Argentina exported a record 45,109 tons of yerba mate and its derivatives in 2024, representing a 19.4% increase over the previous year, according to data compiled by the Instituto Nacional de la Yerba Mate (INYM) and reported by Statista and Tridge. The milestone cements Argentina's position as the world's leading yerba mate exporter and reflects the cumulative effect of sustained promotional campaigns in international markets over the past decade.
The Syria Connection
Syria's dominance as the primary destination — absorbing 77% of all Argentine yerba mate exports — is one of the more remarkable stories in global food trade. The connection traces back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when waves of Syrian and Lebanese immigrants settled in Argentina's northeastern provinces of Misiones and Corrientes, the heartland of yerba mate production. These immigrants adopted the mate-drinking habit and, upon returning to their home countries or maintaining family ties, brought the custom with them. Today, mate consumption is deeply embedded in Syrian daily life, particularly in the cities of Damascus and Aleppo, where it is prepared in a style virtually identical to the Argentine tradition.
Chile and the West
Chile, which received 14% of exports, is the second-largest market and benefits from geographical proximity and shared Andean cultural connections. Spain, at 5%, serves as a gateway for the broader European market, while the United States — still at just 2% of total exports — represents what INYM officials describe as the highest-growth-potential market. The remaining 2% of exports were distributed across 13 additional countries, reflecting the early stages of market diversification in regions including East Asia and West Africa.
Production vs. Export Dynamics
The export surge coincides with Argentina's record 2024 harvest of approximately 1.1 million metric tons of green leaf, raising questions about whether the export growth has been achieved at the expense of domestic supply — or, conversely, whether it has provided a necessary outlet for the country's current oversupply condition. Industry analysts note that export prices tend to be higher than domestic prices, creating an incentive for processors to prioritize international shipments during periods of depressed farmgate prices. This dynamic could exacerbate the ongoing tensions between producers and processors within the domestic market.
INYM officials have attributed the record to strategic positioning in international markets and coordinated promotional efforts, including participation in food trade fairs in the Middle East and Europe. Looking ahead, the institute has identified China and India as priority targets for future export expansion — vast consumer markets where tea-drinking cultures could provide a receptive foundation for yerba mate adoption.