Argentina’s corn acreage to fall sharply – forecast

Corn production in South America’s two main agricultural countries will follow two different paths during the 2024-2025 crop season, according to official forecasts by consulting agencies in Brazil and Argentina, Agriculture news portal reported Nov. 22.

Brazil and Argentina together account for about 40% of global corn exports. In Brazil, planted acreage is projected to remain flat, but exports will drop significantly due to increased competition in the international market.

In contrast, Argentina expects the largest reduction in corn acreage in 17 years, due to concerns about the potential impact of a corn disease that severely affected fields last season. Despite this, Argentine corn exports are expected to reach the highest level since the 2020-2021 season, according to analysts.

Brazil, meanwhile, is set to increase production while reducing exports. The Brazilian food agency National Supply Company (Conab) raised its estimate of the total corn crop in the country in the 2024-2025 season by 3.6% compared to last year, when unfavorable weather conditions in key growing regions had a negative impact on yields.

As a reminder, having surpassed the United States as the world’s largest corn exporter in 2023, Brazil has significantly reduced its shipments in 2024. According to the Brazilian Secretariat of Foreign Trade (SECEX), Brazil exported 27% less between January and October 2024 compared to the same period of the previous year.

Tags: Argentina, sown area, corn