Behind yerba mate craze, Argentine farmers bemoan Milei’s austerity
Yerba mate is fast becoming the caffeine vehicle of choice for wellness-minded consumers far from its South American roots. Leer más
Yerba mate tea, the traditional drink of Argentina, is gaining popularity among health-conscious consumers outside South America. Brands such as Yerba Madre, CLEAN Cause, and Drink Weird are capitalizing on the trend, reaching markets from New York to Berlin and even wooing Donald Trump Jr. After a surge in exports in 2025, Argentina's yerba mate farmers are facing tough economic conditions due to President Javier Milei's deregulation of prices, which was part of his "shock therapy" economic strategy.
This policy has reduced inflation but also led to job losses, wage cuts, and a decline in government assistance, causing farmers to seek opportunities in neighboring Brazil. The beleaguered farmers are experiencing significant hardship as they struggle to compete with oversupply in the global market. Their plight has garnered attention from legislators, with a congressional inquiry launched in response to protests in Misiones province, the heartland of yerba mate production.
In response to the crisis, many Argentine farmers have migrated to Brazil, where they find work and better economic conditions.
Written by urgent.news from Buenos Aires Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
