The Consumption Indicator (CI) of the Argentine Chamber of Commerce (CAC) experienced a significant increase in January. According to measurements, the CI grew by 5.4% compared to the same month last year and by 4.3% compared to December 2024. This increase marks an encouraging start for consumption in 2025, according to the CAC.
The Chamber highlighted that January 2025 recorded the first positive value in several months, which is considered a promising sign. Although it is acknowledged that the comparison with the early months of last year shows a low level. The seasonally adjusted index also showed an increase of 4.3% compared to December, indicating a considerable improvement in household consumption levels.
When specifically analyzing certain sectors, a widespread growth or stabilization is observed compared to January 2024, with the exception of clothing and footwear. The transportation and vehicle sector showed a year-on-year growth of 4.6% in January, positively contributing to the CI variation. Other sectors such as recreation and culture, housing, rent, and public services also showed increases.
Mass consumption, which had experienced a decline since the beginning of 2024, managed to reverse the trend in October of the same year and continues to recover. There is greater interest in durable goods facilitated by credit, in contrast to daily consumer goods. The dynamics of the consumption structure is changing, and it is expected to deepen as disposable income improves this year.
Regarding the Argentine economy, it is noted that economic performance and consumption follow a similar trend. During the year 2024, fluctuations were observed in the Consumption Indicator and the Monthly Economic Activity Estimator (EMAE), with negative figures until the end of the year. However, in January 2025, low monthly inflation was recorded, the lowest since mid-2020, contributing to greater financial stability and enabling long-term financing for households.
