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Argentina Was Not the Productivity and Economic Growth Champion of Latin America

Author

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  • Ariel Coremberg

Abstract

The Kirchner administration (2002-2015) claimed that under their leadership Argentina experienced record-breaking GDP growth. However, this article shows that Argentina's GDP growth was underwhelming. Statistical estimates produced by the new Argentine government support the ARKLEMS project's evidence that the Kirchner administration overstated growth. Distortions were large and discretionary and affected all industries, independent of the downward bias of the Consumer Price Index and the Wholesale Price Index. New stylized facts counter the claims of the Kirchner administration. First, real GDP growth in the 2002-2015 period was weaker than in the 1990-1998 period. Second, GDP only grew in the subperiod 2002-2007 because of the commodities boom. Third, GDP growth in Argentina was second lowest among ten Latin American countries in the 1998-2015 period. Fourth, GDP growth during the 2002-2015 period was extensive in nature, based on factor accumulation, not total factor productivity, so was not sustainable.

Suggested Citation

  • Ariel Coremberg, 2017. "Argentina Was Not the Productivity and Economic Growth Champion of Latin America," International Productivity Monitor, Centre for the Study of Living Standards, vol. 33, pages 77-90, Fall.
    • Handle: RePEc:sls:ipmsls:v:33:y:2017:4
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ariel Coremberg, 2008. "The Measurement of TFP in Argentina, 1990-2004: A Case of the Tyranny of Numbers, Economic Cycles and Methodology," International Productivity Monitor, Centre for the Study of Living Standards, vol. 17, pages 52-74, Fall.
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    5. Dale W. Jorgenson, 2011. "Innovation and Productivity Growth," American Journal of Agricultural Economics, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association, vol. 93(2), pages 276-296.
    6. Brian Sturgess, 2010. "Greek Economic Statistics: A Decade of Deceit," World Economics, World Economics, 1 Ivory Square, Plantation Wharf, London, United Kingdom, SW11 3UE, vol. 11(2), pages 67-100, April.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Productivity; GDP Growth; Argentina; Consumer Price Index.;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D24 - Microeconomics - - Production and Organizations - - - Production; Cost; Capital; Capital, Total Factor, and Multifactor Productivity; Capacity
    • N16 - Economic History - - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics; Industrial Structure; Growth; Fluctuations - - - Latin America; Caribbean
    • F43 - International Economics - - Macroeconomic Aspects of International Trade and Finance - - - Economic Growth of Open Economies
    • O47 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Growth and Aggregate Productivity - - - Empirical Studies of Economic Growth; Aggregate Productivity; Cross-Country Output Convergence

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