Argentina breaks all-time record in exports during 2025

The third quarter marked a milestone with the highest physical volume exported in 15 years, while the mining sector projects to close the year with sales of more than US$ 5,400 million

BUENOS AIRES – In the third quarter of 2025, Argentina recorded the highest level of exports in terms of quantities in the last 15 years, according to official data from INDEC. The total volume of exported goods grew 12.9% year-on-year and exceeded the previous record of 2010 by 5.1%, consolidating an exceptional year for Argentine foreign trade.

The export performance reflects a genuine recovery of the country's productive capacity, with simultaneous improvements in physical volumes and terms of trade that position 2025 as a turning point for the national economy.

The export boom in figures

The index of exported quantities stood at 153.3, surpassing the previous record of 145.9 reached in 2010. Exports in quantities grew 23.2% compared to the same period in 2022 and 12.9% year-on-year, led by the agro-industrial and energy complexes.

During the first half of 2025, Argentina exported goods worth more than 39 billion dollars, ranking as the second highest value in terms of FOB value since at least 2002, just below the historical record reached in 2022.

In the first four months of 2025, exports totaled US$ 25,361 million, which represents a year-on-year increase of 5.8%, explained by a 6.6% increase in the quantities exported.

Mining stars in a historic year

The mining sector emerged as one of the big surprises of 2025. Argentina will reach historic mining exports in 2025 that exceed USD 5,400 million, driven by gold and lithium.

The first seven months of 2025 were an all-time record for the country, with mining exports totaling US$ 3,157 million, exceeding the level of 2011. Between January and September, mining exports reached US$ 4,213 million, which represents a year-on-year growth of 32.9%.

Gold consolidated itself as the main driver of the sector. In September, gold generated US$ 373 million, 48.9% more than a year ago, driven by a 158% increase in exported volumes. High international prices of the precious metal, which reached levels close to US$ 3,300 per ounce, boosted the sector's revenues.

Lithium consolidates its strategic leadership

Argentina closes 2025 with seven lithium operations underway, thanks to the commissioning of new strategic projects. Lithium exports totaled 594 million dollars between January and September, a year-on-year increase of 38.4%, with a 70% increase in exported volumes.

In September, lithium set its own historical monthly record with sales of US$ 89 million, representing 15.9% of the total exported from the mining sector. China, Germany and South Korea accounted for 90% of lithium exports for the month and 82% of the year's cumulative exports.

The Argentine lithium boom positions the country as a key player in the global supply chain for the electric vehicle and energy storage industry, sectors in full global expansion.

Agriculture and energy sustain growth

Primary products increased by 32.3% in quantities, and fuels and energy registered a rise of 31.5%. Manufactures of agricultural origin (MOA) also showed an advance of 11.8%.

The soybean sector registered an 18% increase in volumes, driven by better yields and international prices, while Vaca Muerta set record shipments of oil and gas, consolidating the energy sector as one of the engines of the external surplus.

The soybean complex maintained its leadership in Argentine exports, representing 16% of the total value exported in the first half of the year, although its relative share has been decreasing in the face of the advance of other sectors such as mining and energy.

Diversification and favorable terms of trade

One of the highlights of 2025 was the improvement in the terms of trade. The terms of trade improved 6.3% year-on-year, reaching the best record since 2011, which increases the country's external purchasing power.

Agro-industrial chains accounted for 57% of the total exported in the first half of 2025. Although they represent more than half of the value exported, this figure is the second lowest in the last decade, reflecting a process of diversification.

The mining and energy sector stood out with sustained growth, doubling its share in the last decade to reach 8% of total exports in 2025.

Export destinations

The main destinations for mining exports were India, China, the United States and Switzerland, which accounted for 82% of shipments in September and 81% in the annual cumulative

In the case of lithium, China, Germany and South Korea concentrated demand, although the United States reduced its purchases by 10% and South Korea by 46% compared to the same period in 2024, while Germany increased its demand.

Regional impact and projections

The export boom strengthened the country's macroeconomic figures and boosted regional economies. Mining activity generated employment, infrastructure development and increased tax collection in provinces such as Catamarca, Salta, Jujuy and San Juan.

Projections for 2026 anticipate the continuation of the trade surplus, with moderate export growth (+5%) and a gradual recovery in imports (+4%) associated with the reactivation of investment.

The year 2025 will be marked in Argentina's economic history as a turning point, with simultaneous records in multiple sectors that consolidate the country as a key supplier of strategic commodities for the global economy of the 21st century.

Close