Overview
- An IMF technical team led by Luis Cubeddu and Bikas Joshi is in Buenos Aires conducting the second review of the US$20 billion program, assessing performance through late 2025.
- In AlUla, Saudi Arabia, Federico Sturzenegger and Kristalina Georgieva discussed the 2026 agenda for the IMF’s Advisory Council, with both highlighting Argentina’s deregulation drive.
- Argentina beat the fiscal target with a primary surplus of 1.4% of GDP versus the 1.3% goal reported for the review period.
- Foreign‑exchange reserves fell short of program requirements, with private estimates placing the gap near US$11 billion, though the central bank has purchased about US$1.3–1.4 billion so far in 2026.
- If the review is endorsed, a US$1 billion disbursement is expected, as the process also overlaps with tensions over a delayed CPI update following Marco Lavagna’s resignation and adjustments to President Javier Milei’s travel plans.