In January 2025, Argentina experienced a significant decline in consumer spending, which contracted by 1.1% compared to the same month the previous year. This downturn can be attributed to sustained inflation, which was recorded at 2.9% nationally and 3.1% specifically in Buenos Aires, negatively affecting the purchasing power of the populace. The data comes from Scentia, a consultancy that monitors over 8,000 retail points across supermarkets, self-service stores, and pharmacies, highlighting the strained economic conditions affecting everyday Argentine consumers.

The report disclosed that, following a steep decline of 13.9% in consumption in 2024, there had been a modest recovery in 2025 with a 2% increase. However, the current figures indicate a stagnation in growth, with consumer confidence waning as economic pressures mount. The decline in mass consumption is indicative of broader economic challenges faced by the country, making it critical for policymakers to reassess strategies to boost spending and revive consumer trust.

These statistics underscore a troubling trend in the Argentine economy, suggesting that unless inflation is curbed and consumers regain their purchasing capacity, any positive growth metrics could be fleeting. The numbers reveal not just a snapshot of consumer behavior but also highlight the essential need for economic reforms aimed at enhancing stability and encouraging sustainable growth in the retail sector.