Argentina's mineral exports totaled USD 1.86 billion in the first six months of the year, with mining accounting for 4.8% of the country’s total exports in June and 5.1% in the year-to-date. Based on these figures, the National Mining Secretariat reported on the destinations for minerals produced within the country.
By Panorama Minero
Regarding geographical distribution, mining exports were highly concentrated in four main destinations: the United States, Switzerland, China, and South Korea. Together, these countries accounted for 88% of total mining exports in June, amounting to USD 234 million. In the first six months of 2024, these same countries captured 76% of mining exports, totaling USD 1.417 billion.
The prominence of these destinations is also reflected in metal ore exports, which constituted 83% of mining sales to these countries in June and 82% in the first half of the year. Specifically, the United States, Switzerland, China, and South Korea were the primary destinations for metal ore exports, capturing 77% of the total in the first six months of 2024.
Lithium exports also showed a significant concentration in a few markets. China, South Korea, and the United States represented 96% of lithium exports in June and 90% year-to-date. During this period, China and the United States increased their share of lithium exports by 134% and 10%, respectively, compared to the same period in 2023. These figures highlight the strategic importance of these markets for Argentina's mining exports, especially in a context of volatile international prices.
