US and Argentina Launch $7B Andes-Atlantic Corridor for Lithium, Copper, and Energy Supply Chains

The United States and Argentina have launched the Andes-Atlantic Corridor, a $7 billion infrastructure initiative to move critical minerals like lithium and copper from Argentina's interior to global markets. The corridor includes railways, ports, power grids, and pipelines, backed by the U.S. Export-Import Bank (EXIM) through a financing framework that also covers energy security and grid modernization. This is part of the G7's Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment, aiming to diversify supply chains away from concentrated sources. Argentina already produces about 23,000 metric tons of lithium annually and has large copper reserves, but remote locations and poor infrastructure have limited exports. The financing could help develop mines and processing facilities using U.S. equipment and expertise. The initiative also includes up to $6 billion for Argentina LNG, tying energy exports to the broader corridor. For clean energy, the mineral supply is key, as lithium and copper are essential for batteries, electric vehicles, and grid expansion. The real test will be execution, moving from framework to actual construction and financing. If successful, this corridor could become a major supplier to Western clean energy markets, reducing reliance on China for critical minerals.