The sector grew by 84.3% year-on-year and significantly exceeded average levels during the first four months of 2026
Regarding export destinations, significant growth was observed in the main markets. China led the expansion with a year-on-year increase of 187%, followed by the United States (+101%), South Korea (+99%), Germany (+97%), and Canada (+68%).
The Argentinian mining exports reached a new historical record in the first four months of 2026, totaling USD 3.254 million, according to official data released this Friday.
The result represents a year-on-year growth of 84.3% compared to the same period in 2025, thanks to the significant growth of the sector, a product of the successful economic program of the Government of Javier Milei.
The performance not only marks a maximum for the first four months of the year but also stands 161.8% above the average recorded between 2010 and 2025 for that same period, consolidating a strong expansion of activity.
The growth was primarily driven by the increase in lithium exports, which recorded a rise of 137.8% in value during the analyzed period. Meanwhile, metal ores, mainly gold and silver, showed an increase of 77.6%, reinforcing the sector's contribution to Argentine foreign trade.
The data was released by the Minister of Economy, Luis "Toto" Caputo, who highlighted the positive evolution of the mining complex in the context of increased international demand and the advancement of productive projects.
The performance of the first four months is part of a trend of sustained growth in the sector. In 2025, Argentinian mining had reached exports of USD 6.056 million, representing a 30% increase compared to 2024 and an annual historical maximum, with a 7% share of the country's total exports.
Projections for 2026 maintain an expansion outlook. According to recent estimates from the Argentine Chamber of Mining Companies (CAEM), sector exports could reach USD 9.000 million by the end of the year.
In this context, mining, along with the hydrocarbons sector, positions itself as one of the most dynamic areas of the Argentinian economy, driven by a growing flow of investments, particularly in projects related to lithium and copper.
The result of the first four months consolidates the strategic role of mining within the country's export structure, in a scenario of strong growth and expansion into new international markets
