Argentina’s exports jump 42% to nearly 50kt; unwrought aluminium drives demand

The aluminium trade graph, excluding scrap, of Argentina in the first eight months of 2026, till August, continues to surge with steady momentum, indicating an increase in shipments and export earnings of the nation.  

As of year-to-date (YTD) August 2026, Argentina exported a total of 48,977 tonnes, valued at USD 179.05 million. Excluding aluminium scrap, the export basket covered all the articles of aluminium products including unwrought, bars, rods and profiles, foil, plates, sheets and strips, tube or pipe fittings and aluminium wire.  

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Volume and value register strong year-on-year growth

Calculating the year-on-year growth, the figures depict major spikes in the volume as well as the value fronts.

As per the YTD August figures, Argentina’s aluminium export volume rose by 42.09 per cent Y-o-Y, compared with 34,469 tonnes shipped during the corresponding period in 2025.

Export value increased even more sharply, climbing 83.69 per cent Y-o-Y to USD 179.05 million. The stronger value growth was largely propelled by higher aluminium prices across the 2026 calendar, contributing to increased export earnings.

Unwrought aluminium dominates Argentina’s export mix

Of all the products, unwrought aluminium occupies the lion’s share in Argentina’s aluminium export basket, accounting for 98.95 per cent of total shipment volume, or 48,464 tonnes, during YTD August 2026. Aluar Aluminio Argentino S.A.I.C., the primary producer in the Argentine aluminium industry, contributes considerably to this bucket, with 80 per cent of its total annual production of 460,000 tonnes shipped overseas.  

Some of the country’s aluminium export destinations during the January-August period were Brazil, Uruguay, Chile, Paraguay and Bolivia.

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Q3 outlook: Monthly average around 18,366 tonnes

Based on the January–August 2026 average export pace, Argentina’s aluminium shipments could reach approximately 18,366 tonnes during Q3 2026, assuming the monthly average of 6,122 tonnes is maintained across July, August and September.

Nonetheless, the strong year-on-year growth recorded through August provides a positive baseline for the quarter. If the current average pace continues, Argentina could sustain aluminium export volumes above the monthly average recorded in the first eight months of 2025.

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