INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
As 2023 ends, Argentina braces for significant inflation, especially in food prices.The Commerce Secretary is negotiating with food industry
leaders to control these increases, focusing on essential goods.The election results have already led supermarkets to receive lists with
price hikes up to 45% from multinational companies.These hikes exceed the limits set by the official price program.Some companies agreed to
review the markups, but others remained firm, leading to delivery disruptions.Continuous discussions with the industry aim to implement
staggered price adjustments, targeting increases between 5% and 12% in November and an additional 8% in December.The government states that
companies have agreed to these increments and to retract lists with higher hikes.The United Supermarkets Association is involved in these
meetings, focusing on aligning post-election price agreements.They aim to ensure supply and control undue increases, stating that the
Prices Expected to Rise Above 50%
(Photo Internet reproduction)Market sources reveal that while some companies rolled back their increases, others are sticking to their new
prices.This refusal has led to them withholding supplies, citing alignment with their cost structures.Supermarkets with adequate stock can
temporarily refuse these increases, but stock levels vary.Supermarkets predict the new government will validate price increases around 50%,
