November 2, 2005

Argentina's August corn exports up 41.5 percent from last year
 

Argentina exported 1,197,132 tonnes of corn in August, up 41.5 percent from 845,784 tonnes during the same period a year earlier.

Exports rose mainly because of increased production, competitive pricing and solid demand.

Argentina's 2004-05 corn harvest totalled 19.5 million tonnes compared with just 13.5 million a year earlier, according to the Secretariat.

The USDA has forecast Argentina's 2004-05 corn exports at 14 million tonnes, compared with 10.94 million a year ago.

Malaysia was the leading importer in August, buying 228,898 tonnes of Argentine corn compared with 76,062 tonnes a year earlier.

Morocco ranked second, importing 158,104 tonnes, way up from 120 tonnes a year ago.

Saudi Arabia was third as it imported 112,030 tonnes, up from 97,237 tonnes in August 2004.