Argentine mining exports reached US$6.037 billion in the January–December 2025 period, marking the highest level ever recorded for the sector and surpassing the previous record set in 2012. The figure represents a 29.2% year-over-year increase compared to 2024, according to the Monthly Report from the National Directorate for Mining Promotion and Economics.
By Panorama Minero
In December 2025, mining exports totaled US$594 million, reflecting a 10.6% year-over-year increase. On an annual basis, the sector accounted for 7.0% of Argentina’s total exports, while in December alone its share reached 9.0%.
With these results, cumulative exports for 2025 stood 57.3% above the 2010–2024 average for the January–December period, consolidating the strongest annual performance in the history of Argentine mining exports.
Metallic minerals totaled US$4.948 billion, representing 82% of total mining exports and posting a 28.0% year-over-year increase. Within this segment, gold reached US$4.078 billion, accounting for 68% of total mining exports and growing 29.9% year over year. Silver totaled US$777 million, up 19.2% compared to 2024. Other metallic minerals contributed US$93 million.
Lithium exports reached US$905 million in 2025, up 40.3% year over year and representing 15% of total mining exports. In volume terms, lithium export quantities increased 59.3%, driven by higher shipments and improved international prices.
Other mining products contributed US$184 million, equivalent to 3% of total exports, reflecting a 12.4% year-over-year increase.
In terms of destinations, Switzerland, the United States, China, and India accounted for 79% of total mining exports in 2025, totaling US$4.774 billion. Switzerland represented 33% of total exports, the United States 19%, China 16%, and India 11%. Metallic minerals accounted for 84% of exports to these markets.
The record performance was driven by stronger international gold prices, increased lithium shipments, and the consolidation of existing operations, resulting in the strongest annual export outcome in the history of Argentina’s mining sector.
