April 24th, 2026
1. Economic activity fell 2.6% month-over-month in February, the sharpest decline since December 2023
The National Institute of Statistics and Censuses (INDEC) reported on Wednesday that the Monthly Economic Activity Estimator (EMAE) for February 2026 fell 2.6% compared to January, marking its sharpest monthly decline since December 2023. On a year-over-year basis, the indicator recorded a 2.1% drop, the worst reading since September 2024. The poor performance of industry and the end of the wheat harvest contributed to the result. Government officials argue that February had two fewer working days than the same period in 2025 and that a general strike took place, factors that influenced the result. Additionally, Minister Luis Caputo had anticipated that the February data could be negative. Among the sectors with year-over-year declines were manufacturing (-8.7%), wholesale and retail trade and repairs (-7%), electricity, gas, and water (-6%), taxes net of subsidies (-4.2%), and public administration and defense (-1.5%). Conversely, four sectors recorded growth compared to the same month of the previous year: fishing (+14.8%), mining and quarrying (+9.9%), agriculture, livestock, hunting, and forestry (+8.4%), and financial intermediation (+6%). The March results will be published in mid-May.
Infobae: La actividad económica cayó 2,6% en febrero: cuáles fueron los sectores más afectados
2. The Executive Branch sent a comprehensive electoral reform bill to the Senate
The Executive Branch submitted an electoral reform bill to the Senate that eliminates the Open, Simultaneous, and Mandatory Primaries (PASO), introduces a single paper ballot, incorporates the Clean Record regime, and modifies the rules governing party financing. To replace the PASO, the bill establishes a system of digitally verified citizen endorsements. Each voter may endorse one national party and one district party. District parties must demonstrate membership equivalent to 0.5% of the voter registry. To obtain national status, a party must be present in at least 10 districts. A party will lose its national status if it fails to reach 3% of the voter registry in one of two consecutive elections. Existing parties will have until June 2027 to comply. The Clean Record Law automatically prohibits candidacies for individuals with a conviction for an intentional crime confirmed on appeal, extending to national executive offices. The presidential debate will no longer be mandatory. The direct election of Mercosur parliamentarians is suspended until the bloc establishes a “Mercosur Citizens’ Day.” Meanwhile, the Chamber of Deputies approved the majority opinion on the Hojarasca Bill, with certain modifications. The bill, sponsored by Minister Federico Sturzenegger, proposes repealing 70 laws considered obsolete or redundant. The session was scheduled for this week, but it was postponed due to difficulties in reaching the necessary quorum.
TN: El Gobierno terminó de definir los detalles de la reforma electoral y el proyecto entró al Senado
3. Milei concluded his visit to Israel and welcomed Peter Thiel to the Casa Rosada
This week, President Javier Milei concluded his third visit to Israel since taking office. During the trip, he signed the Isaac Agreements with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation in defense, the fight against terrorism, anti-Semitism, and drug trafficking. He also announced the launch of the first direct flight route between Buenos Aires and Tel Aviv, scheduled for November, and reiterated his commitment to moving the Argentine embassy to Jerusalem. On his final day, he attended the ceremony marking Israel’s 78th Independence Day. Back in Buenos Aires, Milei received Peter Thiel, co-founder of PayPal and Palantir, whose fortune is estimated at over $25 billion, at the Casa Rosada yesterday. The meeting, which began shortly after 2 p.m. and lasted over an hour, was the culmination of a week of private meetings that included a lunch with Santiago Caputo and a dinner at the residence of Minister Federico Sturzenegger, attended by Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno and economist Lucas Llach. It was Milei himself who provided details about the meeting: he described Thiel as an “anarcho-capitalist,” called the meeting “wonderful,” and noted that the businessman “asked how this administration will hold up over time,” though he clarified that potential investments were not discussed. This isn’t the first time they’ve crossed paths: they met in 2024 in Los Angeles and saw each other again in May of last year in Buenos Aires.
4. SA trade surplus of $2.523 billion in March, driven by exports
Argentina’s trade balance recorded a surplus of USD 2.523 billion in March, according to data from INDEC. This result was driven by a record level of exports for the month of March, which offset the increase in imports during the same period. According to the released data, exports grew year-over-year, with a significant contribution from the agricultural export sector. Primary products and agricultural-based manufactured goods showed increases and contributed to the overall performance of foreign trade. The energy sector also played a significant role in the monthly result. According to estimates, it accounted for 43% of the trade surplus, establishing itself as one of the main contributors to the positive balance. On the import side, growth was recorded compared to the same month of the previous year, in line with increased demand for intermediate, capital, and consumer goods. Despite this increase, the trade balance remained positive due to the difference with the level of exports. The March result is part of a trend of favorable foreign trade balances, where the contribution of agriculture and energy continues to be decisive for foreign exchange generation.
Los Andes: Superávit comercial récord: el Indec informó un saldo positivo de US$ 2.523 millones
5. Child poverty affects nearly 6 out of every 10 children in Argentina, according to the UCAA
A report by the UCA’s Argentine Social Debt Observatory indicated that nearly 6 out of 10 children in the country live in poverty and that 30% do not eat regularly. The data reflects the current situation of the child population in Argentina. According to the study, child poverty remains at high levels and exceeds the rate observed in the general population. The survey also identifies deprivations in areas such as access to food, housing, and basic services. In particular, 30% of children face difficulties in accessing regular meals, which points to situations of food insecurity. This problem is concentrated primarily in lower-income sectors. The report uses a multidimensional approach to measure living conditions, incorporating indicators linked to well-being beyond income. Within this framework, it analyzes aspects related to housing, education, and access to basic rights. According to the document, these results occur within a context of adverse socioeconomic conditions, with a direct impact on households with children, which contributes to the persistence of high levels of child poverty.
A24: Pobreza infantil: un estudio de la UCA reveló la actualidad de los menores en argentina