In 2024, the Greater Rosario hub solidified its position as the world’s second most significant agro-export node, handling a total of 66 million tons (Mt) of grains, oilseeds, and by-products, according to a report by the Rosario Board of Trade (BCR). This figure placed it just behind the U.S. hub of New Orleans, which recorded 6 Mt more, and ahead of the port of Santos (Brazil), which reached 55.6 Mt.

This performance comes in the context of a recovery for Argentine exports: shipments grew by 55% year-on-year, following a historic drought that severely impacted national production in 2023. As a result, Argentina reestablished itself as the world’s third-largest agro-industrial exporter, trailing only Brazil and the United States, and surpassing competitors like Russia and Ukraine.

A key strategic factor boosting the competitiveness of the Rosario hub is its geographic proximity to Argentina’s main productive region. About 68% of the country’s soybeans are grown in areas located an average of just 226 kilometers from the Up-River; corn travels 257 km, and wheat 207 km on average. These distances contrast sharply with the 1,800 km that grains must travel from Mato Grosso to Santos (Brazil) or the 1,500 km from Illinois to New Orleans (USA).

The Greater Rosario hub accounts for 76% of Argentina’s agro-industrial exports, coordinating a network of specialized terminals spread across 70 kilometers along the Paraná River, from Timbúes to Arroyo Seco.

This performance cements Greater Rosario as a cornerstone of the Argentine economy and a strategic player in the global food trade.