HOUSTON, TEXAS (By Pietro D. Pitts, Editores Latin Petroleum, 5.Oct.2026, Words: 346) — The Pampas region led Argentina’s exports for much of its history and still maintains that position.
Buenos Aires tops the ranking of exporting provinces, followed by Córdoba and Santa Fe, thanks to the strength of agriculture, agribusiness, and some branches of manufacturing, LM Neuquēn reported on 5 Oct. 2026.
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However, this is changing, and Neuquén has now risen to fourth place, a position it didn’t even hold in the top 10 in 2021, according to a report by the Institute for Research in Latin America and the Caribbean (IERAL) of the Fundación Mediterránea (Mediterranean Foundation).
The study’s author, Federico Belich, head of the Comahue regional office, projected the impact of Vaca Muerta on the provincial ranking based on production volume and hydrocarbon price scenarios, particularly for oil.
The unconventional resource formation is centered in Neuquén and also encompasses parts of Mendoza, Río Negro, and La Pampa.
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Alone, the Vaca Muerta has technically recoverable shale resources ranking among the world’s largest — 308 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) of natural gas and 16.2 Bn bbls of crude oil.
These resources could easily anchor Argentina’s efforts to mature into a regional, if not, global energy exporting powerhouse.
Neuquén projections
According to projections, Neuquén will surpass Córdoba in export value in 2027, Santa Fe in 2028, and Buenos Aires between 2031 and 2032.
Behind this progress are the increase in unconventional oil production, the expansion of transportation infrastructure, and the future export of liquefied natural gas (LNG).
For the last 2 decades, 74% of Argentine exports were concentrated in Buenos Aires, Santa Fe, and Córdoba, driven by agriculture, agribusiness, the automotive industry, oilseed processing, and manufacturing.
Unconventional hydrocarbons have begun to alter this structure and now compete with traditional activities as a driver of foreign exchange earnings.
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By Pietro D. Pitts reporting from Houston. © 1999-2026 Energy Analytics Institute (EAI) and its 100% owned Venezuelan affiliate Editores Latin Petroleum CA. All Rights Reserved.
