Argentina is a global agricultural powerhouse, with its pesticide market playing a vital role in supporting large-scale production of soybeans, corn, wheat, and other crops. According to the latest report by CASAFE, the total volume of pesticides sold in Argentina reached 361 million liters/kilograms in 2023. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the market’s demand and supply structure, supported by detailed data and tables.
1. Market Demand Overview
1.1 Total Sales and Key Metrics
The Argentine pesticide market experienced a downturn in 2023 due to extreme weather conditions and falling glyphosate prices. Key metrics are summarized below:
| Indicator | 2023 Data | Year-on-Year Change | Market Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Sales Volume | 361 million L/kg | ↓7.2% | Historic drought led to a sharp reduction in planting area |
| Total Sales Value | $3.26 billion | ↓5.8% | Decline in sales volume coupled with lower glyphosate prices |
| Application Rate per Ha | 8.7 L/ha | ↓4.9% | Drought reduced the frequency and demand for pesticide applications |
1.2 Product Category Breakdown
Herbicides dominate the market, though biological products are growing rapidly:
| Category | Sales Share | Year-on-Year Change | Dominant Products and Trends |
|---|---|---|---|
| Herbicides | 72% | ↑9.1% | Decline in glyphosate demand (53% share), but resistance issues drive demand for mixtures (2,4-D, dicamba) |
| Insecticides | 18% | ↑3.5% | Fall armyworm outbreak boosts demand (chlorantraniliprole, spinetoram) |
| Fungicides | 8% | ↑2.4% | Reduced pressure from soybean rust (decreased use of azoxystrobin) |
| Others | 2% | ↑18.6% | Growth in biopesticides (Bacillus spp.) and seed treatment products |
1.3 Crop-Based Pesticide Usage
Soybeans account for the largest share of pesticide consumption:
| Crop Type | Pesticide Usage Share | Key Changes |
|---|---|---|
| Soybean | 62% | Planting area ↓14%, glyphosate usage sharply decreased by over 20% |
| Corn | 21% | Widespread adoption of insect-resistant seeds, insecticides ↑8% (focus on fall armyworm control) |
| Wheat | 9% | Drought delayed sowing, fungicides ↓12% (low incidence of rust disease) |
| Economic Crops | 8% | Insecticides for fruits/vegetables ↑11% (increased investment in citrus orchard protection market) |
2. Market Characteristics
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High Import Dependency: Over 80% of active ingredients are imported, mainly from China, India, and the EU. Local production is limited to a few firms like Atanor.
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Critical Role of Distributors: Companies such as Red Surcos and Agroempresa control regional channels and promote both multinational and own-brand products.
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Rise of Biological Pesticides: Rizobacter (inoculants) and Gleba (microbial pesticides) lead this segment, with growth exceeding 15% annually.
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Strong Chinese Involvement: Key players include Sinochem-ADAMA, COFCO-Nidera, and Wynca-Atanor.
3. Supply Structure: Key Players
3.1 Tier 1: Multinational Corporations
These companies control over 70% of the market:
| Company | Country | Main Products in Argentina | Market Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Bayer | Germany | Glyphosate (Roundup), Insecticides (Connect®), Fungicides (Fox®) | Leader in bundled sales of GM seeds and pesticides |
| 2. Syngenta | Switzerland/China | Herbicides (Acuron®), Insecticides (Ampligo®) | Leading in soybean rust control solutions |
| 3. Corteva | USA | Herbicides (Enlist™), Insecticides (Exalt®) | Promoter of 2,4-D/glufosinate resistant seed systems |
| 4. BASF | Germany | Herbicides (Kixor®), Fungicides (Opera®) | Specialist in soybean/corn weed control solutions |
| 5. FMC | USA | Herbicides (Precept®), Insecticides (Coragen®) | Focuses on high-value patented compounds |
3.2 Tier 2: Local Leaders and Regional Players
Significant local and international competitors:
| Company | Type | Core Business | Competitive Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6. Rizobacter | Local | Biopesticides, Seed Treatments | Global leading inoculant producer (acquired by Bioceres) |
| 7. Atanor | Local | Glyphosate/2,4-D Technical Production | Largest local technical manufacturer (controlled by Wynca) |
