Neuquén exports grow 42% driven by energy sector

Neuquén has emerged as a leading province for Argentine exports, recording a 42% increase in goods exported during the first half of 2025. Total exports for the period reached USD 4,303.8 million, accounting for 8.7% of the national total and nearly 49% of the Patagonia region's exports.

The growth was primarily driven by the fuels and energy sector, which represented 98.2% of the total value and saw a 43.7% year-on-year increase. Crude oil was the dominant sub-sector, making up 92.4% of these exports, followed by petroleum gas at 7.3%. Governor Rolando Figueroa attributed this success to the strategic impact of the Vaca Muerta formation and the legal certainty provided for capital investment, particularly regarding liquefied natural gas (LNG) prospects.

Key international markets included the United States and Chile, which together accounted for 58.1% of energy exports. The United States primarily imported crude oil, while Chile received a mix of crude oil and petroleum gas. Thailand ranked as the third largest destination for this sector. Additionally, agricultural manufactures saw an 11.6% increase, led by fish fillets.