Argentina's yerba mate exports to China have risen 88 per cent since 2021, as the traditional South American herbal drink — derived from the plant Ilex paraguariensis — finds a fast-growing consumer base in the world's most populous market, according to Argentina's National Institute of Statistics and Census.

Export volumes hit new highs

In the first quarter of 2026 alone, Argentina shipped approximately 214,000 kg (471,789 lbs) of yerba mate to China. Juan Luis Lorenzo, a local producer directly involved in exports to China, said exports from his cooperative have 'doubled since last year,' reflecting a broader acceleration in demand.

The figures underscore how a drink once confined to the Rio de la Plata region — spanning Argentina, Uruguay, and Brazil — is rapidly crossing cultural and geographic boundaries.

Why it matters: The Messi effect

Much of yerba mate's global visibility is credited to high-profile athletes. World Cup-winning footballer Lionel Messi is frequently photographed carrying a traditional mate gourd, lending the beverage an aspirational association with elite athletic performance. Sportspeople more broadly have helped position the drink as a symbol of health, energy, and well-being.

In China, where wellness beverages and functional drinks command a premium and a rapidly expanding consumer segment, this image has proven commercially potent.

How Chinese consumers are drinking it

Despite the enthusiasm, there are concerns that the traditional preparation and consumption method — sipping hot infused leaves through a metal straw called a bombilla from a shared gourd — is not being fully replicated in China. Producers and cultural observers have noted that the drink is often consumed in ways that differ significantly from its South American origins, raising questions about whether consumers are experiencing its full cultural and health context.

Yerba mate, derived from the Ilex paraguariensis plant native to the subtropical forests of Argentina, Paraguay, Brazil, and Uruguay, has been consumed by the Guaraní people for centuries and carries deep cultural significance across the region.

The competitive backdrop

The surge in yerba mate's popularity in China arrives as global functional beverage markets intensify competition. Traditional tea producers, energy drink brands, and wellness supplement companies are all vying for the same health-conscious Chinese consumer. Yerba mate's natural caffeine content, antioxidant profile, and celebrity association give it a differentiated pitch.

According to reports, Argentina's National Institute of Yerba Mate and the broader industry are actively working to expand international market education efforts, particularly in Asia.

What's next

With Q1 2026 export volumes already substantial, producers and trade bodies will be watching whether China sustains its appetite through the rest of the year — and whether consumer education initiatives can bridge the gap between imported product volumes and authentic preparation practices. How China's regulatory environment for herbal and functional beverages evolves will also shape the drink's long-term market trajectory.