Argentina pushes fiscal simplification while construction sector loses 120,000 jobs

The Argentine government is advancing the "inocencia fiscal" project, which would broaden the simplified tax regime by removing asset and income thresholds, raise the discrepancy limit with the tax agency to 5 million pesos, and extend the deadline for using previously undeclared funds to 31 December 2027. Officials estimate the measure could channel up to US $50 billion into the formal economy.

The construction industry, represented by the Cámara Argentina de la Construcción, reports a loss of 120,000 direct jobs between 2023 and 2024 and a modest recovery of only 5,000 positions, with an estimated 240,000 indirect jobs affected. Recent INDEC data show industrial production down 2.1% year‑on‑year and construction activity down 4%.

YPF announced it will cease production of linear alkylbenzene, a key ingredient for detergents, raising concerns for manufacturers in industrial regions such as Córdoba. Meanwhile, ManpowerGroup noted a rise in hiring expectations for Q3 2026, with a 9% increase nationally and 12% in the Pampeana region.