Argentina's economy fell 2.1% in February 2026 compared to the same month in the previous year, according to official INDEC data released this week. The result marks a reversal after the growth recorded in January.
Argentina's economy has been undergoing a severe adjustment period under Javier Milei's government, which adopted a program of public spending cuts and subsidy reductions to rebalance public accounts and contain chronic inflation. The country recorded 4.4% growth in 2025, but analysts expected the fiscal adjustment to have a recessionary effect in the short term.
What the sources say
Click any claim to see the source quotes and primary documents.
Argentina's economy contracted 2.1% in February 2026 compared to the same month in the previous year
Inflation continues to be a central problem for Argentina's economy
Unconfirmed exclusive
1 source
·
tap to expand
In the seasonally adjusted series, the decline was 2.6% compared to January 2026
⚠ only one source — exclusive, unconfirmed
Unconfirmed exclusive
1 source
·
tap to expand
Manufacturing industry fell 8.7% and wholesale and retail trade dropped 7.0%
⚠ only one source — exclusive, unconfirmed
Unconfirmed exclusive
1 source
·
tap to expand
Eight sectors posted gains in the annual comparison, with fishing growing 14.8% and mining 9.9%
⚠ only one source — exclusive, unconfirmed
Unconfirmed exclusive
1 source
·
tap to expand
Milei adopted a program of public spending cuts, subsidy reduction and economic liberalization
⚠ only one source — exclusive, unconfirmed
Context of 2025 economic performance