Javier Milei at La Rural: Five Key Facts About Argentina's Agricultural Sector

The article presents five indicators on the recent situation of Argentina's agricultural sector. During the first five months of 2026, agricultural activity increased by 11.5% year-on-year, while registered employment remained at around 320,000 jobs. In the 2025/26 crop season, wheat production reached 29.5 million tonnes, while a record maize harvest of 68 million tonnes was projected and soybean production was estimated at approximately 51.5 million tonnes. In contrast, cattle slaughter declined to 6 million head during the first half of 2026, and annualized beef consumption fell to 47 kilograms per person. First-half exports amounted to US$12.631 billion in primary products and US$15.819 billion in agricultural manufactures, although agricultural foreign-currency settlements decreased by 13.2% year-on-year. The article also reviews tax measures affecting the sector, including the reduction of export duties on wheat and barley in effect since June 2026.