Overview
- A report published Thursday by the Mining Secretariat and shared by Economy Minister Luis Caputo shows mining exports reached US$4,742 million in January–June 2026, a 74.4% increase from the same period in 2025.
- Lithium was the main driver, with exports up 185% to US$1,096 million and a June monthly lithium high that signaled the strongest start to a year on record for the metal.
- Metals also recovered strongly: metaliferous minerals totaled US$3,559 million for the semester, with gold exports at US$2,905 million (+51.2%) and silver at US$562 million (+87.9%).
- Trade patterns shifted sharply as four markets—Switzerland, China, the United States and South Korea—accounted for 78% of mining sales, with China buying 205% more and South Korea 196% more than a year earlier.
- Economists warn the large inflow of dollars could erode competitiveness in industry and farming through Dutch disease, and officials say new projects such as potential copper developments could deepen the sector’s role in exports.