Argentina Strengthens Its Position as a Key Pea Exporter to China in 2025

Argentina’s agri-food sector continues to expand its global footprint, and one of the most remarkable developments of 2025 has been the strong growth in pea exports to China. As demand for plant-based proteins rises across Asia, Argentina has become an increasingly strategic supplier, combining competitive pricing, sustainable production, and high-quality pulses.

A Year of Record Growth in Pea Exports

Over the past few seasons, Argentina has experienced a remarkable transformation in its legume sector. Industry data indicate that pea production rose significantly, with some reports pointing to a 20% year-on-year increase, reaching around 257,900 tons. Moreover, planted area for peas climbed by approximately 8% to more than 83,000 hectares, showing that farmers are reallocating resources toward this crop.

On the export front, the figures are equally compelling. During the first quarter of 2025, exports of legumes from Argentina dropped overall, yet pea exports soared, rising about 54% in volume and approximately 43% in value, to nearly 76,000 tons and US$31.2 million, respectively. For the first time, peas surpassed beans as the top exported legume, marking a structural shift in Argentina’s agribusiness export portfolio.

This shift reflects a deep re-orientation in cropping decisions, supply-chain design, and national export strategy.

Why China is the Catalyzing Market

The key to this transformation lies in the opening and intensification of trade with China. Argentina received export clearance for pea exports to China after lengthy phytosanitary negotiations—a process that took years and involved coordination between national actors (such as SENASA) and Chinese authorities.

One major competitive advantage: the leading global pea supplier, Canada, is currently subject to import tariffs of up to 100% in China—creating a window of opportunity for Argentine producers, which local agribusinesses have leveraged effectively.

China’s demand for peas spans a variety of end-uses: food-industry ingredients (plant-based protein isolates), snacks, flours, and animal-feed components. The combination of growing Chinese consumer demand for healthier diets and industrial demand for legume-based ingredients creates a strong pull for Argentine peas.

In short, Argentina gained access to an attractive, large-scale market at a moment when traditional suppliers were constrained—a strategic alignment of production, access, and demand.

Argentina’s Competitive Strengths

Improved Agronomic Efficiency

The rise in pea production is supported by varietal improvements, better agronomic practices, and increased adoption of technologies suited to peas. While traditionally self-pollinating legumes have lagged in Argentina, recent years show productivity gains: higher potential yields and better seed purity. Local industry experts indicate that only around 30% of the area is allocated to yellow-pea varieties (preferred in export markets), showing both upside potential and room for growth.

Sustainable Rotation and Environmental Benefits

Peas offer the agribusiness sector a dual advantage: agronomic (crop rotation, nitrogen fixation) and environmental (reduced need for synthetic nitrogen fertilizer). For industry players, seed companies, input suppliers, and agtech providers, this means a clear value proposition: efficient resource use, improved soil health, and alignment with global sustainability standards.

Logistics, Traceability, and Value-Added Opportunities

Argentine exporters are investing in processing (drying, sorting, cleaning, packaging) and logistics (port throughput, cold chain, shipping efficiencies). These investments are critical as Chinese buyers increasingly demand traceability, consistent quality, and reliable supply. Producers and processors who meet these requirements can capture premium pricing and long-term contracts.

The rise in demand for pea-based protein isolates and plant-based ingredients also opens downstream opportunities. Argentine companies can position themselves as end-to-end supply chain partners, from field to processor to global food manufacturer.

Strategic Challenges and Considerations

Scaling Up Without Compromising Quality

While production growth is promising, scalability remains a challenge. To meet Chinese demand at scale, producers must maintain varietal purity, consistent moisture and quality standards, and logistics discipline. Currently, most of the area is still green-pea variety, while yellow-pea (preferred in China) is underrepresented (~30%).

This implies a strategic roadmap: investment in seed innovation, extension services, and processing capacity.

Dependence on Geopolitics and Market Windows

Much of Argentina’s current advantage stems from external conditions, such as high tariffs on Canadian peas and shifting trade flows due to U.S.–China tensions. Such conditions may not persist indefinitely. Diversifying export destinations, securing long-term contracts, and offering value-added differentiation are ways to mitigate risk.

Infrastructure and Value-Chain Bottlenecks

Export growth requires robust logistics: port access, shipping, container or bulk handling, quality control, and certifications. Some segments in Argentina may lag behind global best practice, presenting both risks and opportunities. Upgrading infrastructure can become a competitive differentiator.

Outlook for 2026 and Beyond

The medium-term outlook for Argentina’s pea export business is promising. With rising global demand for plant-based proteins and growing industrial consumption in China, Argentina can strengthen its position in the global pulse market. Analysts estimate that if current trajectories hold, pea exports to China could double within 2–3 years.

For agribusiness companies and stakeholders, now is the time to invest in seed innovation, agronomic services, processing capacity, certification/tracing systems, and logistics optimisation. This will allow capturing value, not just volume.

Strategic focus is essential: maintaining quality, building strong supply-chain partnerships, and ensuring that Argentine peas remain competitive in cost, reliability, sustainability, and end-use readiness.

Conclusion

Argentina’s rise as a pea exporter to China reflects a structural transformation in the legume sector, driven by demand dynamics, agronomic improvements, and strategic export access. For industry players—from seed companies to processors to exporters—this presents a compelling value-chain opportunity.

If your company is engaged in pulses, plant proteins, or global supply chains, now is the moment to evaluate partnerships, assess positioning, and map how to deliver quality, scale, and sustainability to global buyers.

Together, these efforts can transform what was once a modest crop into a strategic export success.

Unlock Your Pea Export Potential with SpringHaus Agro

If your company is active in pulses, plant-protein ingredients, or global agri-supply chains, connect with SpringHaus Agro today. Explore partnerships with seed innovators, processors, and logistics experts to scale your exports to China and other high-demand markets. Ensure quality, traceability, and sustainability at every step of your value chain—position your business to lead in the next wave of global legume trade.