Op-Ed: The Paradox of Milei’s Economic Transformation

An analysis of Javier Milei’s "renovation" of Argentina, balancing a booming mining sector against the steep decline of manufacturing and the rise of the gig economy.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 25, 2026, 10:27 AM EDT

Source: Buenos Aires Times

The Great Sectoral Divide

The latest data reveals a striking divergence between the "new" economy Milei is fostering and the traditional sectors currently under fire.

The Winners: Mining and quarries are the undisputed leaders, seeing a near double-digit expansion of 9.9%. Agriculture follows closely behind with an 8.4% increase. These sectors represent the export-led "lifeline" for the current administration.

The Losers: Manufacturing industry and commerce have taken the hardest hits, down 8.7% and 7% respectively. These sectors are significantly more labor-intensive, representing larger portions of the workforce and the voting public.

Geographical and Political Shifts

The growth in mining and agriculture is driving a significant shift in wealth toward the interior provinces. While media hubs in the capital often project a negative outlook due to the struggles of urban commerce, the political math favors the inland shift. The inland provinces elect 162 deputies and 66 senators, dwarfing the representation of the Greater Buenos Aires urban sprawl. This geographic realignment could provide Milei with a buffer against the electoral vulnerability typically caused by manufacturing declines.