade perform in 2023 Q1?

Argentina exported $365.40M to the Netherlands and imported $230.42M, with exports declining -64.53% YoY and imports showing mixed YoY performance.

What are the top exports from Argentina to Netherlands?

The top exports include unclassified/special category goods (HS Code 99), oilseeds/grains (HS Code 12), and meat (HS Code 02), accounting for 78.1% of total exports.

What does Argentina import from Netherlands?

Argentina primarily imports mineral fuels (HS Code 27), pharmaceuticals (HS Code 30), and machinery (HS Code 84), with refined petroleum dominating at 66% share.

What is the trade balance between Argentina and Netherlands?

Argentina recorded a trade surplus of $134.98M, though exports faced sharp YoY declines, signaling eroding competitiveness.