Despite the apparent success of Argentine President Javier administration's policies to curb inflation, various reports last week showed plummetting figures regarding economic activity and welfare. To fight growing retail prices, the Libertarian Government authorized imports of yerba mate, dairy products, meat, rice, and even sugar.
An Argentine household needs a monthly income of at least 100,000 Pesos equivalent to US$ 781 at the official rate, (128 Pesos to the dollar) or US$ 454 (free market, 220 Pesos to the dollar) to remain just above the poverty line, according to the latest estimate from the government's Stats Office, Indec.
An Argentine standard family of two adults and two children needed the monthly equivalent of US$ 664 or US$ 380 (depending on the official or free money exchange market) to be considered above the poverty line during the month of June. July figures will be released in fifteen days.
Inflation in Argentina during April reached 2.1% and 29% in the last twelve months according to the latest release from private consultants, an average of which is announced every month as the 'Congressional index' by members from the Lower House Freedom of Expression committee.