LatinNews Daily - 08 May 2026

*Argentina’s national statistics institute (Indec) has published the latest industrial production index, showing a 3.2% monthly increase in March in seasonally adjusted terms. In year-on-year terms, industrial production in March was up by 5.0%. This is a significant improvement compared to February, when monthly production fell by 4.0% and was down by 8.7% in year-on-year terms. Five of the nine industrial categories registered yearly increases in activity, with the steepest rises in wood, paper, publishing, and printing (+12.8%), and petroleum refining, chemicals, rubber, and plastic products (+12.0%). Textiles, clothing, leather, and shoes was down the most, by 12.9% year-on-year, but had a 0.4% monthly increase. Indec also published its construction activity index, showing a monthly increase of 4.7% in March in seasonally adjusted terms, while in year-on-year terms, construction was up by 12.7%. This is up from the previous month, which saw a monthly decrease of 1.3%, and a 0.7% yearly decrease. Of the 13 construction categories measured, 12 recorded yearly increases, with the strongest growth in ceramic bathroom products (+24.0%), construction paint (+18.0%), and round bars and steel for construction (+16.2%). Plaster was the only category to decline, decreasing by 4.6% year-on-year.