# South Korea-Argentina economic and energy cooperation

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/south-korea-argentina-economic-and-energy-cooperation
> Updated: 2026-08-20T23:46:05.000Z. Sources: 2. Developments: 2.

South Korea and Argentina have entered a period of intensified diplomatic and economic cooperation focused on energy and strategic minerals. Following a visit by South Korean President Lee Jae-myung, the two nations signed a memorandum of understanding for joint lithium exploration and mining. Additionally, South Korea agreed to begin regular imports of Argentine crude oil starting next year, following a pilot shipment of approximately 880,000 barrels.

This bilateral momentum continued with a visit from a South Korean National Assembly delegation led by Vice President Nam In-soon. Meeting with Argentine Senate President Victoria Villarruel and Chamber of Deputies President Martín Menem, the delegation discussed expanding commercial opportunities and strengthening parliamentary ties. Discussions specifically highlighted ongoing lithium projects in the provinces of Salta and Catamarca involving the South Korean company POSCO.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-20: Argentine legislative leaders meet South Korean delegation

Argentine Senate and Chamber leaders met with a South Korean parliamentary delegation to strengthen bilateral ties and discuss cooperation in strategic minerals like lithium.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/argentine-legislative-leaders-meet-south-korean-delegation

### 2026-08-02: South Korea to import Argentine oil and launch lithium partnership

South Korea's President Lee Jae‑myung agreed with Argentina to start importing its crude oil next year and to cooperate on lithium projects, while also sealing tax and energy deals with Brazil and Chile.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/south-korea-to-import-argentine-oil-and-launch-lithium-partnership

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Cite as: South Korea-Argentina economic and energy cooperation. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/south-korea-argentina-economic-and-energy-cooperation