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Argentina exports surge 50% driven by energy and mining
Argentina has experienced a significant shift in its trade dynamics, characterized by a nearly 50% increase in export value between 2023 and the first half of 2026. This growth is largely driven by increased physical volumes rather than price changes, with export quantities rising by 48% while average prices saw a marginal decline of 0.1%.
Key drivers of this expansion include the energy and mining sectors. Energy exports, particularly crude oil from the Vaca Muerta basin, saw a 59% year-on-year increase. The mining sector also reached record levels, with exports totaling US$4,742 million in the first half of 2026, led by gold and lithium. This sector now accounts for nearly 10% of total national exports.
The agricultural sector continues to play a vital role, with total agricultural exports exceeding 80.7 million tons between January and August, a 12.5% increase from the previous year. Notable performers include maize, which reached a record 29.1 million tons, and wheat, which saw a 60% increase compared to previous averages.
Despite these gains, the trade balance shows mixed signals in other areas. While the overall commercial surplus quadrupled to US$16 billion in the first seven months of 2026, imports of productive capital goods fell by 10.6% in the second quarter, reflecting a slowdown in industrial activity. Additionally, the textile sector is facing structural changes, with imports now supplying approximately 70% of the domestic market.
Entities
Argentina · Bolsa de Comercio de Rosario · China · Javier Milei · LP Consulting · Mercosur · PwC · PwC Argentina · Vaca Muerta
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Productive capital goods imports reached US$2,782 million between April and June. diarioprimerahora.com
- [● 5 SOURCES] Argentine exports increased by 47.8% in value between 2023 and the first half of 2026. diariopanorama.com · chacosintesis.com.ar · www.lamanana.com.ar · mediosrioja.com.ar · diariovictoria.com.ar
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Imports of productive capital goods fell 10.6% year-on-year during the second quarter. diarioprimerahora.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Mercosur was the primary origin of productive capital goods imports, accounting for 25% of the total. diarioprimerahora.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Agricultural exports exceeded 80.7 million tons between January and August, a 12.5% year-on-year increase. ruralnet.com.ar
- [● 2 SOURCES] Wheat exports reached over 12.4 million tons, a 60% increase compared to the average for the January-August period. ruralnet.com.ar
- [● 2 SOURCES] Maize exports reached 29.1 million tons, the highest for this period on record. ruralnet.com.ar
- [● 5 SOURCES] The growth in export value was driven by a 48% increase in volume rather than price changes. diariopanorama.com · chacosintesis.com.ar · www.lamanana.com.ar · mediosrioja.com.ar · diariovictoria.com.ar