Argentina recorded a \u201chistoric\u201d trade surplus of US$2.523 billion in March, as exports surged while imports remained largely flat, according to data released by the INDEC national statistics bureau.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Exports jumped 30.1 percent year-on-year in March to a record US$8.645 billion, while imports edged up just 1.7 percent to US$6.122 billion. The result was an improvement of US$1.899 billion compared to March 2025 and extended Argentina\u2019s run of monthly trade surpluses to 28 consecutive months.<\/p>\n
The overall trade flow rose 16.6 percent year-on-year, reaching US$14.766 billion, underlining a sharp recovery in external demand.<\/p>\n
INDEC said the export boom was driven primarily by volumes, which increased 25.3 percent, while prices rose a more modest 3.9 percent. All major export categories posted gains, led by primary products, which climbed 56.2 percent. Cereals stood out within that segment, reflecting a strong agricultural performance.<\/p>\n
Industrial manufactures rose 26.4 percent, while agro-industrial exports increased 18.9 percent. Fuel and energy exports reached US$1.235 billion.<\/p>\n
The energy sector played a decisive role in the headline figure. The energy trade balance posted a surplus of US$1.096 billion in March, accounting for 43 percent of total surplus.<\/p>\n
That result was driven by exports of US$1.235 billion against imports of just US$145 million, highlighting the growing importance of Argentina\u2019s hydrocarbons sector.<\/p>\n
In the first quarter as a whole, the energy balance improved by US$294 million compared to the same period last year. According to economist Nadin Arga\u00f1araz, the gain was largely explained by lower import volumes, which offset weaker international prices.<\/p>\n
Falling global prices shaved US$248 million off the balance, but this was outweighed by a positive \u201cquantity effect\u201d of US$542 million, reflecting higher export volumes and reduced energy purchases abroad.<\/p>\n
Brazil, China, the European Union, the United States and India remained Argentina\u2019s main trading partners during the month.<\/p>\n
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\u2013 TIMES\/NA<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\nrelated news<\/h6>\n<\/p>\n<\/section>\n