Argentina is preparing for record corn exports amid a decline in shipments from Ukraine
Corn exports from Argentina in August–September 2026 could reach a record 10 million metric tons. This growth is driven by a bumper harvest, demand from North Africa, and a reduction in Ukrainian shipments due to Russian attacks on port infrastructure and logistical problems on the Danube.
Argentina is wrapping up the 2025/26 corn harvest, which is estimated at 71.7 million metric tons — nearly 20% more than the previous record. By comparison, Argentina’s typical export volume in August–September is about 3 million metric tons.
One of the main drivers of this growth has been North African countries, which traditionally purchased Ukrainian grain. In the first seven months of 2026, Argentine corn shipments to the region rose by 45% — to 6.5 million metric tons. Imports by Morocco increased by 133%, by Egypt by 48%, and by Algeria by 10%.
This shift in trade flows is occurring amid intensified Russian attacks on the export infrastructure of the Odesa region. Ukraine has been forced to reroute some of its cargo to Danube and overland routes; however, drought and record-breaking heat in Europe have lowered water levels in the Danube and further limited its capacity. According to Reuters, Ukrainian shipments fell by 52% last month.
The situation in Brazil provides Argentina with an additional advantage: an increasing share of corn there is being diverted to domestic ethanol production, which reduces competition in the global export market.
Source: Reuters
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