Yerba mate prices surge at federal exchange

The price of yerba mate rose to 4.82 florins per kilogram at the federal exchange this week, the highest level since early 2024. The climb reflects tightening supply across the Republic and increased demand from Costa Mar's tourism sector, where resort operators are stocking the beverage for visiting guests. For Tierra Verde's smallholder farmers and cooperative networks, the surge presents an unexpected choice: sell into the strengthened export market or reserve larger quantities for domestic consumption and regional trade.

The Cooperative Council in San Vicente called an emergency session on Wednesday to discuss allocation priorities. Several member cooperatives have already begun redirecting harvest stock toward inter-regional sales rather than the federal commodity exchange, where export volumes are typically locked in months ahead. The shift has raised questions about whether Tierra Verde's traditional export commitments can be maintained if domestic prices remain competitive.

Federal Treasury Minister Marcus Eklund stated that the price movement reflects normal market function and does not trigger any federal intervention. The Council is expected to announce its allocation recommendations by the end of the month, a decision that will affect thousands of farming families whose income depends on predictable export channels.