Overview
- The Sociedad Rural Argentina said wheat now makes up 6.7% of a kilo of bread, down from about 10% at the start of 2024, citing a market with fewer state interventions and export duties cut from 12% to 7.5%.
- Milling data show local wheat prices climbed about 12% in April and early May, with premium baking-quality lots topping ARS 450,000 per ton as mills paid up to secure scarce high-gluten grain.
- Flour prices followed higher wheat costs, with a 25‑kg bag of basic flour rising from roughly ARS 11,000–12,000 in April to ARS 13,000–14,000 this week, while higher grades held near ARS 17,000–18,000.
- Bakery owners reported higher bills for flour and fats yet weak sales, saying they can only raise shelf prices in part because customers have less to spend.
- International wheat that surged after the Middle East conflict eased in early May, with Chicago futures slipping from about USD 658 per ton on April 29 to below USD 600, even as Argentina’s bread chain faces broader cost pressures.