2012-11-14 14:03:28 - New Food research report from Business Monitor International is now available from Fast Market Research

Argentine grain production had a generally poor year in 2011/12, with corn, soybean and wheat production all falling year-on-year (y-o-y). This was mainly a function of dry weather as part of the La Nina weather pattern. In the midst of concerns around global food supply, Argentina could be a significant bright spot, with record production forecast for corn and soybean in 2012/13. Furthermore, the country's once struggling beef sector appears to be finally making some progress towards herd expansion. Argentina has long since relinquished its position as South America's pre-eminent food producer to Brazil, but the sector remains a vital part of the Argentine economy. Despite this, the poor relationship between farmers and the government (mainly due to export tax

disputes) is likely to continue.

Key Forecasts

* Corn production growth to 2015/16: average 6.5% per year to 31.4mn tonnes. We expect the area harvested to increase as improved prices and export opportunities arising from increasing livestock and biofuel production encourage farmers to plant corn. However, some of this growth will also be due to base effects.
* Soybean production growth to 2015/16: average 6.0% per year to 52.0mn tonnes. This is mainly due to recent government approval for new types of genetically modified seeds, which are likely to boost yields over the medium term.
* Beef production growth to 2016: 28.3% on the 2011 level to 3.2mn tonnes. In 2011/12, the return of rain in many areas and the improvement of pastures, combined with firm beef prices, led farmers to start rebuilding herds. Production would most likely be higher if export taxes on beef, at 15%, were reduced. Much of this growth is due to base effects.
* 2012 real GDP growth: 4.0% y-o-y (down from 8.9% in 2011; predicted to average 4% from now until 2016).
* Consumer price index: 25% y-o-y in 2012 (up from 9% y-o-y in 2011).


Full Report Details at
- www.fastmr.com/prod/499715_argentina_agribusiness_report_q4_2012 ..


Industry Outlook

The Argentine government announced two policies in August that will impact future soybean production. First, the government increased the export tax on biodiesel from 20% to 32%, now equal to soybean oil and soybean meal export taxes. The government enacted the policy (which includes reducing the internal reference price by 15%) to reduce biodiesel exports and make domestic biodiesel cheaper. It also would increase the competitiveness of soybean oil exports, which are often compromised as soybean oil is occasionally converted into biodiesel owing to better returns.

Second, the government allowed temporary soybean imports for the first time since 2009. Soybean crushers have capacity for roughly 50mn tonnes of soybeans, and given the deficiency of the 2011/12 crop (at around 40mn tonnes), many crushers suffered from poor margins and subsequently laid off workers. Crushers are required to purchase 5mn tonnes of domestic soybean for every 1mn tonnes of imports (mainly from Paraguay) although they are exempt from paying the full 32% soybean oil export tax, instead paying the value-added portion. We do not expect imports from Paraguay to continue should the 2012/13 crop come in at current expectations.

BMI believes that the recent flooding in central Argentina (particularly the Buenos Aires province) will have little impact on the country's 2012/13 wheat crop. Concerns mounted after heavy rains flooded 8.6mn hectares of farmland outside the capital and forced state governor Daniel Scioli to declare an emergency, allowing agricultural businesses to delay re-paying debts and/or taxes. However, according to the Buenos Aires Grains Exchange, the flooding impacted areas that are not key growing regions. Indeed, they believe the rains will have a beneficial effect on the country's grain belt. In particular, the rain will help replenish soil conditions at a time when the crop is at a sensitive point in the production cycle.

About Business Monitor International

Business Monitor International (BMI) offers a comprehensive range of products and services designed to help senior executives, analysts and researchers assess and better manage operating risks, and exploit business opportunities, across 175 markets. BMI offers three main areas of expertise: Country Risk BMI's country risk and macroeconomic forecast portfolio includes weekly financial market reports, monthly regional Monitors, and in-depth quarterly Business Forecast Reports. Industry Analysis BMI covers a total of 17 industry verticals through a portfolio of services, including in-depth quarterly Country Forecast Reports. View more research from Business Monitor International at www.fastmr.com/catalog/publishers.aspx?pubid=1010

About Fast Market Research

Fast Market Research is an online aggregator and distributor of market research and business information. We represent the world's top research publishers and analysts and provide quick and easy access to the best competitive intelligence available.

For more information about these or related research reports, please visit our website at www.fastmr.com or call us at 1.800.844.8156.