Argentina

Argentina's economy likely slid into recession in Q3, testing Milei before 2027 vote

Weak consumer spending and business closures are straining the austerity-driven recovery, a political and market risk a year before Argentina's October 2027 presidential election.

Photo: San Luis Obispo Tribune

What happened

Economists say Argentina's economy likely slipped into a recession in the third quarter, a test of voter patience a year before the October 2027 presidential election in which President Javier Milei is widely expected to seek a second term. HuffPost+2 Consumption fell 2.7% in the first nine months of 2026 from a year earlier, as households kept pulling back on purchases of essentials and durable goods despite slowing inflation. Adalytica Some 32,300 businesses, roughly 6% of all companies in Argentina, closed between Milei taking power in December 2023 and July, according to think-tank Fundar. HuffPost+2 Eseka, a family-owned Buenos Aires clothing maker, has seen sales fall around 40% since Milei took office, battered by weak demand and cheaper imports after the government lifted trade restrictions. HuffPost+2

Around it

Household consumption accounts for about two-thirds of Argentina's gross domestic product, so a sustained pullback in spending drags on the broader economy. HuffPost+2 The strain is most visible in industry, commerce and construction, where firms face softer demand, import competition and idle capacity, even as inflation cools and macroeconomic stability improves. Adalytica

Sources

  1. HuffPostArgentina's Economy Reels Towards Recession, Testing Milei Ahead Of 2027 Vote (opens in a new tab)
  2. San Luis Obispo TribuneArgentina's austerity-hit economy reels towards recession, testing Milei ahead of 2027 vote (opens in a new tab)
  3. Myrtle Beach Sun NewsArgentina's austerity-hit economy reels towards recession, testing Milei ahead of 2027 vote (opens in a new tab)
  4. AdalyticaArgentina recovery slows as consumption weakens (opens in a new tab)

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