# Argentina Energy Trade Surplus Hits US$1.6B

> Argentina's energy exports surge to US$1.6 billion surplus in September 2026.
- Title: Argentina Energy Trade Surplus Hits US$1.6B · The Rio Times
- Summary: Argentina's energy exports surge to US$1.6 billion surplus in September 2026. Argentina's energy trade surplus reached US$1.6 billion in September 2026…
- Keywords: argentina, energy, trade surplus, vaca muerta, indec, us$1.6b, september 2026, oil exports, fuel imports, shale formation, news, world
- Source: The Rio Times — https://riotimesonline.com/argentina-energy-trade-surplus-september-2026
- Author: Florencia Belén Ruiz
- Published: 2026-10-20T20:54:43+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: argentina, energy, trade surplus, vaca muerta, indec, us$1.6b, september 2026, oil exports, fuel imports, shale formation, news, world
## Argentina Energy Trade Surplus
Argentina's energy trade surplus reached US$1.6 billion in September 2026, covering 53.8% of the national trade surplus.
## Energy Exports Surge
Fuel and energy exports rose 89.1% to US$1.781 billion from a year earlier, with crude oil at US$1.127 billion.
## Fuel Imports Remain Low
Fuel and lubricant imports totaled US$181 million, up 3.5% from a year earlier, with no diesel or gasoline purchased abroad.
## US Dominates Energy Buyers
The United States accounted for US$3.046 billion of Argentine energy exports from January to September 2026, the largest share.
## Nine Months of Surplus
Argentina's energy trade surplus reached US$9.427 billion from January to September 2026, exceeding the entire 2025 surplus by US$1.612 billion.
## Vaca Muerta Shale Region
Neuquén Province shipped US$1.003 billion of energy exports in September, representing 56.3% of the national total.
## Oil Output Growth
Argentina's oil output averaged 939,422 barrels per day in September 2026, up 14% from a year earlier.
## President Milei's Statement
President Javier Milei stated Argentina is 'a few steps' from one million barrels per day, with Vaca Muerta supplying 71% of oil output.

> a few steps
## End of Barril Criollo
Milei credited the end of the 'barril criollo' domestic crude pricing scheme for ending annual energy trade deficits of up to US$5 billion.

> barril criollo
## Investor Impact
Investors in YPF shares and Argentine bonds see a firmer source of dollar income from the energy surplus.
## Pipeline Development
The Vaca Muerta Oil Sur pipeline is expected to open in early 2027, carrying 190,000 barrels per day from Neuquén to Punta Colorada.
## Price Volatility Risk
Industry voices warn the current high oil prices may not last, and a price drop could shrink export values despite growing volumes.
## What's Next
The next INDEC trade report will show whether energy continues to supply about half of Argentina's national trade surplus.
## Key takeaway

Argentina's energy trade surplus reached US$1.6 billion in September 2026, covering 53.8% of its national trade surplus.