Argentina Unmanufactured Tobacco HS240120 Export Data 2025 February Overview

Argentina Unmanufactured Tobacco (HS 240120) 2025 February Export: Key Takeaways

Argentina's unmanufactured tobacco exports (HS Code 240120) in February 2025 reveal a premium-driven market, with Turkey dominating as the top buyer—paying 14.08 USD/kg for high-grade product—while Paraguay absorbs larger volumes of lower-grade stock. Geographic concentration is high, with Turkey, Brazil, and Chile accounting for over 70% of shipments, creating both premium revenue opportunities and supply chain risks. This analysis covers February 2025 and is based on cleanly processed Customs data from the yTrade database.

Argentina Unmanufactured Tobacco (HS 240120) 2025 February Export Background

Unmanufactured tobacco (HS Code 240120), comprising stemmed or stripped leaves, fuels global cigarette and cigar production due to its essential role as raw material. Argentina, a key supplier, streamlined trade in early 2025 by eliminating its import licensing system (SEDI) [Trade.gov], simplifying exports like unmanufactured tobacco. With stable demand and competitive pricing, Argentina’s 2025 February export policies position it as a critical player for buyers seeking high-quality, minimally processed tobacco.

Argentina Unmanufactured Tobacco (HS 240120) 2025 February Export: Trend Summary

Key Observations

Argentina Unmanufactured tobacco exports under HS Code 240120 experienced a sharp contraction in February 2025, with total value falling to $2.49 million and volume dropping to 208.50 thousand kilograms. This represents a significant sequential decline from January's performance.

Price and Volume Dynamics

The month-over-month decrease in both value (-66%) and volume (-62%) aligns with typical post-harvest shipment patterns for tobacco. January typically sees concentrated export activity following the main harvest period, while February traditionally marks a seasonal slowdown as initial inventory surges subside. The price per kilogram remained relatively stable despite the volume drop, indicating maintained quality valuations rather than distress selling.

External Context and Outlook

Argentina's trade policy reforms, particularly the elimination of the SEDI import licensing system effective February 26, 2025 [Trade.gov], provided broader trade facilitation but arrived too late in the month to impact February's tobacco export figures. The simplified procedures may support future shipments, though tobacco exports remain subject to separate regulatory oversight and global demand fluctuations characteristic of agricultural commodities.

Argentina Unmanufactured Tobacco (HS 240120) 2025 February Export: HS Code Breakdown

Product Specialization and Concentration

In February 2025, Argentina's export of unmanufactured tobacco under HS Code 240120 is heavily concentrated, with sub-code 24012030000 dominating the market. It accounts for nearly 60% of the export value and weight, indicating a focus on a specific grade or form of tobacco. This sub-code has a unit price of 11.38 USD per kilogram, while another sub-code, 24012040000, stands out with a higher unit price of 14.08 USD per kilogram, suggesting a potential premium segment that is isolated from the main analysis due to its price disparity.

Value-Chain Structure and Grade Analysis

The remaining sub-codes can be grouped into two categories based on unit price and volume. The first group includes 24012030000 and 24012090000, both with unit prices around 11.38 USD per kilogram, representing a standard grade of tobacco that is likely fungible and traded in bulk. The second group is 24012040000, with a higher unit price of 14.08 USD per kilogram, indicating a premium grade that may involve better quality or specific processing. This structure shows that Argentina's unmanufactured tobacco exports are not entirely commoditized; there is clear differentiation, possibly based on quality or origin, which affects pricing.

Strategic Implication and Pricing Power

For exporters in Argentina, the differentiation in grades offers a strategy to target premium markets for better margins, leveraging the higher unit price of sub-code 24012040000. Pricing power appears limited for the standard grade due to its commodity-like nature, but the premium grade allows for some value retention. General export duties may apply, as historical policies suggest, but no specific recent changes directly impacting HS Code 240120 are highlighted in the provided context for February 2025.

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Argentina Unmanufactured Tobacco (HS 240120) 2025 February Export: Market Concentration

Geographic Concentration and Dominant Role

In February 2025, Argentina's exports of unmanufactured tobacco HS Code 240120 showed strong geographic concentration, with Turkey as the dominant partner based on its highest value share of 23.89%. Turkey's value ratio exceeds its weight ratio of 20.23%, indicating it sources higher-grade, premium tobacco from Argentina, with an estimated unit price around 14.08 USD per kilogram. Brazil follows closely with a value ratio of 23.14%, but its weight ratio of 22.10% suggests a more balanced, standard-grade import pattern.

Partner Countries Clusters and Underlying Causes

The top partners form three clusters: first, Turkey and Chile both have value ratios higher than weight ratios, pointing to premium tobacco demand, likely driven by higher income markets or quality-specific needs. Second, Brazil and Denmark show nearly equal value and weight ratios, indicating standard-grade imports for general consumption, possibly due to established trade routes and consistent demand. Third, Paraguay has the highest weight ratio at 27.35% but a lower value ratio of 20.61%, suggesting it imports larger volumes of lower-grade tobacco, often for cost-effective processing or mass market use, influenced by regional proximity and economic factors.

Forward Strategy and Supply Chain Implications

For Argentina, prioritizing high-value exports to Turkey and Chile can maximize revenue, while managing volume-driven relationships with Paraguay requires cost efficiency. Diversifying into similar premium markets could reduce reliance on any single partner. Supply chains should focus on quality control for premium grades and logistical efficiency for high-volume shipments to maintain competitiveness in the unmanufactured tobacco trade.

