Argentina

Argentina flag

Map of Argentina

General Overview

Population: 39,921,833 (July 2006 est.)
GDP (purchasing power parity): US $518.1 billion (2005 est.)
GDP per capita: US$13,100 (2005 est.)
GDP (real growth rate): 8.7% (2005 est.)
Industries: food processing, motor vehicles, consumer durables, textiles, chemicals and petrochemicals, printing, metallurgy, steel
Imports: US $28.8 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Import commodities: machinery and equipment, motor vehicles, chemicals, metal manufactures, plastics
Exports: US $40 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Export commodities: edible oils, fuels and energy, cereals, feed, motor vehicles
Alberta's export to Argentina: CDN$11 million (2005)
Alberta's main exports to Argentina: machinery and electrical equipment, telecommunication equipment and chemicals
Canada's main exports to Argentina: heavy oil preparations, coal, transportation equipment and electrical equipment

For detailed information about Argentina, the following websites provide economic, political and historical information:

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Export Statistics

For detailed statistical information on Alberta and Canadian exports to Argentina, consult the following statistical publications and databases:

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Alberta-Argentina Relations

Alberta is twinned with the province of Neuquén. In November 2000, the Memorandum of Understanding, focusing on energy, agriculture and tourism, between Alberta and Neuquén was renewed.

  • World Relations
    Alberta International and Intergovernmental Relations summary of Alberta's relationship with Argentina.

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Sector Opportunities

  • Agricultural Equipment

    This market is a prime area of opportunity as there is need for upgrading of existing machinery. As well, some farmers are switching to non-traditional crops and will need to buy new equipment. There is also need for food processing and packaging equipment since domestic food companies are seeing more competition from imported goods, and need to use more quality packaging.

    Another area of demand exists in irrigation investment and equipment sales, and management of feedlot operations.

  • Computers and Software

    The Argentine market for computers and accessories is one of the fastest growing in the world. Coupled with this growth is a trend to re-equip with more advanced solutions. Alberta firms that can provide full solutions such as hardware, software, installation, and after sales assistance would be most successful.

  • Construction and Building Materials and Services

    The future of this industry looks promising, especially considering that the Construction Industry Association (CAC) predicts that Argentina will need to construct three million houses over the next 20 years. Foreign sources of financing are expected to provide 80 per cent of this funding in order to meet the anticipated developments.

    Imports currently satisfy 30 per cent of total demand and consist primarily of products intended for the high-end consumer bracket. The market is open to overseas suppliers and there are very few trade barriers.

  • Environmental Equipment and Services

    Demand for pollution control equipment is growing steadily, as industry and government become increasingly aware of environmental concerns in society and begin to incorporate them into the national policy agenda. Approximately 25% of Argentina's environmental control goods and services come from foreign suppliers. The chemical and petrochemical industries are natural candidates for environmental equipment and demand for specialized services is heavily concentrated in the area of water, sewage, river and lake basin cleanups. There is also opportunity for companies providing support services such as environmental impact assessments, reports, and management and consulting.

  • Oil & Gas Equipment and Services

    Alberta is a significant investor in Argentina's energy sector. The privatization of the oil and gas industry has created opportunities for foreign suppliers of field machinery, as well as opportunity from increased demand. About $2 billion each year is spent on developing the oil and gas sectors. In addition, there are many opportunities that exist in the Argentine oil market. Due to the initial large sums of investment in the early 1990s, many wells are now in need of secondary recovery methods or upgrading in efficiency to meet new international standards. Regional integration in energy has resulted in increased levels of trade activity in natural gas and electricity. In fact, regionally, natural gas is expected to continue growing at about 10% per year. Pipelines are being developed to export natural gas from Argentina to Brazil, Chile and Uruguay. There is also proposed expansion of natural gas pipelines and additional exploration within Argentina. The country produces about 762,000 barrels of oil per day.

    Several Alberta-based companies have operations in Argentina, including Nova Gas, Norcen, AEC, TransAlta Utilities. In February 2000, Canadian Hunter Exploration bought ownership of a natural gas company in Argentina, its first international venture.

For additional information on business opportunities and resources for market intelligence, visit:

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Exporting Your Products - Services for Exporters

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Other Resources

In Argentina

Other Organizations

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Alberta International, Intergovernmental & Aboriginal Relations Contacts

For customized export facilitation, contact our sector officers for South America:

Date Updated: Sep 30, 2008
RDP-805