Argentina to Privatize 49% of Nucleoeléctrica Argentina While Retaining State Control
|
On September 30, 2025, the National Executive Branch, via Decree Nro. 695/2025, authorized, pursuant to Article 4 of Annex I to Decree No. 695/2024, the privatization of the 49% of Nucleoeléctrica Argentina (“NA-SA”), the operator of the Atucha I, Atucha II, and Embalse nuclear power plants. Of this stake, 44% will be offered through a national and international public tender, while 5% will be allocated to employees under a Participated Ownership Program. The State will retain a 51% majority stake, ensuring continued strategic control over the company.
NA-SA accounts for approximately 4.1% of Argentina’s installed power capacity and contributes around 7.3% of the country’s electricity generation. The company remains profitable, reporting AR$ 17.2 billion in earnings for the first quarter of 2025.
The Ministry of Economy and the Public Enterprises Transformation Agency shall establish the terms of the process.
|
|
Agribusiness / Export Regulations
|
Government Suspends Export Duties on Grains and Beef
|
On September 22, 2025, the National Executive Branch, via Decree Nro. 682/2025, established an export duty rate of zero percent (0%) for grains and their subproducts. This measure applies to commodities such as soybeans, corn, wheat, and sunflower, among others, and is intended to incentivize producers and exporters to expedite sales within the ongoing marketing season.
This 0% rate is effective until one of two conditions is met, whichever occurs first: October 31, 2025, or the total value of registered “Sworn Statements of Foreign Sales” (in Spanish “Declaraciones Juradas de Venta al Exterior” or “DJVE”) reaches the equivalent of USD 7,000 millions. Exporters must liquidate at least 90% of the foreign currency within three business days of making the DJVE. Finally, two (2) days after the issuance of the Decree, the National Government reported that the registration quota of USD 7,000 millions has been reached.
In addition, on the same day, the National Executive Branch officially announced, through Decree 685/2025, a reduction to 0% in the export duty rate for beef and poultry, included in the Mercosur Common Nomenclature (NCM), until 31 October this year.
|
|
Río Negro Launches New Tender to Continue Exploring Vaca Muerta
|
On August 18, 2025, the Government of Río Negro issued a national and international public tender (No. 01/25) for the award of a non-conventional exploration permit and, if applicable, a concession for exploitation, transportation, and commercialization of hydrocarbons in the Cinco Saltos Sur block, located in the Río Negro sector of the Vaca Muerta formation.
This initiative originated from a private sector proposal by Pan American Energy (PAE), expressing interest in conducting exploration across a 252 km² area along the northern slope of the Alto Valle.
A minimum investment of USD 8.5 million is required, encompassing the drilling of one vertical exploratory well with a horizontal branch extending at least 2,000 meters. The deadline for offer submissions and the bid opening is October 10, 2025, at the Agency in Cipolletti.
|
|
Mendoza to Tender 12 Hydrocarbon Exploration Areas
|
The Province of Mendoza has announced the initiation of a bidding process for the concession of twelve (12) hydrocarbon exploration areas, consistent with the 2025 Model Tender. Furthermore, the provincial administration intends to facilitate a distinct tender for five (5) production areas.
The 12 exploration areas to be offered are: (i) Atuel Exploración Norte, (ii) Atuel Exploración Sur, (iii) Boleadero, (iv) Calmuco, (v) Chachahuen Norte, (vi) CN III Norte, (vii) Los Parlamentos, (viii) Puesto Pozo Cercado Occidental, (ix) Ranquil Norte, (x) Río Atuel, (xi) Sierra Azul Sur, and (xii) Zampal.
For further information, please refer to news@pagbam.com, call (54-11) 4114-3000 or get in touch with us via WhatsApp.
|
|
|
|
|
