Argentine biodiesel exports fall to zero during January and February

In Argentina, local press reports that the soy industry is blaming a shift in government policy that no longer favors value-added products to a decimation of biodiesel exports during the first two months of the year. During January and February there were no biodiesel exports at all compared to exports valued at $176 million during the same period last year. Unprocessed soy oil exports, however, rose 68% on the year. Soymeal exports fell 12% on the year despite the fact that production rose 5%. Dried, unprocessed soy bean exports rose to $56 million this year versus just $6 million last year. The value of raw soybean imports during the summer period also tripled in value on the year.