The National Institute of Statistics and Census (Indec) announced on March 31 that Argentina’s poverty rate dropped to 28.2 percent in the second half of 2025, marking a significant decrease from the peak of 52.9 percent recorded at the beginning of the current administration.
This decline is notable as it suggests an improvement in economic conditions after a period of high inflation and social challenges. However, despite this reduction, more than 13 million Argentinians remain below the poverty line, and about three million are classified as indigent.
According to Indec, “In the second semester of 2025, poverty reached 21.0% of households in which reside 28.2% of people surveyed by the Permanent Household Survey (EPH) in 31 urban agglomerates.” Minister of Economy Luis Caputo said that almost a quarter-point drop within one year is due to disinflation and changes in social welfare distribution policies. Caputo described it as “the lowest figure since 2018,” when poverty was around 27 percent.
The data also show regional differences: while Patagonia has a lower rate at about 25.4 percent, the Northwest region (NOA) stands above average with a poverty rate of approximately 28.4 percent. Indigence rates also vary; NOA’s indigence is among the lowest nationally at just under four percent but remains concerning for many families who struggle with rising living costs.
Despite official optimism over what some describe as a “historic improvement,” there are ongoing concerns regarding slow recovery from previous economic shocks and persistent income gaps between regions.
