Argentina has introduced stricter export regulations for sorghum in an effort to boost shipments to China, a decision that could further strain its trade ties with the United States, which was once the leading supplier of the grain before tariffs disrupted global trade flows. The Agriculture Secretariat declared the changes on Friday, outlining new grading criteria focused on test weight, reduced levels of impurities, broken grains, and foreign material.
Exports are now required to meet minimum weights of 72, 70, and 67 kilograms per hectolitre, based on the grade. Shipments that fall below these thresholds will no longer be eligible for standard export certification.
The regulation also revised the grading criteria for sorghum to comply with international feed and processing standards. According to the agency, the measure aims to “facilitate domestic marketing, raise the quality of national production, and improve Argentina’s position in more demanding markets.” Officials stated that it brings local standards in line with those of major trading partners.
The revision aligns with China’s import standards, indicating that the new grading system was tailored to match that market’s expectations for grain quality and uniformity. Government figures revealed that China has emerged as Argentina’s primary sorghum customer, accounting for nearly all exports this year. From January to August, Argentina shipped 1.23 million tons of sorghum, with 1.22 million tons destined for China. Officials noted that the stricter standards aim to maintain this trade flow by enhancing consistency and traceability of shipments.
The updated regulations underscore Argentina’s efforts to grow its agricultural exports to China, which were previously dominated by U.S. suppliers. Prior to the initial wave of tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump, American producers met roughly 90% of China’s sorghum needs. However, China’s retaliatory tariffs prompted buyers to shift their sourcing toward South America.
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