With US$3.157 billion in mining exports during the first seven months of the year, Argentina reached its highest historical level for that period in 2025, according to data from the National Directorate of Mining Promotion and Economics. The figure marks a 44.4% year-on-year increase and exceeds the previous record, set in 2011, by more than US$400 million.
By Panorama Minero
In July alone, mining exports totaled US$438 million, a 67.3% year-on-year increase. This performance brought the mining sector’s share to 6.7% of Argentina’s total exports so far this year, solidifying its growing role in the country’s trade balance.
Gold, Lithium and Silver: The Export Leaders
Gold led the sector, with US$2.221 billion in exports between January and July — accounting for 70% of total mining exports for the period. Lithium followed with US$435 million (+34.4% YoY), and silver with US$361 million. Altogether, metallic minerals represented more than 83% of the sector’s total exports.
The data also show that the growth in gold exports was driven mainly by higher international prices, while the increase in lithium was linked to a 59.7% rise in export volumes, suggesting expanded production capacity.
Concentrated Destinations and Outlook
Switzerland, the United States, China, and Canada accounted for 82% of Argentina’s mining exports so far this year. In the case of lithium, 84% was shipped to China and the U.S., highlighting a high level of market concentration.
With these figures, mining remains one of the few sectors with consistent growth within Argentina’s export matrix. If the current trend holds, the country could end 2025 with its highest mining export volume on record, amid a global landscape where gold and lithium remain two of the most in-demand minerals.
Lithium, for now, appears to be showing signs of recovery, even as private sector enthusiasm remains measured — shaped largely by price uncertainty and the pace at which new projects are advancing.
