Overview

• Argentina finalized a $20 billion Extended Fund Facility agreement with the International Monetary Fund, a cornerstone of its economic restructuring plan.
• President Milei lifted most capital and currency controls, signaling a commitment to free-market policies and further peso devaluation.
• The U.S. Treasury, led by Secretary Scott Bessent, expressed strong support for Milei’s reforms, emphasizing their importance in countering Chinese economic influence in Latin America.
• Milei’s austerity measures, including pension cuts and reduced state spending, have triggered protests and strikes, highlighting domestic discontent.
• While fostering ties with the U.S., Argentina renewed a $5 billion currency swap with China, reflecting a delicate balance in its global economic relations.