La Derecha Diario Mining exports have grown by more than 20% so far this year.
Argentine exports grew by 4% in the first half of the year, with mining and energy as the main drivers
In the first six months of 2025, Argentine exports reached USD 39.742 billion, 4% more than in the same period of the previous year. However, the main driver of that growth was not in the Pampas region, which accounts for more than 70% of foreign trade, but in the provinces with a mining and energy profile.
San Juan, Jujuy, and Catamarca led the increases with year-on-year growth rates exceeding 20%, consolidating the strategic role of gold, silver, and lithium in the national export basket.
San Juan: the most significant leap
The most notable case was San Juan, which recorded exports of USD 1.121 billion, with an impressive growth of 60.2%.
This way, the province established itself as the export hub of Cuyo, accounting for more than half of the region's external sales. Gold was the main protagonist, representing most of the dynamism in the local basket.
Jujuy and Catamarca: lithium as the driving force
In the Northwest, Jujuy reached sales of USD 487 million, with an increase of 24.5%.Lithium was the star product, mainly destined for China, which absorbed more than 60% of its shipments. In addition, sugar contributed, which grew by almost 200%, adding diversity to Jujuy's export matrix.
Catamarca, meanwhile, exported USD 187 million, with an increase of 21.1%. There, lithium was also central, especially lithium carbonate, while precious metals reinforced growth with an increase of more than 55%.
Vaca Muerta strengthens the export map
Beyond mining, Neuquén also stood out with a 17.6% increase in its exports, reaching USD 2.184 billion thanks to Vaca Muerta oil.
Crude oil contributed USD 1.801 billion, 25% more than in 2024, consolidating the province as one of the major players in Argentine foreign trade.
A more diversified export map
Although some provinces such as La Rioja, Santiago del Estero, and Santa Fe showed declines, the performance of mining and oil-producing districts offset the setbacks.
The Indec report makes it clear that the future of Argentine exports depends on diversification and the consolidation of strategic sectors such as metal mining, lithium, and energy.
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