Argentina: Total public debt increased in March and surpassed $400 billion.

It increased by the equivalent of $16.507 billion compared to February, a 4.3% increase.

Total gross public debt of the National Treasury rose to $403.044 billion in March, of which $400.597 billion are in a normal payment situation. This was reported in a document published by the Finance Secretariat under the Ministry of Economy. It increased by the equivalent of $16.507 billion compared to February, representing a 4.3% increment.

According to the detailed report, the variation was explained by a decrease in foreign currency debt by $514 million and an increase in local currency debt equivalent to $17.015 billion.

Of the total gross debt in a normal payment situation, 78% corresponds to Treasury Bills and Bonds, 20% to obligations with Official External Creditors, 1% to Temporary Advances, and the remaining 1% to other instruments.

Over the last 12 months, the stock of gross debt in a normal payment situation increased by the equivalent of $4.852 billion, primarily due to a decrease in foreign currency debt by $5.098 billion and an increase in local currency debt by an equivalent amount of $9.950 billion.

In March, for the second consecutive month, obligations under foreign law – external debt – decreased by $547 million, adding to the cut of $1.183 million in February. However, obligations under Argentine law increased by $17.054 billion.

During the first four months of the government, external debt rose by $723 million, while in local currency, due to the devaluation in December 2023, it decreased by the equivalent of $22.973 billion.

At the same time, the balance of debt with international organizations decreased for the second consecutive month by $125 million with the IMF and $234 million with other institutions, as well as with the Paris Club.