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Argentina Posts Record First‑Half Trade Surplus Driven by Energy Exports

Volume gains from Vaca Muerta plus higher commodity prices have pushed export receipts up and widened the energy surplus, creating more foreign‑exchange room for policymakers.

Overview

  • Indec data published Tuesday show Argentina recorded a first‑half 2026 trade surplus of USD 13,923 million with exports of USD 49,454 million, a 24.4% increase year‑on‑year.
  • June alone delivered a USD 2,194 million monthly surplus as exports reached USD 9,055 million and imports USD 6,861 million, marking the 31st consecutive month with a positive trade balance.
  • An analysis by economist Nadin Argañaraz reports the energy trade balance improved by USD 2,207 million in H1, with a June energy surplus of USD 611 million driven mainly by higher export volumes.
  • The export mix is shifting: crude oil was the top single product in June with USD 918 million in sales, reflecting rising output from Vaca Muerta and growing contributions from mining.
  • Consultancies project 2026 exports could approach USD 100 billion and a much larger annual surplus but warn these forecasts depend on sustained prices, stronger domestic demand for investment goods, and normal seasonal patterns in the second half.