Tax shifts may mar agriculture outlook in Argentina

Significance

High export taxes on the soya complex have encouraged farmers to shift to corn. Rising export earnings will help to strengthen international reserves and tax revenues. Argentina’s good harvest and rising global prices for agricultural commodities will give the government some relief from the economic crisis.

Impacts

• Higher agriculture production and prices will boost some regional economies, helping to fuel the post-pandemic economic rebound.
• Export earnings will ease devaluation fears, while higher export tax revenues will help to offset a lockdown-related fall in tax collection.
• The threat of new government controls aiming to guarantee domestic food supplies may discourage new investments, curtailing future output.