Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Argentina Still Expensive in Durables as December IERAL Report Shows Mixed Competitiveness

The think tank cites import protection with high taxes as the main drivers of elevated tradable prices.

Overview

  • In the December update, Argentina is more expensive in 81% of durable-goods comparisons, an improvement from about 90% earlier in 2025.
  • Food and beverages are pricier in 39% of cases across a 10‑product, 10‑country basket, with relative gains in potatoes, cheese and beef cuts.
  • Personal and family services show 32% of items expensive versus peers, edging down from 36% in September.
  • Brazil is cheaper on virtually all of the compared food items, while Argentina often underprices advanced economies like the United States for those staples.
  • The analysis references a TCRM of 1,439 pesos—about 19.7% below its 25‑year average—and notes some apparel items, including a branded dress and athletic shoes, rank among the world’s costliest based on Numbeo data.