Mate market in Argentina

Earlier Report Observations

The Argentine mate market expanded from 770 thousand tons in 2018 to over 803 thousand tons by 2020. This growth was driven by the recovery of the yerba mate harvest after the climate-related shortfall in 2017, which boosted domestic production. Additionally, a surge in imports, which jumped from negligible volumes to 31.4 thousand tons in 2020, primarily from Brazil, added substantial volume to the market.

Market volume continued to rise, reaching a peak of 812 thousand tons in 2021, supported by record domestic consumption and a sharp decline in exports. Exports fell due to Argentina's high tax burden, which made its mate less competitive and redirected more product to the local market. The following year, volume stabilized near 809 thousand tons as regulatory measures, including a resolution limiting new yerba mate plantations to a maximum of five hectares per grower per year, began to influence long-term supply planning.

In 2023, the market contracted significantly to 745 thousand tons. Unfavorable climatic conditions impacted the yerba mate harvest, reducing domestic production and contributing to the lower overall market volume despite reported record consumer sales within the country.

Production mate in Argentina

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Argentina was the world's leading producer of mate from 2017 to 2020.

Top producers of mate, 2017-2020

World map of production of mate, 2017-2020

After two years of growth, Argentina's mate production volume declined. In 2019, production reached its peak at 837.1 thousand tonnes, but by 2020 it had fallen to 813.5 thousand tonnes, a decrease of 2.8%. Over the entire period from 2017 to 2020, production increased by 17.9%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 5.6%. The most significant year-on-year increase occurred in 2018, with a rise of 17.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in Argentina in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Mate production in Argentina declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the value of mate output was 1 676 million US dollars, showing a slight decrease of 0.7% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production value decreased by 6.5%, with an average annual decline of 2.2%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 1 871 million US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 9.8%, while the largest increase was in 2018, at 4.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in Argentina in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports mate from Argentina

Exports in kind, t

Mate export volumes from Argentina increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 41 357 tonnes, marking a moderate gain of 4.2% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 33.3%, with an average annual growth rate of 10.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Argentina in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Syria was the dominant partner for Argentina's mate exports in volume terms, accounting for 78.8% of total flows. Other markets played a much smaller role.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Argentina in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2020, the value of mate exports from Argentina reached 85 221 thousand US dollars, reflecting a limited gain of 6.4% year-over-year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, export value increased by 5.7%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.9%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 80 069 thousand US dollars, while the highest was in 2018 at 91 593 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 12.6%, and the largest increase was in 2018, at 13.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Argentina in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Syria was the primary destination for Argentina's mate exports in value terms, making up 74.7% of total flows. Other markets contributed to a long tail of smaller partners.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Argentina in value, 2017-2020

Imports mate to Argentina

Imports in kind, t

Mate import volumes into Argentina increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totalled 31 399 tonnes, up by 744.9% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports surged by 13 568.9%, with an average annual growth rate of 415.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Argentina in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, imports of mate into Argentina in volume terms were dominated by two markets: Paraguay and Brazil, which together accounted for 99.9% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Argentina in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

Mate imports into Argentina increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 36 808 thousand US dollars, representing a substantial improvement of 691.2% versus the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 3 753.7%, equating to an average annual rate of 237.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Argentina in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, imports of mate into Argentina in value terms were largely oriented towards Paraguay and Brazil, whose combined share reached 99.8% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Argentina in value, 2017-2020