The production of yerba mate suffered a notable decline in the first quarter of 2025, with a drop of 30% compared to the same period of the previous year. The provinces of Corrientes and Misiones, the main areas of yerba mate production, experienced unusual activity, as producers opted not to harvest due to a lack of economic viability.
Current prices for green leaves, ranging between $230 and $300 per kilo, are insufficient to cover production costs, exacerbating the situation. Additionally, the payment terms from buyers, which include 60 to 90 days or payments in 12 interest-free installments, contribute to the deterioration of the situation.
Regarding exports, declines of 15% to 16% have also been observed so far this year. In 2024, domestic consumption of yerba mate did not show encouraging figures. According to the National Institute of Yerba Mate (INYM), local sales decreased by 11%, with a total of 238,042,303 kilos marketed, representing a significant reduction compared to the previous year. This level is the lowest since 2016.
In contrast, exports were the only positive point, reaching a historical maximum last year with a total of 41,228,288 kilos exported, which represented an increase of 13% compared to 2023.
