Argentina’s Inflation Hits 287.9% in March, Central Bank Cuts Rates
Argentina's inflation rate surged to 287.9% annually in March, a slight uptick from February's 276%, as reported by the country's statistical agency, Indec.
On a monthly basis, the Consumer Price Index (IPC) increased by 11.0%, a moderation from February’s 13.2% rise, prompting the central bank to slash interest rates earlier in the week.
The recent inflationary crisis saw its peak in December, triggered by the government’s peso devaluation and the initial subsidy reductions, leading to a subsequent decline over the past three months.
March witnessed direct impacts on consumer spending, causing Argentinians to pull back on major purchases, consequently contributing to a significant downturn in manufacturing, confirmed by both local sources and official statistics.
Indec highlighted specific sectors driving the price hikes, with education experiencing the highest increase (52.7%) due to rising academic fees, followed by communication (15.9%) and housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels (13.3%).
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Food and non-alcoholic beverages recorded the highest overall incidence across regions, with notable increases in meat, dairy products, vegetables, and bread.
Despite the persistent high inflation, Argentina’s central bank decided to lower interest rates to 70% from 80%, citing a slowdown in inflationary pressures since December 2023. The bank emphasized the importance of monitoring core inflation indicators amidst adjustments to regulated tariffs and subsidy withdrawals by the new government.
Alexander Stefanov
Reporter at CoinsPress
Alex is an experienced finance journalist and a cryptocurrency and blockchain enthusiast. With over five years of experience covering the industry, he deeply understands the complex and constantly evolving world of digital assets. His insightful and thought-provoking articles provide readers with a clear picture of the latest developments and trends in the market. His passionate approach allows him to break down complex ideas into accessible and insightful content. Follow up on his content to be up to date with the most important trends and topics - stay ahead of the curve with CoinsPress.
