With no date set, Milei told producers that export taxes are the next to be eliminated

Yesterday morning, President Javier Milei met for the first time with representatives of Argentina’s four national agricultural producer organizations. According to accounts afterward, they were able to present the main issues affecting them. Regarding export taxes, which are the sector’s main demand, the president reportedly promised that it’s the first tax he will eliminate when possible — that is, without setting a date. Although not in the same words, it’s consistent with what he has been saying since taking office in December 2023.

Despite the apparent lack of specifics, the leaders left the nearly two-hour meeting calm and positive. This was notable given that on July 1 the temporary reduction in export taxes on soybeans and corn, decreed in January, expired — raising the rates from 26% to 33% for soy exports and from 9.5% to 12% for corn.

Some speculate that this calm may stem from fears of a Kirchnerist comeback, the recent rise in the local dollar, and probably some certainty that the president will soon announce the full removal of export taxes on beef, which has a much smaller fiscal impact compared to grains.