AGP Executive Report

Protest & Land Reform Clash: Thousands of Argentines rallied in front of Congress against Milei’s bill that would raise the share of land foreigners can own to 25%, speed up tenant evictions, and limit government expropriation powers—while security forces used tear gas and water cannon to disperse demonstrators. Energy & RIGI Pipeline Push: TGN’s subsidiary was renamed Gasoducto Manuel Belgrano to set up an SPV for the $1.5bn Tratayén–La Carlota gas pipeline under RIGI, aiming to move more Vaca Muerta gas to northern provinces. Shale Spotlight for Investors: Vista Energy shares jumped in New York after Peter Thiel disclosed about a $76m stake (~1%); the move reinforces market attention on Argentina’s Vaca Muerta export growth. Household Pressure: A Fundación Encuentro report says 78% of Argentine households earned below the national average in Q1 2026, reflecting weak consumption amid inflation and recession. SME Fallout: Fundar data says 30,633 companies have closed since Milei took office, with commerce hit hardest. Agribusiness Update: Argentina set a record corn export month in July with 5.14m tonnes shipped, and raised its 2025-26 crop estimate to 70.5m tonnes.

Argentina LNG & RIGI: YPF, Eni and XRG have applied to bring the $51bn Argentina LNG export project into the Large Investment Incentive Regime, aiming for two floating LNG units offshore Río Negro with 12 mtpa capacity and operations around 2031. Energy Infrastructure: A TGN subsidiary was renamed Gasoducto Manuel Belgrano to set up an SPV for the $1.5bn Tratayén–La Carlota gas pipeline under RIGI, designed to expand Vaca Muerta gas transport to northern provinces. Lithium Geopolitics: China Union Holdings’ planned purchase of Argentina brine miner Argentum Lithium faces a Canadian security review, testing Ottawa’s balance between national security and warmer ties with Beijing. Macroeconomy & Business Climate: CAME is again under scrutiny for how it reports Children’s Day sales, with critics saying its survey misses the growing share of e-commerce and digital marketplaces. Politics & Land: Thousands protested in front of Argentina’s Congress against a government bill that would raise the foreign land ownership cap to 25%, speed up tenant evictions, and limit expropriation powers in some areas.

Protest & Land Reform: Thousands of Argentines rallied in front of Congress against Milei’s bill that would raise the share of land foreigners can own to 25%, speed up evictions over unpaid rent, and limit the state’s ability to expropriate land in some areas. Energy Investment: TGN’s renamed Gasoducto Manuel Belgrano sets up a special-purpose vehicle to push the $1.5bn Tratayén–La Carlota gas pipeline under RIGI, aiming to expand Vaca Muerta-linked gas transport to northern provinces. Oil & Capital Markets: Libertarian billionaire Peter Thiel bought about a 1% stake in Vista Energy for roughly $76m, signaling deeper foreign interest in Vaca Muerta. Inflation-Linked Bonds: Investors are rotating toward inflation-linked emerging-market debt, with Argentina flagged as one of the next targets as currency and price uncertainty reshape portfolios. Agriculture Outlook: With Europe and the US facing weaker corn and wheat prospects, Argentina is positioned for another record 2026/27 campaign, boosting its role in global grain supply. Crypto Legal Risk: The $LIBRA class action faces a setback as a judge removed some plaintiffs, arguing the token was a “memecoin” with inherent risk.

Vaca Muerta Investment: Palantir co-founder Peter Thiel bought a 1% stake in Vista, one of Argentina’s biggest Vaca Muerta operators, via an SEC filing—an about $76m bet that underscores continued foreign interest in shale energy. Energy Infrastructure via RIGI: TGN’s renamed Gasoducto Manuel Belgrano will be set up as a special-purpose vehicle to push the $1.5bn Tratayén–La Carlota gas pipeline under RIGI, aiming to expand transport capacity for northern supply. Tax Probe Linked to Messi Plan: Kerala (India) ordered a Special Investigation Team to examine alleged GST non-payment and financial irregularities tied to a proposed Argentina–Messi exhibition visit, including scrutiny of foreign transfers and a reported ₹22.68 crore GST demand. Agribusiness Trade: Argentina and Panama agreed phytosanitary rules to restart citrus exports—fresh lemons plus mandarins, oranges and grapefruits—opening a new outlet for Argentine agribusiness. Wildlife & Water Stress: A study reports guanaco numbers in Santa Cruz near two million in winter, with seasonal mapping meant to balance conservation and grazing pressures amid tighter water and grasslands.

