Argentina's poverty rate climbs to nearly one in three under Milei
Summary
Argentina’s poverty rate rose to 32.3% in the first half of 2026, according to official data, reversing previous improvements under President Javier Milei. Extreme poverty also increased, with almost half of children under 14 living in poverty, as incomes failed to keep up with rising prices.Key Facts
- Argentina’s poverty rate increased from 28.2% in late 2025 to 32.3% in early 2026.
- Extreme poverty grew from 6.3% to 7.5% in the same period.
- Among children aged 14 and under, 44.5% are poor and 10.8% are extremely poor.
- Poverty is defined by the inability to afford a basic basket of goods worth about $340; extreme poverty is not affording a basic food basket worth about $150.
- President Milei previously reduced poverty from 52.9% in early 2024 to 28.2% by late 2025.
- The rise in poverty is linked to job insecurity, increased imports, and the closure of about 30,000 companies since Milei took office.
- Unemployment reached 7.9% in the second quarter of 2026, the highest since 2021.
- Informal work, such as street vending and waste collecting, is common due to job insecurity.
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