Neuquén projected to become Argentina's top exporting province by 2032 on Vaca Muerta shale

IERAL projections show Neuquén overtaking Córdoba (2027), Santa Fe (2028), and Buenos Aires (2031) to become Argentina's leading exporting province by 2032, driven by Vaca Muerta shale oil and gas output. This marks a historic shift in Argentina's export structure, with hydrocarbons displacing agricultural and manufacturing exports. The projection underscores the growing macroeconomic significance of the shale boom, though it depends on sustained investment and infrastructure development.