Argentine household arrears reach 17.5% and the government rules out intervening
Arrears on credit to individuals in Argentina reached 17.5% of total lending in June, according to a study by Universidad Austral and the consultancy Eco Go based on central bank data. Javier Milei's government has ruled out intervening and maintains the solution must come from the market.
Argentina's individual debt has reached 17.5% of all lending in June according to a study by Universidad Austral and consultancy Eco Go. The government led by Javier Milei rejects intervention, insisting the market should resolve the issue. Twenty million people, or 26.1%, are over 90 days in debt. Total lending to individuals totals 97.1 trillion pesos.
Arrears have risen for 20 months straight. The data shows a steep increase from 3.6% in December 2024 to 17.5% in June. The report warns comparisons may not be accurate due to a July 2024 minimum debt reporting increase. Non-financial lenders show higher arrears at 31% compared to 15.2% for banks and credit unions. Economist Marina Dal Poggetto attributes the situation to a stalled credit cycle and change in macroeconomic regime.
High lending rates and insufficient household income also contribute. Private bank personal loans can have rates from 55% to 172%. The president of Banco de la Provincia de Buenos Aires notes three million new defaulters held loans before 2024.
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