Argentina exports could top $103 billion in 2026 as businesses push for competitiveness

Argentina’s exports could reach a record $103.2 billion in 2026, putting the country on track to surpass the $100 billion mark for the first time, according to the Argentine Exporters Chamber, known as CERA.

The projection was highlighted during CERA’s 30th Export Day, held under the theme “New Export Frontier: The Transformation Underway.” The event brought together government officials, diplomats and business leaders to discuss competitiveness, market access and the conditions needed to broaden Argentina’s export base.

CERA President Fernando Landa said Argentina is going through a period of transformation but still faces obstacles related to foreign exchange rules, taxes, logistics and infrastructure. The exporters’ group is calling for fewer barriers to competitiveness, faster export tax reimbursements and a single customs and tax account that could free up resources for investment and production.

Exports already up nearly 23% through July

Argentina exported $58.37 billion in goods between January and July, up 22.9% from the same period in 2025 and the highest value ever recorded for the first seven months of a year. The increase reflected gains in both volumes and prices.

Small and medium-sized companies also posted their strongest export performance in 13 years. SMEs shipped about $6.45 billion abroad during the first seven months of 2026, up 26% year on year.

Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno said Argentina has also been expanding the share of the world economy covered by its trade agreements. According to figures cited at the event, agreements already concluded would increase that coverage from about 10% of global GDP to nearly 30%, while negotiations underway could eventually take it to around 50%.

Market diversification featured prominently in the discussion, including opportunities to deepen trade with countries such as Indonesia and Vietnam.

Exporters call for productivity gains

The debate over Argentine exports also centered on whether the country can sustain export growth by improving productivity and lowering domestic costs.

Economy Minister Luis Caputo pointed to lower taxes and regulations, reduced financing costs and infrastructure improvements among measures aimed at supporting foreign sales. He also said Argentina’s energy exports could reach $60 billion annually by the end of 2031.

Dante Sica, chairman of consultancy Abeceb’s advisory board, addressed Argentina’s medium- and long-term export prospects, while Deregulation and State Transformation Minister Federico Sturzenegger focused on productivity and regulatory reform.

Sturzenegger argued that greater economic openness can support export capacity and highlighted the easing of restrictions on imports of used capital goods as one way for companies to acquire technology and improve productivity.

For CERA, the remaining export agenda includes broader market access, more stable rules, greater tax and logistics competitiveness, trade facilitation, investment and predictability.

If the chamber’s forecast is confirmed, Argentina’s exports in 2026 would set a new annual record, supported by a year in which foreign sales have already accelerated sharply in both value and volume.

Source: Clarín

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