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Argentine yerba mate market and production trends

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2026-09-29 10:25 UTC → 2026-10-23 18:27 UTC · added ~~removed~~

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, seeking a mandatory minimum price for green yerba mate leaves to cover costs for small-scale producers. This proposed mechanism aims to ensure economic sustainability by covering labor, taxes, and profit margins, with price updates every 90 days. The bill specifically targets small-scale producers with 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. Demonstrators claimed current prices are “below production costs” and submitted a petition demanding mandatory minimum prices, a traceability system to curb speculation, and for the National Institute of Yerba Mate (INYM) to regain regulatory tools. They also requested accessible credit to combat drought and rising input costs, warning that workers are migrating to Brazil. Statistical data from the INYM shows that between January and August 2026, yerba mate production exiting mills reached 224,106,192 kilograms. Of this, 186,091,018 kilograms were destined for the domestic market, while exports accounted for 38,015,173 kilograms. During August, the half-kilogram format remained the most popular domestic consumer package at 54.07%.

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