Exports of Argentine Smes Grew by 22.2% in Dollars During January.

Exports of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) recorded a growth of 22.2% in dollar terms during January, totaling USD 755 million, which accounts for 13.6% of the country's external sales.

The oil and fuel sector was the main driver of the monthly performance, although food products continue to be the most exported.

According to data from the Argentine Confederation of Medium Enterprises (CAME), in terms of volume, SMEs sent abroad 580,821 tons, representing a 10.7% increase compared to the same month in 2024.

Additionally, unlike previous months, the average price per exported ton experienced a 10.3% rise, reaching USD 1,301. It is important to note that almost 70% of the companies that made exports in January belong to the SME segment.

This performance occurs in a context where the trade surplus decreased in January 2025 due to the increase in imports, reflecting the notable recovery of economic activity. According to INDEC data, foreign purchases totaled USD 5,748 million, registering a 24.6% increase compared to the same month of the previous year.

Although exports also grew, the advance was more moderate (9.1%), which led to the positive trade balance falling from USD 784 million in January 2024 to just USD 142 million in the first month of 2025. In December, the surplus had reached USD 1,666 million, closing 2024 with a record of USD 18,899 million.

The role of oil and gas

CAME explained that the expansion of the oil and fuel sector is due to the notable increase in hydrocarbon production in 2024, when Argentina reached the highest level of oil and natural gas extraction in 20 years. This advance was driven by the development of Vaca Muerta and the consolidation of unconventional extraction.

Thanks to this growth, the country achieved a strong increase in energy exports, significantly reduced the need to import fuels and lubricants, and achieved the first surplus in the energy trade balance since 2009 (excluding the pandemic period).

The boom of Vaca Muerta is due to the consolidation of fracking in the Neuquén basin and the maturation of investments in the sector. While a decade ago the national production of shale oil and shale gas represented 4.6% and 15%, respectively, today unconventional hydrocarbons account for 55% of the oil and 63% of the gas extracted in Argentina.

Meanwhile, national SMEs concentrated most of their foreign shipments in unprocessed foods, which represented 48.6% of the total exported. It is worth noting that the main exporting sectors within this segment belong to primary or low-transformation activities, including extractive industries.