Protest Politics: Thousands of Argentines marched against Javier Milei’s bill that would loosen rules on foreign land ownership, speed up evictions for unpaid tenants, and limit government expropriation powers. Energy & Investment: TGN’s subsidiary was renamed Gasoducto Manuel Belgrano to set up an SPV for the $1.5bn Tratayén–La Carlota gas pipeline under RIGI, aiming to move more Vaca Muerta gas to northern provinces. Mining Exports: Argentina’s mining exports hit $744m in June and $4.7bn in the first half of 2026, with lithium and precious metals driving growth and RIGI projects pulling in most new interest. Business Closures: A report using labor-risk data says registered employers fell by 30,633 from Nov 2023 to May 2026, with May marking the 16th straight month of decline. Diplomacy: Former Brazil president José Sarney warned Milei is hostile to Brazil, urging preservation of the bilateral relationship as state policy. Sports Business: PSG completed the €50m Ferran Torres deal from Barcelona, while Atletico signed Argentina defender Cristian Romero from Tottenham on a contract to 2031.

Dollar-credit easing: Argentina’s government officially expanded access to dollar loans for companies via DNU 736/2026, letting foreign-currency deposits finance more legal entities, with the Central Bank setting prudential limits (caps at 15% of each bank’s FX deposits). Central Bank reserves: The BCRA bought about USD 80m for reserves, adding roughly USD 329m in August so far, as the peso’s recent softness helped. Energy & investment pipeline: TGN’s subsidiary was renamed Gasoducto Manuel Belgrano to create an SPV for the $1.5bn Tratayén–La Carlota gas pipeline under RIGI, a 750-km project aimed at boosting Vaca Muerta gas transport. Vaca Muerta update: A new IAPG study estimates technically recoverable oil at 30.17bn barrels, nearly doubling the 2013 EIA figure. Food trade risk: USDA recalled nearly 30,000 pounds of Argentine beef in Florida and Texas after a missed inspection, classified as Class I. Legal/football governance: Argentina’s Supreme Court system ordered a jurisdiction change in the AFA money-laundering case tied to alleged front men, moving it back to federal courts in Campana.

Protests vs Milei land bill: Thousands of Argentines marched in front of Congress against a government proposal that would raise the share of land foreigners can own to 25%, speed up tenant evictions, and limit the state’s ability to expropriate land in some areas. Inflation & credit push: INDEC reported July inflation at 2.1% (33.8% y/y), while Economy Minister Luis Caputo announced measures to expand foreign-currency loans to businesses. Energy infrastructure under RIGI: TGN’s subsidiary was renamed Gasoducto Manuel Belgrano to set up an SPV for the $1.5bn Tratayén–La Carlota gas pipeline, aimed at boosting Vaca Muerta gas transport to northern provinces. Argentina LNG investment plan: YPF confirmed a historic USD 51bn RIGI production project for Argentina LNG. Biotech trial in HUS: Argentine firm Inmunova is running a Phase 3 trial in Europe and Argentina for INM004, a potential treatment for haemolytic uraemic syndrome. Extradition case: Argentina extradited an alleged Turkish crime boss after a six-year legal fight, ending a long extradition battle. Football transfer fallout: Chelsea expects Enzo Fernández to stay after its £120m deadline passed without an official bid.

Argentina Protests: Thousands of Argentines marched against Milei’s bill that would raise the share of land foreigners can own to 25%, speed up tenant evictions, and limit the state’s ability to expropriate land in some areas. Energy & Infrastructure: TGN’s renamed Gasoducto Manuel Belgrano sets up an SPV to push the $1.5bn Tratayén–La Carlota gas pipeline under RIGI, aiming to expand Vaca Muerta gas transport to northern provinces. LNG Projects: Seatrium and Golar signed an LOI to advance a potential third FLNG conversion, targeting an EPC contract in 2H26, building on Seatrium’s FLNG Hilli Episeyo and FLNG Gimi track record. Trade & Geopolitics: A White House report flags Argentina among countries with elevated risk of “shadow transshipment” used to route Chinese goods through third countries to dodge US tariffs. Regional Diplomacy: Argentina reaffirmed plans to deepen cooperation with ASEAN, citing rising exports and opportunities in tech, biotech, satellites and investment.

