Argentina Peso

Argentine household debt hits 13% delinquency high

In May, delinquency rates among Argentine households increased for the 19th consecutive month, approaching 13% of total household credit. At non-financial institutions such as fintech companies and digital wallets, that figure surpasses 32% — a record high in both instances. The data originates from a report utilising official statistics provided by consulting firm 1816, which … Read more

Utility price hikes are strangling Argentina’s poor and impeding recovery

The utility-rate adjustment implemented by Javier Milei’s government has significantly diminished the purchasing power of lower-income households, thereby hindering the recovery in domestic consumption — and consequently, in economic activity. Utilities have experienced a significant increase, surpassing the average inflation rate since Milei assumed office. The Interdisciplinary Institute of Political Economy has projected that from … Read more

Argentine Consumption Declines for Sixth Straight Month in May

Private consumption persisted in its downward trajectory in May, contracting by 0.3% month-on-month and 2.2% year-on-year, marking the sixth consecutive annual decline, as reported. In the first five months of 2026, the total decrease was 1.8%. In this context, supermarkets and wholesale retailers have identified inadequate demand as the primary obstacle to expanding their operations, … Read more

April Data Signals Weakness in Argentine Economy

Following the unprecedented reading in March, private analysts anticipate a contraction this month, driven by declining industrial output, subdued consumption, and a sluggish soybean harvest that is expected to hinder overall activity. Even as Javier Milei’s government emphasised March’s significant increase in economic activity — an all-time high — most private indicators concur that the … Read more

April Sees 3.2% Drop in Argentine Retail Sales

Recent private surveys indicate that consumer spending remains stagnant, raising concerns about the economic recovery that President Javier Milei has been forecasting for the upcoming months. In April, retail sales experienced a decline of 3.2% compared to the same month last year, and a decrease of 1.3% relative to the preceding month, as reported by … Read more

Business chamber reports 2.5% rise in consumption last year

Consumption in Argentina exhibited improvement last year, although it experienced a deceleration in November and December, according to a recent report. Data indicates that consumption increased by 2.5 percent in 2025 relative to the prior year, even as it experienced a decline in December for the second consecutive month. The Consumption Indicator compiled by CAC … Read more

Blue Dollar Updates

Santa toys sold 7% less in Argentina this year

During the Christmas holidays, toy sales in Argentina decreased by 6.9% compared to the 2024 season, indicating a trend of more cautious consumer behavior and constrained household finances, according to the Argentine Toy Industry Chamber. “The result was better than anticipated, particularly in contrast to November, which had exhibited a significant and unforeseen decline,” stated … Read more

SME retail sales fell 5.7% in July

The Argentine Chamber of Medium-sized Enterprises reported 2% retail sales decline and flat consumption due to declines in most sectors and lower margins.  In July, small and medium-sized retail sales experienced a decline of 2% compared to the same month in the previous year, as reported by the Argentine Confederation of Medium-Sized Enterprises (CAME). In … Read more