By Panorama Minero
Regarding geographical distribution, mining exports were highly concentrated in four main destinations: the United States, Switzerland, China, and South Korea. Together, these countries accounted for 88% of total mining exports in June, amounting to USD 234 million. In the first six months of 2024, these same countries captured 76% of mining exports, totaling USD 1.417 billion.
The prominence of these destinations is also reflected in metal ore exports, which constituted 83% of mining sales to these countries in June and 82% in the first half of the year. Specifically, the United States, Switzerland, China, and South Korea were the primary destinations for metal ore exports, capturing 77% of the total in the first six months of 2024.
Lithium exports also showed a significant concentration in a few markets. China, South Korea, and the United States represented 96% of lithium exports in June and 90% year-to-date. During this period, China and the United States increased their share of lithium exports by 134% and 10%, respectively, compared to the same period in 2023. These figures highlight the strategic importance of these markets for Argentina's mining exports, especially in a context of volatile international prices.
