Argentina’s peso is facing dire circumstances, prompting the front-runner in the presidential campaign, Javier Milei, to propose replacing the country’s currency with the US dollar. The idea has sparked controversy, with 60% of Argentines opposing it due to concerns over ceding power to the US Federal Reserve. However, the strong presence of the dollar in Argentina’s economy, coupled with a history of hyperinflation and economic instability, has made the concept seem inevitable to some.
Argentina’s tumultuous relationship with its own currency can be traced back to the 1970s and 1980s, when hyperinflation eroded purchasing power and savings. During this time, Argentines turned to the US dollar as a more stable alternative. This pattern has persisted, with current inflation rates reaching a staggering 115%, contributing to a significant increase in poverty levels.
Efforts to restore confidence in the peso have historically failed, with the most ambitious attempt being the Convertibility Plan in 1991. While initially successful, this pegging of the peso to the dollar led to economic collapse in 2001-02. Since then, Argentina has struggled under left-wing protectionist governments, implementing various restrictions on the purchase of dollars.
However, despite these measures, the public’s demand for dollars remains high, and businesses continue to accept the greenback as payment. This has led some to view dollarization as a desirable and potentially inevitable solution. Argentina’s neighbor, Brazil, faced similar economic challenges but pursued a different path, allowing its currency to fluctuate against the dollar within certain limits.
Dollarization would not be unprecedented in South America, as Ecuador adopted the US dollar as its official currency in 2000, successfully reducing inflation. While the challenges and potential consequences of dollarization should not be overlooked, it may offer a viable solution for Argentina’s ongoing economic crisis.
The proposal for dollarization comes amidst the race for the Argentine presidency, with Javier Milei, a Trump admirer, leading the campaign. The outcome of the election will undoubtedly shape the direction of Argentina’s economic future, as well as its relationship with the US and the global financial system.
