On 23 June, the United Soybean Board (USB) published the report, Impact of Argentina's System of Differential Export Tax Rates.

The study reports that Argentina levies different tax rates on soybean products at different points of the processing chain: 35% for exports of soybeans; 32% for exports of soybean oil and meal; and 17.5% for exports of soy biodiesel. It claims that these differential export taxes are that reason that Argentina has captured such a large share of the global market for soybeans and soybean products in the past 20 years, to the detriment of the United States and Brazil. If they were to be removed, it is estimated that US$ 500 million would accrue to the United States, US$ 300 million to Brazil and US$ 150 million to the EU.

Although the report's arguments are compelling, its 10 pages do not offer a comprehensive analysis of the issue, which could benefit from more in-depth research.

The USB is an organisation funded by U.S. soybean farmers, with a mission to "ensure a strong a profitable future" for said farmers, through activities that focus on research and market development and expansion. The report was prepared by independent economic and business consultancy LMC International Ltd.

The study can be downloaded fromt he United Soybean Board's website at:http://www.unitedsoybean.org/FileDownload.aspx?fid=3999&File=Impact_Arg_DETs_Full_04_10.pdf