Argentina: SME delinquency rates quadruple those of large companies

New data from the Debt Map (mapadeladeuda.ar), launched by the Assembly of Small and Medium Enterprises (APYME) and the Centro de Estudios para la Ciudad, reveals a significant credit deterioration among Argentina's most vulnerable business units.

Micro-enterprises report a delinquency rate of 17.73% in total amounts, nearly five times the 3.74% rate seen in large firms. Small enterprises show a delinquency rate of 9.86%, while medium-sized companies stand at 7.34%. Large companies, which hold 90.3% of the country's total credit ($74.01 trillion), maintain a more stable 3.74% delinquency rate.

Sector-specific analysis highlights the construction industry as the most affected, with micro-enterprise delinquency reaching a record 27.85%. The consumer goods industry and essential goods commerce also show high rates, with micro-enterprises in essential commerce recording 19.75% delinquency. Additionally, the number of companies and individuals issuing checks without sufficient funds tripled during the last quarter of 2025.