Argentina exports rise 24.6% amid lithium surge and port labor disputes

Argentina's exports grew by 24.6% in the first half of 2026, reaching USD 49,511 million. Growth was unevenly distributed across regions, with Patagonia leading at 51.7% and the Pampeana region remaining the primary export hub, accounting for 66.2% of the total.

Within specific sectors, lithium saw a significant expansion of 186.3%, while the mining, oil, and oilseed sectors also contributed heavily to the total. In the Mendoza province, exports rose by 14% to USD 840 million, driven largely by industrial manufactures.

Despite this growth, the agro-export sector faces operational challenges due to a stalled wage negotiation between the Chamber of Private Commercial Ports (CPPC) and the grain receivers' union, URGARA. A mandatory conciliation was ordered following disagreements over overtime pay and personnel movement. This dispute has already caused delays for trucks at the port of Bahía Blanca, a critical node for grain shipments.