News in brief:
– Argentina faces a staggering 250.6% inflation in 2024, a sharp increase from the OECD’s previous forecast, attributed to President Milei’s sweeping libertarian reforms.
– The country’s economy is expected to contract by 2.3%, impacting local farmers who grapple with rising production costs and market uncertainties.
The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) projects Argentina’s inflation rate to soar to an alarming 250.6% in 2024, marking a significant downgrade from previous forecasts.
The consequences of this economic upheaval, fueled by President Javier Milei’s sweeping reforms, are expected to have a profound impact on local farmers.
Libertarian reforms trigger economic instability
President Milei’s ambitious reforms, including a 50% devaluation of the peso, reduction of state subsidies, and extensive deregulation, have sparked widespread protests in Latin America’s third-largest economy.
The OECD, an intergovernmental organisation with 38 member countries, points to high inflation and substantial fiscal tightening as key factors leading to an anticipated output decline in Argentina this year.
Its November report projected an average annual inflation of 157.1%, a figure now surpassed by the current forecast. The accelerated consumer price increases in late 2023, coupled with loose macroeconomic policy settings in the past, contribute to the dire economic situation. Consequently, Argentina’s economy is now expected to contract by 2.3% in 2024, a significant downward revision from the previous estimate of 1.3%.
Impact of inflation on local farmers
As inflation skyrockets, local farmers in Argentina find themselves grappling with the ripple effects of economic instability. Rising costs of production, reduced purchasing power, and uncertain market conditions pose significant challenges for the agricultural sector.
The OECD underscores the need for resilience among farmers as they navigate a landscape of economic uncertainty. It suggests that growth may rebound in 2025 as Milei’s reforms gradually take effect.
However, the immediate future remains uncertain for local farmers facing the brunt of the economic downturn. The report emphasises the importance of monitoring how these sweeping changes impact the agricultural landscape and urges stakeholders to adapt strategies accordingly.
