Argentina's industrial production expanded strongly in March over a year ago, 8.8%, as the consumer boom continues to fuel demand for everything from cars to home appliances. However monthly output slowed to a standstill and was unchanged from February, according to the national statistics institute, Indec release on Wednesday.
Argentina’s National Statistics Agency, Indec, announced Wednesday that poverty levels lowered in the second half of 2010, with 527,000 households below the poverty line (6.8%), which include a total of 2,475,000 people (9,9%).
Argentina's February monthly economic activity indicator, or EMAE, jumped 8.7% on the year and was up 0.4% on the month, the national statistics agency Indec reported Monday. The EMAE comprises most components of gross domestic product.
An estimated 16 million Argentines, (out of a population of 40 million) live on less than 800 pesos per month which is equivalent to 8 US dollars per day, according to the latest data from the official Homes Standing Poll.
IMF Western Hemisphere Director Nicolás Eyzaguirre said the organization had not yet received any official communication from the Argentine government regarding IMF recommendations over its inflation index.
Argentina’s 2011 economic growth forecast was raised to 8% from 5% by Nomura Securities International based on a strong surge from domestic demand and rising commodity prices. Government primary spending is expected to continue since 2011 is electoral year.
The IMF has presented a report to Argentine authorities with specific recommendations for developing a new, nationwide consumer price index to replace the much-criticized current index, the fund said in a press release Monday.
International Monetary Fund (IMF) staff arrived Monday at Argentina’s Statistics Bureau, Indec headquarters in Buenos Aires to meet with its chief Ana María Edwin and its Director Norberto Itzcovich and begin the elaboration of a new cost of living index.
The International Monetary Fund said Thursday it will send a team to Argentina again next month to continue work on revamping the government's discredited inflation measure, and will provide specific recommendations.
Inflation in Argentina advanced 0.7% in February over the previous month pushed mainly by increases in the clothing sector (2.2%) and leisure activities (3.5%), according to the official Indec National Statistics Bureau. During the first two months of the year, the consumer prices index accumulated 1.5%.