Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Argentina's Poverty Line Rises to $1.4 Million in February as Unions Tout $2.7 Million 'Dignity' Basket

The official measure equals about US$1,000, up roughly 38% in dollar terms since December 2023.

Overview

  • INDEC reported the Canasta Básica Total at $1,397,617 for a four‑person household in February, a 2.7% monthly increase that sets the poverty threshold.
  • The food‑only Canasta Básica Alimentaria reached $644,088 for the same household, roughly US$460 at prevailing rates.
  • The Frente de Sindicatos Unidos released an alternative basket valuing a 'dignity' income at $2,706,923, more than double the official threshold.
  • The union estimate details monthly costs including $618,583 for food, $533,942 for housing, $554,511 for transport and leisure, and sizable allocations for health, savings, education, and clothing.
  • FreSU argues wages have suffered large losses and says the minimum wage would need to be about eight times its current level, citing worker income shortfalls and household debt surpassing $36 trillion.