Wholesale Inflation Slows to 0.8% in July
On August 18, 2026, the Argentine Ministry of Economy released the latest data on the Internal Wholesale Price Index (IPIM), which measures price changes at the wholesale level—the prices that businesses and retailers pay for goods before they reach consumers. The index rose by 0.8% in July, the lowest monthly increase for that month since 2019. This marks a significant milestone in the country's ongoing fight against inflation.
The year-on-year variation of the IPIM reached 31.1%, reflecting a clear downward trend compared to previous months, though still at elevated levels. This deceleration is seen as a positive sign by the government, which has made inflation control a central pillar of its economic policy.
What is the IPIM?
The IPIM is a key economic indicator that tracks the evolution of prices at the wholesale stage. It is often considered a leading indicator for retail inflation, as increases in wholesale prices tend to be passed on to consumers with a certain lag. Historically, July has been a month with seasonal price pressures, making the 0.8% rise particularly noteworthy—it is the lowest for that month in the last seven years.
Government Reaction and Context
The Ministry of Economy celebrated the data on its official social media channels, highlighting that 'in July, wholesale prices registered a variation of 0.8%, the lowest for a July since 2019.' This announcement comes amid a broader disinflation process that has been underway, with the government implementing measures to stabilize the economy.
Private analysts have welcomed the slowdown but caution that retail inflation may still remain higher due to seasonal factors and adjustments in regulated prices. The wholesale price data is closely watched by economists as a harbinger of future consumer price trends.
For more details, you can visit the official Ministry of Economy website.