Mining accounted for more than 80% of total exports from the three mining provinces of Northwestern Argentina (NOA) during the first four months of the year. Lithium represented 65.5% of regional mining exports in April and reached a new historical export record for the period. Growth was driven by higher international prices and a strong expansion in lithium export volumes.
By Panorama Minero
The provinces of Northwestern Argentina once again ranked among the main drivers of the country's mining exports during the first four months of 2026. Salta, Jujuy and Catamarca recorded exports totaling US$1.065 billion between January and April, representing a year-over-year increase of 107.3% compared to the US$514 million reported during the same period in 2025.
According to data from the National Directorate of Mining Promotion and Economy, mining exports from the three provinces totaled US$286 million in April, marking a year-over-year increase of 114.3%. Performance was primarily driven by the recovery of international prices and by increased lithium export volumes, with lithium continuing to lead the expansion of mining activity in the region.
The importance of mining within provincial economies also increased. In April, the sector accounted for 82.3% of all exports from Salta, Jujuy and Catamarca, compared to 77.4% in the same month of the previous year. During the first four months of 2026, mining represented 80.1% of total exports from the three provinces.
Historic Record for Lithium
Lithium consolidated its position as the leading mining product in the NOA. In April, it represented 65.5% of regional mining exports, while metallic minerals accounted for 31.7%. Together, both categories represented 97% of the region’s exports.
At the national level, lithium exports reached US$187 million in April, a year-over-year increase of 153.9% and a historical record for that month. During the January-April period, lithium exports totaled US$658 million, representing growth of 137.8% compared to the same period in 2025. Export volumes also increased by 53.7%, demonstrating that growth was driven not only by higher international prices but also by increased production.
These figures reflect the advancement of lithium projects currently in production and the consolidation of the so-called Lithium Triangle.
Mining Represented 11% of National Exports
At the national level, mining exports reached US$817 million in April and US$3.254 billion during the first four months of 2026, representing year-over-year increases of 86.3% and 84.3%, respectively. The result constitutes a historical record for the January-April period and allowed mining to account for 10.9% of all Argentine exports.
Among Argentina’s mining provinces, the NOA shared prominence with Santa Cruz and San Juan. Together, these five jurisdictions accounted for 98.5% of mining exports in April and 98.6% of cumulative mining exports during the year.
In terms of export dependence, Catamarca recorded the highest share of mining in total exports, with 96.4% in April and 95.9% for the year-to-date period. Jujuy reached 89.2% and 87.2%, respectively, while Salta recorded mining participation rates of 63.5% in April and 61.4% between January and April.
The main destinations for Argentine mining exports were Switzerland, China, the United States and Canada, which together accounted for 81% of the sector’s exports during the year-to-date period. In the case of metallic minerals, these markets absorbed nearly 80% of shipments, consolidating their role as the principal buyers of Argentina’s mining production.