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Argentina Unmanufactured Tobacco (HS 240120) 2025 February Export: Buyer Cluster

Buyer Market Concentration and Dominance

For Argentina Unmanufactured tobacco Export in 2025 February, under HS Code 240120, the buyer market shows strong concentration among four segments of buyers. The high-value, frequent buyers dominate the trade, accounting for the majority of export value. These buyers typically make large, regular purchases, reflecting a stable and high-volume market characteristic for this commodity.

Strategic Buyer Clusters and Trade Role

The other buyer segments play specific roles. Buyers with high value but low frequency likely represent occasional large orders, perhaps from processors or distributors stocking up. Low-value, high-frequency buyers are probably small-scale traders or local businesses making regular small purchases. Low-value, low-frequency buyers might be infrequent or niche market participants, such as specialty shops or trial orders. This structure is common for commodity trades like unmanufactured tobacco.

Sales Strategy and Vulnerability

Exporters in Argentina should focus on maintaining relationships with dominant high-value buyers to secure steady revenue. The risk lies in over-reliance on a few large buyers, but opportunities exist in tapping into occasional large orders and small regular buyers. Argentina's recent elimination of import licensing, as noted by [Trade.gov], simplifies export processes and could attract more diverse buyers, reducing vulnerability. A direct sales approach with flexible terms may suit this market.

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Argentina Unmanufactured Tobacco (HS 240120) 2025 February Export: Action Plan for Unmanufactured Tobacco Market Expansion

Strategic Supply Chain Overview

Argentina Unmanufactured tobacco Export 2025 February under HS Code 240120 operates in a dual-grade market. Price is driven by quality differentiation: a standard grade (around 11.38 USD/kg) traded in bulk and a premium grade (14.08 USD/kg) targeting specific buyers. Geopolitical factors like trade policies and partner demand patterns further influence pricing. Supply chain implications focus on maintaining supply security for high-volume standard shipments while ensuring quality control and traceability for premium segments. Argentina acts as a key processing hub, requiring efficient logistics to serve both volume-driven and value-focused markets.

Action Plan: Data-Driven Steps for Unmanufactured tobacco Market Execution

• Target premium markets like Turkey and Chile using HS Code 240120 sub-code data. How: Analyze export records to identify buyers paying higher unit prices. Why: Maximizes revenue per kilogram and leverages existing quality differentiation.
• Diversify buyer base by engaging occasional high-value importers. How: Use trade data to identify low-frequency but high-value buyers and offer tailored contracts. Why: Reduces over-reliance on dominant partners and stabilizes income streams.
• Optimize logistics for high-volume partners like Paraguay. How: Segment shipments by grade and destination using weight and value ratios. Why: Lowers shipping costs per unit and maintains competitiveness for standard-grade tobacco.
• Monitor trade policy changes impacting HS Code 240120. How: Track regulatory updates from sources like Trade.gov. Why: Prevents disruptions from sudden duty changes or compliance requirements.
• Leverage Argentina’s simplified export processes to attract new buyers. How: Promote ease of doing business in marketing outreach. Why: Capitalizes on recent reforms to expand market reach and reduce entry barriers.

Take Action Now —— Explore Argentina Unmanufactured tobacco Export Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is driving the recent changes in Argentina Unmanufactured tobacco Export 2025 February?

The sharp contraction in February 2025 (-66% value, -62% volume) reflects typical post-harvest seasonality, with January’s surge subsiding. Stable unit prices indicate maintained quality demand despite the slowdown.

Q2. Who are the main partner countries in this Argentina Unmanufactured tobacco Export 2025 February?

Turkey (23.89% value share) and Brazil (23.14%) dominate, followed by Paraguay (20.61%). Turkey’s higher value-to-weight ratio signals premium-grade demand, while Paraguay imports larger volumes of lower-grade tobacco.

Q3. Why does the unit price differ across Argentina Unmanufactured tobacco Export 2025 February partner countries?

Price gaps stem from grade differentiation: sub-code 24012040000 (14.08 USD/kg) serves premium markets like Turkey, while 24012030000 (11.38 USD/kg) caters to standard-grade buyers such as Brazil.

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

Prioritize high-value buyers (e.g., Turkey) for premium grades and maintain relationships with volume-driven partners (e.g., Paraguay). Diversifying premium markets can reduce reliance on dominant buyers.

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

Buyers in Turkey and Chile access premium-grade tobacco, while Brazil and Denmark receive standard-grade products. Paraguay’s cost-effective bulk imports suit mass-market processing needs.

Q6. How is Unmanufactured tobacco typically used in this trade flow?

Exports are primarily for processing into manufactured tobacco products, with premium grades likely destined for high-end markets and standard grades for general consumption.

Q7. What is yTrade?

yTrade is a global trade data platform that provides SaaS and API access to provide accurate, structured, and searchable import-export trade data for international business decisions. It enables users to access verified shipment records, analyse buyer and supplier activity, review company trade overviews, assess compliance risks, and monitor real market demand — all from a single, scalable system.

Q8. How can yTrade benefit my business?

yTrade helps businesses:

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Q9. What features does yTrade offer?

yTrade provides practical, trade-focused tools including:

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