Argentina Corn Exports Soar Past 10 Million Tons Amid Global Grain Chaos

The global corn trade is undergoing significant changes due to the ongoing Ukraine war and European heatwave. Argentina's corn exports are surging, surpassing 10 million metric tons for the first time in August and September. The country's record harvest, coupled with Ukraine's inability to export grain via its Black Sea ports, has created a market gap that Argentine exporters are filling.

The surge in exports is largely driven by North African countries, which have traditionally relied on Ukrainian grain but are now seeking alternative sources. In the first seven months of 2026, Argentina's corn shipments to North Africa increased by 45% year-over-year to 6.5 million tons. Morocco, Egypt, and Algeria are among the top buyers.

Gustavo Idigoras, president of CIARA-CEC grain exporters and crushers chamber, attributed Argentina's competitive advantage to its price and supply availability. However, experts caution that the export boom may not be sustainable in the long term, with a potential pullback expected in 2027 if Ukraine's Black Sea ports resume operations or European weather returns to normal.