Argentina's trade fell 23,8% in the fourth month of this year, compared to the same month in 2019, for a total of 7.247 billion dollars, as a result of the restrictions caused by the new coronavirus pandemic, the National Institute of Statistics and Census (INDEC) reported on Wednesday (27.07.2020).
"Trade exchange [exports plus imports] decreased by 23,8% compared to the same period last year and reached a value of 7.247 billion dollars," the organization said in a report.
The trade balance recorded a trade surplus of 1.411 billion dollars, 246 million more than in April 2019.
Exports reached 4.329 billion dollars, 18,9% less year-on-year (1.008 billion dollars), after quantities decreased by 13%.
The foreign sales that fell the most were those of industrial origin, which fell 58,3% year-on-year, followed by sales of fuel and energy (33,9%) and agricultural origin (2,7%).
In contrast, exports of primary products increased by 10,8%, the report said.
Imports, which amounted to 2.918 billion dollars, fell by 30,1% year-on-year (equivalent to 1.254 billion dollars), with quantities decreasing by 27,5%.
The foreign purchases that contracted the most were:
- Passenger motor vehicles (57,6%);
- Fuels and lubricants (47,3%);
- Parts and accessories for capital goods (43,7%);
- Capital goods (34,9%).
Partners
Argentina's main trading partners were:
- China;
- Brazil;
- U.S.
Goods worth 509 million dollars were exported to the Asian country and imports amounted to 411 million dollars, resulting in a surplus of 98 million dollars.
With sales to Brazil of 387 million dollars and purchases of 519 million, the deficit with this country was 132 million dollars.
Exports to the United States also showed a deficit of 117 million dollars, with exports of 268 million and imports of 384 million, the report said. Trade with the Southern Common Market (Mercosur), made up of Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay, also showed a deficit of 189 million dollars. Exports with this bloc fell 52,9% year-on-year to 509 million dollars (571 million less than in April 2019), while imports fell 41,1% year-on-year to 698 million dollars (488 million dollars less).
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