US Export-Import Bank eyes financing for Argentina energy and minerals

Argentina and the United States have launched or are preparing to announce an infrastructure and investment initiative of up to $7 billion to strengthen links between Argentina’s energy and mining regions and export markets. The package is expected to support Vaca Muerta shale oil and gas, LNG exports, lithium, copper and other critical minerals, with financing potentially backed by the U.S. Export-Import Bank and private investors. A major target is the Argentina LNG project, involving YPF, Italy’s ENI and the United Arab Emirates’ XRG, while funds could also help companies operating in Argentina purchase equipment from U.S. manufacturers. The initiative builds on President Javier Milei’s RIGI investment incentives and a February U.S.-Argentina critical-minerals agreement that still requires ratification by Argentina’s Congress. Washington’s broader goal is to secure access to resources important for energy security, defense and advanced technology, while Buenos Aires seeks foreign capital to expand exports and modernize infrastructure.