Crude oil has displaced soybeans and corn as the main exported product. The growth of Vaca Muerta is driving a historic change in Argentina's export matrix
Gold for non-monetary use: USD 2.913 million (+51.2%).
Wheat: USD 2.317 million (+43.1%).
Frozen beef: USD 1.302 million (+43.9%).
Vehicles for transporting people: USD 2.510 million (+16.8%).
The future of the energy sector
The outlook for the end of 2026 remains favorable. Sector projections estimate fuel and energy exports close to USD 11.300 million, which would allow the energy balance to exceed USD 12.000 million, well above the record reached in 2025.
This growth will be complemented by the commissioning of the VMOS pipeline, which will connect the Neuquén basin with Punta Colorada in Río Negro. The project, which is already over 75% complete, will initially transport 190,000 barrels per day, with the capacity to expand to 550,000 barrels per day.
With this type of investment and the continuous growth of Vaca Muerta, Argentina is consolidating a historic change in its export profile, where energy is beginning to occupy the place that for decades was dominated by agro-industrial products.
Crude oil has become the main export product of Argentina for the first time, consolidating the growth of the energy sector driven by the development of Vaca Muerta and the sustained increase in production. According to a report from the Instituto Argentina Grande (IAG), prepared with data from Indec, crude oil generated USD 4.693 million during the first half of 2026, displacing soybean meal and corn, which historically topped the export ranking.
Crude oil represented 9.5% of all Argentine exports between January and June and recorded a year-on-year growth of 47.7%, reflecting the strong dynamism of the energy sector in a context of macroeconomic stability and increased investments.
Oil surpassed soy and corn
During the first half of 2025, oil had generated exports of USD 3.177 million. Just a year later, the increase was USD 1.516 million, enough to reach the top spot among the most sold products abroad.
The main destinations for Argentine oil were the United States, Chile, Thailand, Australia, and Uruguay, markets that increased their purchases thanks to the rise in national production.
In second place was corn grain, with exports of USD 4.171 million, while soy meal and pellets took third place with USD 4.161 million, losing the leadership they had maintained for years.
Oil surpassed soybeans and corn
Vaca Muerta drives a structural change
The growth of oil is mainly due to the development of Vaca Muerta, which continues to increase its production and transform the country's export matrix.
The report also highlights that the energy sector is going through a historic moment. According to Indec, during the first half of 2026, the trade balance of fuels and energy recorded a surplus of USD 5.076 million, 61.7% higher than that recorded in the same period of 2025.
Energy exports reached USD 6.594 million, while imports totaled USD 1.518 million, consolidating the sector as one of the main generators of foreign currency for the Argentine economy.
Within that performance, crude oil accounted for more than 71% of all energy exports, followed by gasoline, liquefied butanes, and propane.
Argentine exports reached a new record
In total, Argentina exported USD 49.454 million during the first half of 2026, representing a year-on-year growth of 24.4%.
The top ten products concentrated 55% of all external sales, showing a strong presence of both the agro-industrial complex and the energy and mining sectors.
Argentine exports reached a new record
In addition to oil, among the products with the highest growth were:
