Heavy rains have submerged vast stretches of Argentina's agricultural heartland, putting the nation's critical soybean harvest at risk and disrupting global supply chains. Farmers in Buenos Aires province report submerged fields, damaged infrastructure, and mounting losses as floodwaters linger.
Argentina, the world's third-largest soybean exporter, faces potential economic repercussions as the crop contributes significantly to its export revenue. Analysts warn of price volatility in global commodity markets, with investors closely monitoring recovery efforts.
"This could not have come at a worse time," said CGTN correspondent Joel Richards, surveying waterlogged fields. "Many farmers were preparing for harvest season. Now they're racing to salvage what they can."
The floods have also displaced thousands of residents, compounding challenges for local authorities. While emergency response teams work to mitigate damage, meteorologists predict more rainfall in coming days.
For Asian markets reliant on soybean imports – particularly for livestock feed and cooking oil production – the situation underscores the fragility of global agricultural networks. Researchers highlight climate change's growing impact on food security as extreme weather events intensify worldwide.
