Exports reach US$77 billion as Argentina posts another trade surplus

Argentina's exports surged to US$77 billion in September, marking another trade surplus, according to latest data. The surge was primarily driven by the booming commodities market in the region. In September, exports rose by 23.5% year-on-year, reaching US$10 billion, while seasonally adjusted exports increased by 8.6% from the previous month.

The increase was fueled by both price gains (16%) and volume gains (6%). The ten leading export products accounted for 57.3% of total exports. Crude petroleum oils, soybean flour, and corn were the top three in terms of value, with crude petroleum oils leading at US$1.1 billion. Soybeans ranked sixth, exporting US$468 million, despite a 42.6% year-on-year decline.

Top imports included motor vehicles (6.4%), motor vehicle parts (4.3%), and soybeans (3.9%). Argentina's trade surplus grew to US$2.976 billion in September, up from US$2 billion in August and the largest monthly surplus since June. This marks Argentina's 34th consecutive month of trade surplus, dating back to President Javier Milei's inauguration.

In the first nine months of 2026, Argentina's trade surplus reached US$21.2 billion, with exports totaling US$77 billion. Fuel, energy, primary products, and agricultural-based manufactured goods accounted for 73% of total exports. Despite the booming exports, many sectors of Argentina's real economy remain stagnant or in crisis.

Manufacturing output contracted by 2.7% compared to the same period last year, and recent economic growth forecasts have been revised downward, raising concerns of potential recession in the third quarter.