By Walter Bianchi and Jorge Otaola
BUENOS AIRES, Feb 18 (Reuters) – Argentina likely registered a trade surplus of $900 million in January, according to median forecasts of analysts polled by Reuters, citing a strong rise in exports alongside a decline in imports.
Estimates from 11 local and foreign analysts forecast an average positive trade balance of $651.8 million for the first month of 2026.
The country had posted a positive balance of $1.89 billion in December and closed 2025 with a surplus of $11.29 billion.
“The January balance is explained by an 11.6% year-on-year increase in exports compared to a 5.2% drop in imports,” said Ivan Cachanosky, chief economist at the Buenos Aires-based Liberty and Progress Foundation.
According to the poll, Argentina is expected to mark 26 consecutive months with a favorable trade balance when the official data is published by the national statistics agency on Thursday.
Libertarian President Javier Milei, who assumed power in December 2023, has dramatically reduced the country’s inflation from double digits when he took office to under 3% last January and has boosted exports by easing currency controls, including from the country’s major grains sector.
(Reporting by Walter Bianchi and Jorge Otaola; Writing by Leila Miller; Editing by Anil D’Silva)
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