Argentina Trade Surplus Hits Record In May
2026-06-18 19:39
By
Isabela Couto
1 min. read
Argentina’s trade surplus widened to a record $3.5 billion in May 2026 from $607 million a year earlier, well above forecasts of a $2.2 billion surplus and marking the 30th consecutive month of positive trade balances.
Exports surged 34.4% year-on-year to a record $9.5 billion, with all categories posting gains.
Fuels and energy led the increase, soaring 167.1% on higher crude oil and fuel exports.
Primary products rose 22.5%, led by oilseeds and oleaginous fruits.
Manufactures of agricultural origin increased 20.5%, supported by stronger shipments of fats and oils, meat products, and food industry waste, while industrial manufactures advanced 20.1%, led by chemical products.
Imports fell 7.0% to $6 billion.
The sharpest decline came from fuels and lubricants, down 32.9%, followed by parts and accessories (-26.6%), passenger vehicles (-21.3%), capital goods (-6.8%), and consumer goods (-2.3%).
Intermediate goods were the only major category to rise, increasing 8.6%.