Lower withholding taxes: Córdoba expects a record wheat season

While the news broke about the extension of the reduction in export duties of 9.5% on its exports until March 2026, wheat is set to have a historic season in Córdoba. According to the Córdoba Grain Exchange, the 2025-26 cycle will have the largest planted area since records began. Without a doubt, this is great news and reflects the confidence of Córdoba's producers.

To put it in numbers, 1,793,500 hectares are estimated to be planted with wheat for this winter, which means 66% more compared to the historical average and 6% more than last season. In addition, experts foresee 1,631,900 harvestable hectares, 67% more than the historical average and 15% higher than the 2024-25 cycle. So far, the planting progress is, according to the local Grain Exchange, 78%.

Extension of the reduction in wheat and barley export duties

With decree 439/2025, signed by President Javier Milei; Chief of Cabinet Guillermo Francos, and Minister of Economy Luis Caputo, the 9.5% rates on wheat and barley were postponed until March 31, 2026. "It is extended, until March 31, 2026, inclusive, for goods included in the tariff positions of the Mercosur Common Nomenclature (N.C.M.) listed in the Annex (IF-2025-55808025-APN-SSMAEII#MEC) which forms an integral part of this decree, the application of the rates established in Article 2 of Decree No. 38 of January 25, 2025," the text states.

Wheat: analysis by the Córdoba Grain Exchange

"By mid-June, wheat planting showed significant progress in the
province, with mainly short-cycle varieties, some irrigated plots, areas where the peanut harvest had not yet finished, and those plots intended for cover crops still to be sown," the entity states.

"Regarding this last use, collaborators reported that about 9% of the already planted area would be destined for cover. However, they indicated that this value could increase as the cycle progresses, depending on crop development, moisture availability, and management decisions made toward August-September," they add.  "In several cases, it was mentioned that, if the wheat doesn't show good yield potential, it could be redirected to service crops through chemical drying," they conclude.
Wheat planting intention in Córdoba Since the first estimate, wheat planting intention has shown a downward trend in the province.

Even in this latest update, despite the official confirmation that import duties on the crop will continue to decrease until March 2026, the projected area was adjusted again. Nonetheless, the largest planted area in the province since records began at the Córdoba Grain Exchange is expected to be reached.

Partial reconfiguration of Córdoba's wheat map

In the 2025/26 season, the departments of San Justo, Unión, Río Cuarto, and Gral. Roca account for about 50% of the wheat-planted area in Córdoba, as shown on the distribution map. While the first two have historically occupied the top spots in provincial participation, the case of Río Cuarto is a novelty: for the first time since the 2007/08 season, this department ranks third. These changes suggest a partial reconfiguration of Córdoba's wheat map, driven by favorable moisture conditions and producers' strategic decisions.