| 8. Red Surcos | Local | Herbicide/Insecticide Formulations | Nationwide distribution network coverage |
| 9. Agrofina | Local | Herbicides (Finaclean®), Plant Growth Regulators | Innovative mixed formulation developer |
| 10. Nufarm | Australia | Glyphosate, 2,4-D, Insecticides | Generic pesticide giant with local production |
| 11. ADAMA | China/Israel | Glyphosate, Chlorpyrifos, Carbendazim | Part of Sinochem Group, cost-effective technical supplier |
| 12. Nidera | Local/COFCO | Pesticide and Seed Distribution | Controlled by COFCO, significant channel advantages |
3.3 Tier 3: Specialized and Niche Players
Companies focusing on specific segments or services:
| Company | Focus Area | Representative Products/Services |
|---|---|---|
| 13. Gleba | Biopesticides & Organic Farming | Microbial insecticides, Biostimulants |
| 14. Agroempresa | Regional Distribution | Agency for multinational brands (Bayer, Syngenta) |
| 15. Tecnomyl | Insecticides/Miticides | Customized solutions for cotton and fruit crops |
| 16. Lao | Herbicide/Fungicide Formulations | Customized products for small and medium farms |
| 17. Agroservicios | Ag Services + Distribution | Integrated plant protection solutions |
| 18. YPF Agro | Energy group ag branch | Glyphosate distribution (via YPF gas stations) |
| 19. Sumitomo Chemical | Japan | Insecticides (Neonicotinoids), Fungicides |
| 20. UPL | India | Mancozeb and other generic pesticides |
4. Distribution Network
4.1 National Distributors
| Company Name | Core Business | Agency/Partner Brands | Advantage Areas |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red Surcos | Full-range distributor, own brands + multinational agency | Bayer, FMC, BASF + own brands | Herbicides, Seed treatments |
| Agroempresa | Integrated supply of pesticides, seeds, fertilizers | Syngenta, Corteva, ADAMA | Field crop solutions |
| LPS Argentina | Logistics and distribution | Noposion (China), UPL, Nufarm | Bulk technical import and processing |
| Profertil | Fertilizer and pesticide distribution (joint venture with Yara) | BASF, FMC | Bundled sales (chemical-fertilizer combinations) |
4.2 Regional Distributors in Key Provinces
| Company Name | Key Province | Specialty Business | Representative Partner Brands |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agroservicios Pampeanos | Buenos Aires Province | Integrated farm services | Bayer, Red Surcos |
| Distribuidora Gutiérrez | Córdoba Province | Fruit/vegetable pesticides | Sumitomo Chemical, Tecnomy |
| Agro Química San Jorge | Santa Fe Province | Soybean/corn herbicides | Atanor, Agrofina |
| Casa Juanita | Entre Ríos Province | Rice protection solutions | UPL, Xiaochangder |
4.3 Specialist Import Companies
| Company Name | Import Source | Main Product Categories | Downstream Customers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atanor | China (Wynca controlled) | Glyphosate, 2,4-D technicals | Local formulators, distributors |
| Agrofina | China, India | Off-patent technicals | Own brand + regional distributors |
| Agroquinica Iguazú | China | Fungicide/insecticide intermediates | Local processing enterprises |
| Cia. Mega | China, Southeast Asia | Adjuvants, plant growth regulators | Auxiliary formulation enterprises |
4.4 Chinese-Linked Import Channels
| Company Name | Chinese Background | Business in Argentina |
|---|---|---|
| Nidera | COFCO Group | Pesticide and grain trade synergy |
| ADAMA Argentina | Sinochem Group | Localized formulation of Chinese technicals |
| Sinochem Argentina | Direct branch of Sinochem | Bulk technical imports (for ADAMA and others) |
5. Conclusion
The Argentine pesticide market is complex and dynamic, characterized by:
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Significant demand driven by large-scale soybean and corn production.
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Heavy reliance on imported active ingredients.
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A multi-layered supply structure involving multinational corporations, local manufacturers, and specialized distributors.
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Rapid growth in biological products and strong Chinese influence.
Understanding these dimensions is essential for any stakeholder operating in or entering this strategic market.
