Stories that caught our eye: September 11 to 18

The Argentine government transmitted its 2027 Budget Bill to Congress on Tuesday, adhering to the statutory deadline of September 15. The proposed budget anticipates a 4% annual economic growth rate, an 18% annual inflation rate, and a 1,847 peso exchange rate to the dollar by year-end. The government projects a primary fiscal surplus of 1.3% of Gross Domestic Product, with a final financial surplus of 0.2% or 3.3 trillion pesos.

Exports are forecasted to reach US$130 billion, accompanied by a trade surplus above US$15 billion. The government acknowledges that the 2026 Budget's forecasts of 10% annual inflation and 5.4% economic growth will fall short by the year's end. Argentina's GDP grew by 2% in the second quarter, compared to the same period last year, but decreased by 0.6% from the first quarter, according to the INDEC national statistics bureau.

Exports increased by 2.5% year-on-year, at a 13.7% growth rate, while private consumer spending and investment declined by 2.4% and 0.8%, respectively. The Economy Ministry announced the beginning of a tender process for privatizing the AySA waterworks, with bidding consortia including Rowing S.A., Arcos, Transclor, PHX, and Roggio Roas S.A.-Consorcio Roggio Roas S.A.U.

The privatisation encompasses the sale of 90% of state shares, with the remaining 10% reserved for employees. The future operator will be required to invest over US$2 billion in the next five years, maintaining billing costs constant in real terms. The contract also mandates that 75.3% of the population be supplied with running water by 2031, and 63.9% with sewage, both percentages rising to 90% and 75% by the lease's 30-year term.

The TOC courtroom acquitted former Federal Planning Minister Julio De Vido in the Sueños Compartidos case, sentencing the ex-officials José López and Abel Fatala and the Schoklender brothers to 21, 21, and 16 months, respectively, with some sentences being conditional. The Kirchnerite ex-officials were each sentenced to 21 months.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump stated that a conflict between Argentina and Britain over the Malvinas islands would be a "disaster" and offered to help resolve the issue. Britain defied US-imposed sanctions and supported Argentine economic activities surrounding the islands, while the Federal Court of Río Grande ordered British and Israeli companies to halt their oil exploration activities.