Market
In Argentina, almonds are a small but developing dry-nut crop in arid producing provinces such as San Juan and Catamarca, with additional plantings in Mendoza and La Rioja reported by INTA. Commercial orchards rely on irrigated systems and varietal choice to manage frost and Zonda-wind risks highlighted in INTA research from San Juan. Trade data from UN Comtrade (via the World Bank WITS portal) indicates Argentina is a net importer of shelled almonds (HS 080212), importing about USD 17.7 million (~3,100 t) in 2021, with Chile and the United States among leading suppliers. For market entry, Argentina’s SENASA uses a phytosanitary import authorization (AFIDI) workflow for many plant-origin products, while the Argentine Food Code (CAA/ANMAT) provides product definitions and updated contaminant controls (e.g., mycotoxins) relevant to edible nuts including almonds.
Market RoleNet importer with emerging domestic production
Domestic RoleNiche domestic orchard production with reliance on imported kernels for consistent supply
Risks
Foreign Exchange HighChanges in Argentina’s foreign-exchange and import-payment rules can delay or constrain access to FX for paying imported almonds, creating shipment delays, contract non-performance risk, and working-capital stress for import-dependent buyers.Use payment structures resilient to FX timing (e.g., confirmed L/C where appropriate), monitor BCRA exterior y cambios updates and ARCA trade-system changes, and maintain buffer inventory for critical SKUs.
Food Safety MediumArgentina’s food-safety framework (CAA/ANMAT) has updated contaminant controls including mycotoxin limits relevant to edible nuts such as almonds; non-compliance can trigger rejection, recalls, or mandatory corrective actions.Require accredited lab COAs (mycotoxins) per lot, apply robust supplier approval, and align sampling plans with buyer and regulatory expectations.
Climate MediumDomestic almond orchards in provinces such as San Juan face yield risk from late frosts and Zonda wind events during sensitive phenological stages; irrigation management is also a key constraint in arid regions.Select varieties and sites with lower frost frequency, implement frost-risk mitigation where feasible, and invest in irrigation efficiency and monitoring.
Regulatory Compliance MediumFor imports classified as plant-origin products with phytosanitary requirements, missing or mismatched AFIDI-linked documentation can cause delays, additional inspections, or refusal of entry.Confirm AFIDI requirements before shipment, ensure the NPPO phytosanitary certificate mirrors AFIDI declarations, and pre-audit document packets with the customs broker.
Sustainability- Water stewardship and irrigation efficiency are critical in arid production zones (e.g., Catamarca/Cuyo) for almond orchards.
FAQ
Does Argentina mainly import or export almonds?Argentina is primarily an importing market for almonds. UN Comtrade data accessed via the World Bank WITS portal shows Argentina imported shelled almonds (HS 080212) in 2021, with key suppliers including Chile and the United States.
What is AFIDI and when is it relevant for almonds entering Argentina?AFIDI is SENASA’s phytosanitary import authorization for plant-origin products when phytosanitary requirements apply. SENASA describes AFIDI as part of its import control process for products that can carry regulated pests, with documentary and physical verification at entry.
What food-safety issue is especially important for almonds in Argentina’s regulatory framework?Mycotoxin compliance is a key issue for edible nuts, including almonds, under Argentina’s Food Code updates communicated by ANMAT. Importers and suppliers typically manage this by using lot-level testing and documented quality controls.