Argentina: economy

Is Argentina's economy growing or shrinking?

Argentina's monthly economic activity estimator (EMAE) fell 1.4% in July 2026 from a year earlier and 2.9% from June after seasonal adjustment, according to INDEC's EMAE report of 24 September 2026.

Seven of fifteen sectors grew on the year, led by fishing and mining (up 8.4%). Retail and wholesale trade fell 5.1% and manufacturing 4.6%; together they took 1.3 points off annual growth. The EMAE is a preliminary monthly proxy for GDP and is revised when quarterly accounts are published.

Official sources: INDEC: EMAE, July 2026

What is driving Argentina's GDP?

Argentina's GDP fell 0.6% in the second quarter of 2026 from the first, seasonally adjusted, but was 2.0% higher than a year earlier, according to INDEC's advance national accounts of 17 September 2026.

Exports rose 2.5% in the quarter and 13.7% on the year. Private consumption fell 2.4% in the quarter, public consumption 2.3% and fixed investment 0.8%. By sector, fishing (44.7%), mining (16.4%) and agriculture (6.9%) grew most on the year. Quarterly figures are preliminary and are revised.

Official sources: INDEC: advance national accounts, Q2 2026

Does Argentina have a trade surplus?

Argentina recorded a goods trade surplus of US$2,187 million in August 2026, according to INDEC's foreign trade report of 18 September 2026. Exports were US$8,883 million and imports US$6,696 million.

It was the 33rd consecutive monthly surplus. Total trade (exports plus imports) was 8.4% higher than a year earlier. The figures are estimates for goods only; services trade, tourism and income flows are included in the balance of payments, which INDEC publishes quarterly.

Official sources: INDEC: foreign trade, August 2026

What is Argentina's current account balance?

Argentina's current account showed a surplus of US$2,214 million in the second quarter of 2026, according to INDEC's balance of payments report of 29 September 2026.

The goods trade surplus of US$9,293 million and secondary income of US$1,055 million were partly offset by a primary income deficit of US$6,032 million, mainly interest and profits paid abroad, and a services deficit of US$2,102 million. Gross external debt stood at US$327,855 million at nominal value at the end of the quarter.

Official sources: INDEC: balance of payments, Q2 2026

How many tourists visit Argentina?

733,900 non-resident visitors entered Argentina in August 2026, 10.4% more than a year earlier, according to INDEC's international tourism statistics of 25 September 2026. Of these, 432,900 were tourists staying overnight and 301,000 same-day visitors.

1,100,300 Argentine residents travelled abroad, 19.2% fewer than in August 2025, leaving a deficit of 366,300 visitors. Tourism flows depend partly on the exchange rate, which changes how expensive Argentina is for foreigners and how expensive trips abroad are for residents.

Official sources: INDEC: international tourism, August 2026

Is Argentina's economy growing?

According to the World Bank, real GDP growth in Argentina was 4.4% in 2025. The peak was 10.4% in 2021 and the low -9.9% in 2020. Latin America & Caribbean median: 2.7%; Argentina is 7th highest of 31. Worldwide: 61st of 180.

What is Argentina's GDP per person?

According to the World Bank, GDP per person in Argentina was $14,898 in 2025. No year since 2005 has been higher. Across Latin America & Caribbean the middle value was $10,989, and Argentina placed 10th highest of 31. World rank, highest first: 61st of 180.

How does Argentina's income per person compare after prices?

The World Bank puts GDP per person at purchasing power parity in Argentina at $32,587 in international dollars in 2025. No year since 2005 has been higher. It is 9th highest of 30 in Latin America & Caribbean, where the median is $22,756 in international dollars. World rank, highest first: 64th of 179.

How big are Argentina's exports?

In 2025, exports of goods and services in Argentina was 15.6% of GDP, according to the World Bank. Since 2005 it has ranged from 10.7% of GDP (2015) to 23.2% of GDP (2005). It is 14th highest of 17 in Latin America & Caribbean, where the median is 30.0% of GDP. World rank, highest first: 118th of 133.

What is Argentina's current account balance?

-1.1% of GDP: that is the current account balance in Argentina for 2025, according to the IMF, a deficit. Its high point since 2005 was 2006, at 2.8% of GDP; its low point was 2018, at -5.2% of GDP. Across Latin America & Caribbean the middle value was -1.2% of GDP, and Argentina placed 13th highest of 27. Of 132 countries with 2025 data, 70th highest.

How much foreign direct investment goes into Argentina?

According to the IMF, net inflows of foreign direct investment in Argentina was 0.6% of GDP in 2025. Since 2005 it has ranged from 0.6% of GDP (2016) to 4.0% of GDP (2023). It is 27th highest of 31 in Latin America & Caribbean, where the median is 2.5% of GDP. World rank, highest first: 140th of 179.

What interest rate do banks charge in Argentina?

46.0%: that is the average bank lending rate in Argentina for 2025, according to the IMF. The peak was 95.9% in 2023 and the low 10.6% in 2010. Across Latin America & Caribbean the middle value was 8.8%, and Argentina placed 1st highest of 23. World rank, highest first: 3rd of 73.