Argentina Posts Highest Fourth-Quarter Unemployment Since Pandemic

Argentina’s unemployment rate hit 7.5% in Q4 2025, the highest since the pandemic, reflecting worsening job losses amid economic instability. The spike occurred before President Javier Milei’s administration enacted sweeping labor reforms in early 2026, aimed at revitalizing the struggling job market. Data highlights persistent economic challenges despite Milei’s aggressive policy shifts, including deregulation and austerity measures introduced after his 2023 election. The fourth-quarter surge reverses modest gains from earlier 2025, signaling deeper structural issues in Argentina’s labor sector and broader economy. Analysts warn the reforms’ impact may take months to materialize, leaving near-term unemployment pressures unresolved as inflation and recession risks persist.