ARThe Argentine economy is experiencing a paradox where economic activity is growing while registered private employment is declining. In April 2026, economic activity rose by 1.6% year-on-year according to the Monthly Economic Activity Estimator (EMAE), with overall growth reaching 2.2% for the first four months of the year. However, private wage employment fell by 2.1% compared to the same month in 2025, equivalent to 128,600 fewer jobs, according to data from the Ministry of Labor’s report based on the Integrated Social Security System (SIPA). This disconnect between economic growth and employment creation has been noted since 2012, with the correlation historically breaking down. Since President Javier Milei took office, registered workers in productive units decreased by 3.46%, representing a loss of 341,396 jobs. Meanwhile, informal work increased, particularly among monotributists and social monotributists, though self-employed workers saw a decline. Informality reached 44.2% in the first quarter of 2026. Despite this, most new workers still struggle to increase income due to reduced consumption and limited working hours.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual economic data without overt ideological slant, focusing on statistical trends and expert observations. While it highlights concerns about rising informality and falling formal employment under the Milei administration, it does not take a clear partisan stance or frame it
