Rising basic basket costs impact households in Argentina and Mexico

Rising costs for basic goods are impacting households in Rosario, Argentina, and Tamaulipas, Mexico.

In Rosario, data from the Universidad Nacional de Rosario indicates that the Basic Food Basket (CBA) rose by 8% in August, while the Total Basic Basket (CBT) increased by 7.9%. To avoid falling below the poverty line, a family of four with their own home required approximately $1,778,233 ARS in August. The CBT has seen a year-on-year increase of 39.9%, with a 33% rise recorded so far in 2026. The increase in food spending has outpaced other goods and services.

In Tamaulipas, Mexico, INEGI reports show that the cost of the basic food basket also increased in August. In urban areas, an individual required 2,562 pesos per month for food, while the amount was 1,910 pesos in rural areas. The annual increase in food prices in cities reached 4.5%, exceeding the general monthly inflation rate of 3.3%. Key drivers for these price hikes included dining out and the rising costs of onions and potatoes.