December 6, 2005

Argentina's September corn exports up 33 percent

Argentina exported 1,029,143 tonnes of corn in September, up about 33 percent from 774,743 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 tonnes 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 tonnes a year ago.

Malaysia was the leading importer in September, buying 137,474 tonnes of Argentine corn compared with 124,760 tonnes a year earlier.

Chile ranked second, importing 124,066 tonnes, up from 111,581 tonnes a year ago.

Peru was third as it imported 119,910 tonnes, up from 108,022 tonnes in September 2004.