Argentine yerba mate market and production trends

The Argentine yerba mate market has seen significant shifts in both commercial competition and legislative efforts to support producers.

In the first five months of 2026, Playadito emerged as the market leader with 25.12 million kilograms in sales, narrowing the gap with Las Marías to less than 4% by May. While the top two companies are based in Corrientes, the province of Misiones remains a major industrial hub for brands such as Rosamonte and La Cachuera.

Legislative and social tensions have escalated as producers face a regional economic crisis. Deputy Arabela Soler introduced a bill to the Chamber of Representatives to declare a 360-day primary production emergency. This proposal seeks to establish a provincial mechanism to set a mandatory minimum price for green yerba mate leaves—updated at least every 90 days—to cover production costs, labor, taxes, and social security. The initiative specifically targets small-scale producers managing up to 50 hectares, who represent approximately 90% of the sector.

In September 2026, producers in Misiones organized protests using tractors and trucks in San Vicente and near Puerto Iguazú during President Javier Milei’s visit to the province. Demonstrators claimed current prices are “below production costs” and submitted a petition demanding mandatory minimum prices and a traceability system to curb market speculation. Protesters also called for the National Institute of Yerba Mate (INYM) to regain regulatory tools to protect small and medium producers from large corporate interests. Additional demands include accessible credit to combat drought and rising input costs, with warnings that deteriorating conditions are driving workers to migrate to Brazil.