Argentina business closures reach 31,000 under Milei administration

business closures SME sales decline Argentine economy consumption contraction utility cost increases

Argentina is experiencing a significant contraction in its business landscape. Reports indicate that approximately 31,000 companies have closed nationwide since Javier Milei assumed presidency in December 2023, averaging 33 closures per day. The most affected sectors include transport, commerce, industry, and real estate.

In the province of Buenos Aires, the Observatorio de Datos Estratégicos reported that at least 3,165 commercial and productive establishments closed between late 2023 and September 2026. Notable regional impacts include La Plata, which saw over 1,000 closures, and Tandil, which recorded over 800 business losses.

Economic factors driving these closures include a 10% drop in mass consumption, a 249% real increase in utility costs, and a nearly 30% appreciation of the peso. Additionally, the Confederation Argentina de la Mediana Empresa (CAME) noted that SME retail sales fell by 0.2% year-on-year in August, with a cumulative decline of 2.4% for the year. While some sectors like mining and hydrocarbons have seen growth, it has not been sufficient to offset the broader economic decline.

Entities

Argentina · Buenos Aires · CAME · Confederación Argentina de la Mediana Empresa · Fundar · Javier Milei · La Libertad Avanza · Universidad Torcuato Di Tella

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 3 SOURCES] SME retail sales fell by 0.2% year-on-year in August, with a cumulative decline of 2.4% for the year. www.elsol.com.ar · newsonline.com.ar · elintransigente.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] In La Plata, unemployment fell from 9.5% to 7.8%, while underemployment rose from 9.3% to 18.2%. canalwebsanpedro.com.ar
[● 2 SOURCES] The decline is attributed to a 10% drop in mass consumption, a 249% real increase in utility costs, and a 30% appreciation of the peso. www.eschaco.com · lapioneradeclorinda.com
[● 2 SOURCES] Approximately 33 companies have closed daily in Argentina since Javier Milei took office. www.eschaco.com · lapioneradeclorinda.com
[● 2 SOURCES] At least 3,165 commercial and productive establishments closed in the province of Buenos Aires between late 2023 and September 2026. canalwebsanpedro.com.ar · www.datoposta.com
[● 2 SOURCES] Approximately 31,000 companies have closed in Argentina since Javier Milei took office. www.eschaco.com · lapioneradeclorinda.com
[● 2 SOURCES] The business closures average approximately 33 companies per day. www.eschaco.com · lapioneradeclorinda.com