Since the beginning of the commodities boom in the early 2000s, Argentina has relied heavily on soybean exports as a source of U.S. dollars — the currency that has been in exceptionally high demand in the country’s economy for the past several decades.

As a result, successive governments have employed a wide range of strategies to encourage farmers to sell — and export — soybeans, while also seeking additional revenue from what has often been described as the country’s golden goose, primarily through export taxes.

The latest examples include the export incentive programs introduced during former President Alberto Fernández’s administration — popularly known as the soy dollar exchange-rate scheme — and the temporary export tax cuts implemented by President Javier Milei’s government last year.

However, during the first half of 2026 — the period when most of the harvest is typically marketed — soybean sales fell short of historical levels.

As of July 15, only 14.6 million metric tons had........

© Buenos Aires Herald