Economic trends
After the severe recession, which lead to the Argentinian bankruptcy in 2001-2002, the economy saw a rapid and stable growth, before being hit by the global financial crisis. In 2009 the economy contracted sharply as an effect of the fall in demand (0.9% of growth) but in 2010 it experienced a quick and vigorous recovery, together with the rest of the South-American continent. The 2010 growth, estimated at 7.5% and driven by household consumption, public spending good performance of the agricultural sector and dynamic trade with Brazil, should nevertheless slow down in 2011.
In the context of the coming 2011 elections, the government of Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner is likely to continue the expansionist policy to stimulate domestic demand. Controlling the increasing inflantion also remains a priority. In addition, the Argentinian economy is suffering from structural faults: the financial system remains fragile and the country needs to deal with an energy crisis dues to lack of investment in this sector.
The social situation of the country is sensitive: unemployment and malnutrition persist, with
25% of the population living under the poverty line.
Main branches of industry
Having lost the position of a superpower it occupied at the beginning of the 20th century, Argentina remains an important world economy, namely due to its agricultural production. The agricultural sector, which is based livestock farming, cultivation of cereals (wheat, corn, soy) and citrus fruit, represents around 10% of the country’s GDP.
Rich in energy resources, Argentina is the world’s fourth largest oil producer and first largest natural gas producer in Latin America.
The industry sector has vastly expanded over these last few years. It contributes to more than one third of the GDP. Food packaging (in particular meat packing, flour grinding, and canning) and flour-milling are the country's main industries.
The services sector followed the same trend as the industry sector. Today, it contributes to more than half of the GDP. Argentina has specialized in areas of high-tech services and offers excellent value for money specifically in software development, call centers and nuclear energy.
International trade
Argentina is very open to international exchanges, foreign trade represening around 45% of the GDP. Its main commercial partners are the Mercosul countries (Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay), China and the United States. Argentina exports more than it imports and its trade balance is therefore in surplus.The devaluation of the peso has boosted Argentina's exports (especially of agricultural products). However, the increased rate of the Argentinian peso compared to the American dollar risks damaging the competitiveness of Argentina's exports which would cause the balance of trade to deteriorate.
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