Amid expectations in the exchange rate regime, exports suffered a significant monthly drop, while imports increased, also driven by growing trade openness, according to Ámbito Financiero in its online version.

The National Institute of Statistics and Census (INDEC) reported on Tuesday that foreign sales totaled approximately $6.664 billion in the fourth month of the year. While they improved 2.3 percent in annual terms, they were down 5.7 percent compared to March.

According to official data, the country exported $153 million more than a year ago. Sales of sunflower oil, gold, vehicles, and meat accounted for most of this slight improvement, while among the negative variations, soybean and petroleum products were the most significant.

The energy trade balance showed a surplus of $461 million, which represented a decrease compared to the $579 million in 2024. The drop in international prices was a relevant factor in this reduction, explained Ámbito.

The consulting firm Abeceb estimates a balance of $8 billion, which represents a significant reduction in the trade surplus, less than half of what was recorded last year.

Economy Minister Luis Caputo announced a new tariff reduction this Tuesday, in this case, on the import of capital goods, in an effort to reduce high costs. However, Argentine economists, unions, and industrialists warn that such a measure will deal a severe blow to the national industry.

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