Argentina's trade balance registered a surplus of USD 2.711 billion in April 2026, 15,1% higher than in the same month of the previous year, driven by strong export growth and a drop in imports, INDEC reported on Wednesday (May 20, 2026). With this result, the country has now recorded 29 consecutive months of a positive trade balance.
The exports reached USD 8.914 billion, with a year-on-year increase of 33,6%. The performance was mainly explained by an increase in the quantities exported (+20,6%) and, to a lesser extent, by an improvement in prices (+10,8%).
All the greats items Exporters registered increases compared to April 2025. The largest increases corresponded to Fuels and Energy (F&E), with a rise of 85,9%, and the Industrial Origin Manufactures (MOI), which grew 43,3% In both cases, this was driven by higher export volumes and better prices. Meanwhile, Primary Products (PP) increased 25%, mainly due to higher export quantities, while Agricultural Manufactures (MOA) grew 14,1%, favored by both an improvement in prices and an increase in the volumes traded.
By destinationsThe strong growth in exports to strategic markets demonstrated greater diversification of destinations and a more dynamic external integration. Argentine sales increased to ASEAN (+90,3%), China (+58,8%), the United States (+33,9%), Chile (+33,8%), Mercosur (+24,6%), Brazil (+23,9%), the European Union (+9,1%), and India (+5,9%).
Brazil consolidated its position as the main destination for Argentine exports, followed by the United States, Chile, China, and India.
Las importsImports, meanwhile, totaled USD 6.204 billion and registered a year-on-year decrease of 4%. The decline was due to a drop in import volumes (-7,7%), despite an increase in prices (+4,1%).
The biggest drop by applications This was observed in Fuels and Lubricants (CyL), with a contraction of 45,4% explained by lower import volumes. Purchases of Parts and Accessories for Capital Goods (PyA) (-17,4%) and Capital Goods (BK) (-5,9%) also declined. In contrast, imports of Intermediate Goods (+4,1%) and Passenger Motor Vehicles (+3%) increased, the latter driven by higher import quantities.
By origin, External purchases decreased from Brazil (-17,9%), China (-3%) and the United States (-4,5%), while imports from Chile (+35,1%) and the European Union (+2%) increased, mainly associated with a greater demand for intermediate goods.
The first four months
In the first four months of 2026, Argentina accumulated a trade surplus of $8.277 million, with exports of USD 30.820 million and imports of USD 22.543 million.
Analysis closed
“April’s trade performance reflects a consistently positive external balance. In my opinion, with these figures, Argentina could, for the first time, exceed USD 100.000 billion in annual exports,” he noted. Master Gustavo Scarpetta.
He added: “On the import side, the only standout is the dynamism of the courier sector, which continues to grow strongly. The rest of the categories, including consumer goods and automobiles—which were key players in 2025—show a much weaker performance.”
Finally, the specialist considered that "an improvement in imports is expected in the second half of the year, although it would not be significant enough to alter the trend of the trade surplus."
Aduana News is the first Argentine customs newspaper to launch its digital version. With 20 years of experience, its publications and initiatives aim to provide the most relevant knowledge on customs issues in order to contribute to safe trade in the region.
