Mexico cautious on hiring as Argentina loses 41,000 formal jobs

A ManpowerGroup survey shows Mexican employers expect a modest 28% net increase in formal employment for the third quarter of 2026, a 13‑point drop from the previous period. About 45% of firms plan to expand staff, while 37% expect no change and 17% may cut jobs. Sectors with the strongest outlook include public services, natural resources, automotive, construction, manufacturing and finance, with the automotive industry posting the biggest gain.

In Argentina, official data reveal a loss of roughly 41,000 formal jobs over the past twelve months, mainly in the private sector. The decline spans 19 of the country’s 24 provinces, hitting northern and Patagonian regions the hardest. At the same time, average wages have failed to keep up with inflation, eroding purchasing power and dampening consumer spending.

Both countries face a slowdown in hiring and rising cost pressures, highlighting broader challenges for the Latin American labor market.