Inflation Watch: Argentina’s monthly inflation rose to 2.1% in July, ending a brief disinflation streak and lifting the 12-month rate to 33.8%, with recreation and culture the biggest driver. Banking & Credit: Economy Minister Luis Caputo said banks will get more room to lend dollars to companies, capped at 15% of dollar deposits, aiming to boost business credit and activity. Energy Infrastructure: TGN’s gas pipeline unit was renamed to set up a special-purpose vehicle for the $1.5bn Tratayén–La Carlota project under RIGI, targeting more Vaca Muerta gas capacity for northern provinces. Labor Dispute: UTA confirmed a 24-hour bus strike in Córdoba starting Friday over wage gaps between interior drivers and AMBA. Trade & Food Compliance: The USDA recalled nearly 13.4 tons of Argentine beef in Texas and Florida after an import inspection lapse, with Argentina saying it was an administrative failure, not a safety issue. Regional Politics: Milei met Ecuador’s Noboa and Colombia’s new president as protests erupted in Buenos Aires against a bill expanding foreign land ownership and tightening eviction rules. Drug Bust: Ecuador police seized cocaine packages marked with Erling Haaland stickers, highlighting how traffickers use celebrity branding.

Argentina Politics & Land: Milei’s trip to Ecuador and Colombia comes as thousands of Argentines protest in Buenos Aires against a bill that would raise the share of land foreigners can own (to 25%), speed up tenant evictions, and limit the state’s expropriation powers. Energy Infrastructure (RIGI): TGN’s gas-transport subsidiary was renamed Gasoducto Manuel Belgrano to set up a special-purpose vehicle for the $1.5bn Tratayén–La Carlota pipeline, aimed at boosting Vaca Muerta gas capacity to northern provinces under RIGI’s 30-year stability. Football, Economy & Compliance (Kerala–AFA Messi row): Kerala’s government is moving toward a multi-agency probe into the failed Messi/Argentina team visit plan, with preliminary findings flagging possible GST violations and procedural lapses in how a private sponsor was involved. Sports & Business (Messi): Lionel Messi said he has doubts about how much longer he’ll keep playing after his father and longtime representative Jorge Messi died at 68. Corporate/Markets (Argentina-linked earnings): Central Puerto and other Q2 2026 earnings calls highlight ongoing performance updates for investors. Crime & Trade Risk: Ecuador seized 469kg of cocaine near the Colombia border branded with Erling Haaland stickers—another reminder of how illicit supply chains use celebrity labels.

Protest & Property Reform: Thousands of Argentines marched in Buenos Aires against Milei’s executive bill that would raise the share of land foreigners can own (to 25%), speed up tenant evictions for unpaid rent, and limit the state’s ability to expropriate land in some areas. Economic Policy Shift: Milei’s government is easing from pure inflation-fighting toward growth and jobs, with the Central Bank allowing more peso depreciation and the Treasury increasing liquidity after months of austerity. RIGI Energy Push: Argentina is moving ahead with the Tratayén–La Carlota gas pipeline, renaming a TGN subsidiary as a special-purpose vehicle to build and run the $1.5bn project under RIGI’s long-term stability rules. Healthcare Cost Control: Nonresident foreigners will now have to pay for non-emergency care at federal hospitals, with emergency treatment still free. Labor Market Rules: The government regulated the Labor Contribution Fund (FAL) for severance payments, setting how employers’ monthly contributions can be invested. Digital Ag Startup Picks: IICA selected 15 AgTech startups for Digital Agriculture Week 2026, including two from Argentina. Animal Welfare Enforcement: Córdoba authorities rescued 146 dogs in two operations, with alleged animal abuse charges filed. Sports & Business Spotlight: Messi publicly raised doubts about continuing his career after his father’s death, while Argentina’s football ecosystem keeps intersecting with global markets and transfers.

Energy & Infrastructure: YPF agreed to sell its 70% stake in Metrogas and 5% in Metroenergía to Edenor for $780m, exiting gas distribution as the Buenos Aires-area utility market consolidates under one group. Gas Pipeline Push: A TGN unit was renamed Gasoducto Manuel Belgrano to set up an SPV for the $1.5bn Tratayén–La Carlota pipeline under RIGI, aiming to boost Vaca Muerta gas transport to northern provinces. Politics & Land Reform Backlash: While Milei toured Ecuador and Colombia, thousands protested in Buenos Aires against a bill that would raise the share of land foreigners can own to 25%, speed tenant evictions, and limit expropriation powers. Sports Governance Probe in Kerala: Kerala authorities formed an SIT to investigate alleged tax evasion tied to the proposed Argentina–Messi event, including a reported ₹22.68 crore service-tax shortfall. Agribusiness Risk Monitoring: A Latin America poultry study highlights fumonisins as the top corn mycotoxin, using NIRS predictions calibrated against HPLC-MS/MS across multiple countries including Argentina.

