被美国薅空！阿根廷用上中国印的1万面值新钱，美元霸权失灵？

Economic Overview - Argentina's inflation rate skyrocketed to an astonishing 211% in 2023, forcing citizens to carry large amounts of cash for daily expenses [1] - Javier Milei, elected president in November 2023, implemented radical reforms termed "shock therapy" aimed at reducing fiscal deficit and controlling inflation [1][3] - Following Milei's measures, the Argentine peso was devalued by 54%, leading to a shift from 400 pesos per dollar to 800 pesos per dollar, which initially caused prices to surge but eventually turned the fiscal deficit into a slight surplus [1][7] Inflation Control and Economic Impact - Monthly inflation rates decreased from 25% to 8.8% within months of Milei's reforms, with expectations of further reduction by year-end [1] - By 2025, monthly inflation stabilized around 1.5%, and annual inflation dropped to 43.5%, marking significant progress [1] - However, the economic reforms led to a 4% contraction in GDP in 2024 and an increase in poverty rates from 38% to 53%, highlighting the social cost of the reforms [1][7] International Relations and Economic Dependencies - Milei's administration has shown a clear inclination towards strengthening ties with the United States while simultaneously maintaining economic relations with China [3][4] - Despite U.S. pressure to sever ties with China, Argentina renewed a $5 billion currency swap agreement with China, reflecting its economic reliance on Chinese trade, particularly in soybeans and beef [4][9] - Argentina's government halted the production of low-denomination bills in 2024, opting to import higher denomination bills from China due to domestic printing capacity issues [6] Economic Recovery and Challenges - Argentina's GDP growth rate reached 7.6% in the second quarter of 2025, indicating a rebound in economic activity [7] - Despite improvements in economic indicators, the living conditions for the lower-income population remain dire, with high basic living costs and insufficient social welfare support [7][10] - The government's austerity measures, including cuts to university budgets and public spending, have led to factory closures and increased unemployment [8][10] Future Outlook - The sustainability of Argentina's economic recovery is uncertain, particularly if the government continues to prioritize U.S. relations over its critical trade ties with China [9][10] - The potential for a free trade agreement with the U.S. is being explored, but the competitive landscape in agricultural exports poses challenges [9] - Overall, while inflation control and GDP growth are positive signs, the slow pace of improvement in living standards raises concerns about the long-term viability of Milei's policies [10]