Argentina Pursues Foreign Grain Companies for Tax Evasion

Argentina is the world's largest exporter of soy oil and soy meal, as well as the third-largest soybean shipper. It's a big market for foreign food processors such as Bunge (BG), Cargill, and Archer Daniels Midland (ADM)—and a tricky one to handle.

In recent months the national tax agency, known as AFIP, has accused Bunge, Cargill, ADM, Glencore International, and other foreign companies of employing tax haven countries to lower their tax bills in Argentina. A local grain shipper has also been accused of tax evasion. While the cases are being decided, the accused companies have been kicked off a registry that gives them tax breaks on sales within Argentina. The registry also simplifies access to permits needed to move farm produce to plants, mills, and ports.