Argentina’s labor market weakened in late 2025, with the national unemployment rate rising to 7.5% in the fourth quarter of 2025, up from 6.6% in the third quarter of the same year. The figures, updated on 18 March 2026, indicate a deterioration in employment conditions after a period of relatively lower joblessness.
The 0.9 percentage-point increase between the third and fourth quarters of 2025 suggests that more Argentines entered the ranks of the unemployed over the period, pointing to growing pressure on households and consumer spending. While the reasons behind the rise are not detailed in the latest release, the shift marks a clear reversal from the previous quarter’s lower rate.
The new data will likely draw close attention from policymakers and financial markets, as the trajectory of unemployment is a key indicator of Argentina’s broader economic health and may influence expectations around growth, social stability, and future policy responses.
