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Argentina’s Poverty Rate Plunge Faces Growing Scrutiny Over Methods

Independent observatories along with INDEC staff question the comparability of the new series.

Overview

  • INDEC reports poverty fell from 52.9% in 1H2024 to 31.6% in 1H2025, with indigence at 6.9% and average family income up 26.3% versus about 13% growth in basic-basket costs.
  • Official data still show severe child deprivation, with 45.4% of children aged 0–14 in poverty and higher rates among older minors, while poverty among those 65+ is reported at 10.8%.
  • UCA’s childhood observatory describes structural habitat gaps for urban minors, including 62.5% living in unsafe neighborhoods, 35.4% in homes with serious infrastructure deficits, and 25% without adequate sanitation.
  • Critiques highlight outdated 2004–05 baskets, survey changes and hard-to-verify informal earnings, with INDEC workers (ATE) disputing claims of tens of millions exiting poverty and the choice of comparison period.
  • Alternative readings underscore heterogeneity: Equilibra estimates 43.3% for Oct 2024–Mar 2025 and Catamarca posts 34% poverty with 7.3% indigence, while HelpAge’s 2024 estimate of 73% elder poverty contrasts sharply with official low rates.