Overview
- Indec's May 2026 trade data show crude oil was the single largest export that month, accounting for 12.3% of shipments and surpassing maize and soy in value.
- Fuel and energy exports jumped 167.1% year‑on‑year in May, totaling US$1,745 million, with crude oil sales of US$1,172 million, a 322% rise from May 2025.
- The surge reflects both higher international prices after recent Middle East tensions and faster production from Vaca Muerta, which is targeting near 100,000 barrels per day in the short term.
- New and advancing export infrastructure — notably the VMOS pipeline and planned LNG ship exports starting around 2027 — and company plans from firms such as YPF are turning output gains into overseas sales.
- The windfall produced record monthly exports of US$9,537 million and a trade surplus above US$3,500 million, but continued gains depend on finishing transport and liquefaction projects, stable global demand, and oil price trends.