The Americas | Bello

Sergio Massa is the only thing standing between Argentina and chaos

An economy minister wrestles with inflation nearing 100%

Walk down Calle Lavalle or Calle Florida in the centre of Buenos Aires and every 20 metres someone will call out “cambio” (exchange), offering to buy dollars at a rate that is roughly double the official one. In supermarkets prices rise every month. Inflation this year is heading for 100%. As it has been several times in the past 50 years Argentina is once again lost in an economic labyrinth mainly of its own making. The distortions have reached danger point. “If this carries on, we’ll see looting of supermarkets again,” says a taxi driver.

This article appeared in the The Americas section of the print edition under the headline “Argentina in its labyrinth”

The world China wants

From the October 15th 2022 edition

Discover stories from this section and more in the list of contents

Explore the edition

More from The Americas

The illustration shows a serene woman blending with dots, symbolising introspection, transformation or fragmented identity. Replicating Alzheimer’s disease.

Canada has adopted assisted dying faster than anywhere on Earth

The province of Quebec now allows those with deteriorating illnesses to request an assisted death in advance

El Salvador's president, Nayib Bukele

Tether’s move to El Salvador is a win for President Nayib Bukele

Why the stablecoin firm has picked the Central American country for its headquarters


A cargo ship passes through a lock of the Panama Canal

From Greenland to Panama and Mexico, leaders are in shock

As Donald Trump eyes fine new pieces of real estate in the Americas and beyond


Canada and America have been fighting about timber for 40 years

As Donald Trump takes office, the chances of a lumber deal look slim

Justin Trudeau steps down, leaving a wrecked party and a divided Canada

Mark Carney and Chrystia Freeland are among those tipped as the next Liberal leader

Does made in Mexico mean made by China?

Donald Trump believes Mexico is a trojan horse for Chinese mercantilism