Argentina - Switzerland Trade 2023 Q4: Surplus & Tech Exchange

Argentina's $218M trade surplus with Switzerland highlights a resource-for-tech dynamic, with precious metals and pharmaceuticals dominating. Explore the latest Argentina Switzerland trade trends on yTrade.

Key Market Takeaways: Argentina - Switzerland Trade

The bilateral trade relationship between Argentina and Switzerland solidified Argentina's position as a net exporter in Q4 2023, despite volatile growth trends.

  • Economic Pulse: Argentina posted a $218.01M trade surplus, with exports ($322.92M) tripling imports ($104.91M). Export growth was erratic (+13.32% YoY in December), while imports consistently declined (-10.24% YoY in December).
  • Exchange Structure: Argentina - Switzerland trade statistics reveal a resource-for-tech dynamic—Argentina dominates with precious metals (HS 71, 93.1% of exports), while Switzerland supplies high-value pharmaceuticals (HS 30, 39.38% of imports).
  • Strategic Interdependence: Hyper-specialized and complementary, but Switzerland holds the higher value-add position in the bilateral trade data, reflecting its advanced manufacturing edge.

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

Argentina-Switzerland Trade Trend in Q4 2023

Argentina Export Performance: Shipments to Switzerland

  • Total Volume: $322.92M in Q4 2023.
  • Growth Trend & Context:
    • Volatile YoY performance: October (-52.3%) and November (+108.59%) extremes, ending Q4 with a +13.32% YoY rise in December.
    • Key Volatility: November’s 325.14% MoM surge dominated the quarter, offsetting October’s sharp drop.

Argentina Import Performance: Sourcing from Switzerland

  • Total Volume: $104.91M in Q4 2023.
  • Growth Trend & Context:
    • Consistent YoY declines: -5.07% (Oct), -3.42% (Nov), -10.24% (Dec).
    • Key Volatility: December’s -40.27% MoM drop marked the lowest monthly volume ($25.44M).

Argentina - Switzerland Trade Balance & Market Dynamics

  • Net Position: $218.01M surplus for Argentina (Exports: $322.92M > Imports: $104.91M).
  • Relationship Status: Argentina solidified as a net exporter, with exports tripling imports despite quarterly import contractions.

Argentina Import Trend from Switzerland 2023 Q4 (Source: yTrade)**

MonthValueMoMYoY
Oct36.88M-55.47%-5.07%
Nov42.59M15.48%-3.42%
Dec25.44M-40.27%-10.24%
Total104.91M--

Argentina Export Trend to Switzerland 2023 Q4 (Source: yTrade)**

MonthValueMoMYoY
Oct40.01M-52.27%-52.3%
Nov170.10M325.14%108.59%
Dec112.80M-33.69%13.32%
Total322.92M--

Get Historical Argentina Switzerland Trade Records

Argentina-Switzerland Top Trading Products in Q4 2023

Argentina Export Profile: What Does Argentina Sell to Switzerland

  • Top Commodity: Rank #1 export is HS 71 (Precious stones/metals) with 93.10% share.
  • Demand Driver: Switzerland likely processes these materials for high-value jewelry, watches, or financial instruments.
  • Concentration: Extreme dominance by HS 71 (>90%), indicating a hyper-specialized trade flow.

Argentina Import Profile: What Does Argentina Buy from Switzerland

  • Top Commodity: Rank #1 import is HS 30 (Pharmaceuticals) with 39.38% share.
  • Dependency Nature: Critical technology dependency, as pharmaceuticals require advanced R&D and manufacturing capabilities.

Argentina - Switzerland Trade Relationship Dynamics

  • The Exchange Model: Resource-for-Tech Complementarity—Argentina exports raw precious metals (HS 71) and imports high-tech pharmaceuticals (HS 30).
  • Value Chain Position: Switzerland holds the higher value-add position, evidenced by its exports of complex goods (pharmaceuticals, machinery) versus Argentina’s raw material exports.

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

HS CodeValuePercent
3041.31M39.38%
2913.75M13.11%
3211.06M10.54%
848.37M7.98%
916.08M5.79%
905.42M5.16%
093.91M3.73%
482.82M2.68%
852.30M2.19%
331.78M1.70%

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

HS CodeValuePercent
71300.65M93.10%
9915.56M4.82%
224.39M1.36%
022.32M0.72%

Check Detailed Argentina-Switzerland Trade HS Code Breakdown

Future Outlook & Strategic Recommendations

Forecast

Argentina’s trade surplus with Switzerland is expected to widen in 2024, driven by sustained demand for precious metals (HS 71) and Switzerland’s reliance on high-value raw materials. However, import declines in pharmaceuticals (HS 30) signal potential supply chain friction or shifting procurement strategies. Traders should anticipate continued volatility in monthly export flows, mirroring Q4 2023’s erratic performance. The resource-for-tech exchange model will persist, but Argentina must address its overreliance on a single export commodity to mitigate price sensitivity risks.

Strategic Moves

  • Diversify Export Basket: Argentine exporters must reduce dependence on HS 71 by promoting secondary sectors like agricultural byproducts (e.g., leather, wine) to Swiss buyers, leveraging Switzerland’s luxury goods market.
  • Lock In Pharma Contracts: Importers should secure long-term agreements with Swiss pharmaceutical suppliers to stabilize pricing and avoid December-like supply drops, which risk disrupting medical supply chains.
  • Monitor Precious Metal Regulations: With Switzerland likely tightening sourcing standards (e.g., ESG compliance), Argentine miners must preemptively certify their supply chains to avoid sudden demand shocks.

Frequently Asked Questions

How did Argentina - Switzerland trade perform in 2023 Q4?

Argentina exported $322.92M to Switzerland (+13.32% YoY in December) and imported $104.91M (consistent YoY declines). The quarter saw volatile export growth but a solid trade surplus.

What are the top exports from Argentina to Switzerland?

HS 71 (Precious stones/metals) dominated with a 93.10% share, reflecting Argentina’s hyper-specialized export flow to Switzerland.

What does Argentina import from Switzerland?

HS 30 (Pharmaceuticals) was the top import (39.38% share), highlighting Argentina’s dependency on Switzerland’s advanced pharmaceutical technology.

What is the trade balance between Argentina and Switzerland?

Argentina recorded a $218.01M surplus in Q4 2023, with exports tripling imports despite quarterly import contractions.

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