Argentina and Venezuela face industrial decline and wage crises

Economic instability is driving significant industrial and commercial decline in Argentina and Venezuela. In the Province of Buenos Aires, the Observatorio de Datos Estratégicos reported at least 3,165 closures of commercial and productive establishments between 2023 and late 2025. The Union Industrial of the Province of Buenos Aires (UIPBA) also noted 1,306 industrial unit closures, contributing to a national loss of over 41,000 industrial jobs.

In the city of Tandil, more than 800 commercial closures have been recorded since the start of 2025, with 41% of local businesses reporting a drop in sales. Labor leaders in Argentina have expressed concern over a shift from temporary suspensions to permanent closures and layoffs.

In Venezuela, the Social Dialogue Table is scheduled to meet next week to establish a methodology for accelerating wage recovery for workers. Leida Marcela León of the Central de Trabajadores ASI Venezuela noted that while some real income has been recovered, workers have lost many previous labor benefits and protections due to ongoing political and economic instability.