Energy & Investment: TGN’s renamed Gasoducto Manuel Belgrano will act as a special-purpose vehicle to push the $1.5bn Tratayén–La Carlota gas pipeline under RIGI, a 750-km high-pressure project aimed at boosting Vaca Muerta gas transport to northern provinces, with 30 years of regulatory stability. Banking & Finance: Argentina’s private dollar deposits hit a new record, topping $40bn (Central Bank data), reinforcing banks’ capacity to fund FX loans tied to exporters and foreign trade. Labor & Politics: The CGT is weighing a new protest plan against Javier Milei, with a march framed around “indebted families” set for Aug. 19–20. Trade & Logistics: Snow and road closures are disrupting freight between Argentina and Chile, leaving thousands of trucks stranded and affecting key border crossings. Food Safety: The US recalled nearly 30,000 pounds of Argentine raw beef in Texas and Florida after shipments entered without required US import reinspection. Sports Governance: Kerala’s confidential inquiry into the unfulfilled Messi/Argentina visit alleges procedural and financial irregularities, including claims of missing documentation and no binding tripartite agreement.

FIFA Governance Clash: US President Donald Trump warned it would be a “terrible mistake” to oust Gianni Infantino after UEFA, AFC and CONCACAF accused him of “deception” over the aborted FIFA Forward Enterprise plan to sell a stake in World Cup commercial rights. Argentina Energy Deal: YPF agreed to sell 70% of Metrogas to Edenor for US$780m, a move that could reshape control of Argentina’s main gas distributor, pending regulatory approvals. Local Business & Energy Performance: YPF reported record Q2 2026 results, with adjusted EBITDA of US$2.804bn and shale output up 47% in Vaca Muerta, alongside higher investment and progress on large projects. Agribusiness Cooperation: Canadian Western Agribition signed an MOU with Sociedad Rural Argentina to deepen livestock-sector ties via business delegations, promotion and best-practice exchange. Sports-Linked Politics: Kerala’s sports department submitted a confidential inquiry into the earlier government’s Messi visit plan, after questions over compliance and alleged financial issues. Trade & Food Safety: The US recalled nearly 30,000 pounds of imported raw beef from Argentina after missed import reinspection steps.

FIFA Governance Crisis: UEFA, AFC and CONCACAF escalated their fight with Gianni Infantino, accusing him of “deception” over the abandoned World Cup commercial-rights stake sale and calling for a fully independent review, with threats of tournament boycotts. Argentina Politics & Land Reform: Mass protests in Buenos Aires hit Milei’s private-property bill, with demonstrators warning it would expand foreign land ownership and speed up evictions while limiting expropriation powers. Argentina–Colombia Security/Trade: Colombia’s new president Abelardo de la Espriella took office promising an “all-out war” on cartels as the US pledged $1bn in security aid, reshaping regional cooperation that also affects Ecuador’s border strategy. Argentina Business/Markets: Argentina’s Central Bank renewed a currency swap with China (reported at about US$19bn), signaling continued diversification despite US pressure. Food Safety Spillover: A US recall of nearly 30,000 pounds of raw beef imported from Argentina flagged missing import reinspection, affecting retailers in Florida and Texas. Football Transfers (Argentina-linked): Julian Álvarez’s Barcelona push faces legal maneuvering after a precedent that could open a judicial exit path from Atlético.

Argentina Economy & Markets: Argentina’s Milei government is pushing through a controversial foreign land ownership reform, triggering major protests in Buenos Aires as the Senate debates the “Law of Inviolability of Private Property,” with police repression reported amid broader political resistance. Argentina Business & Energy: YPF is moving ahead with asset sales worth about $405m as the shale push reshapes the energy outlook. Argentina Finance & Trade: Argentina renewed a large China currency swap line (about $19bn), signaling continued efforts to manage liquidity while balancing pressure from Washington. Sports & Business (Argentina): Lionel Messi’s father and longtime representative, Jorge Messi, died at 68 in Rosario, prompting tributes from clubs and football institutions; Inter Miami marked the loss with a minute’s silence and Messi-themed gestures. Global Shipping/Climate (relevant to Argentina trade): Cyprus and Greece shipping firms are watching IMO carbon-pricing talks that could sharply raise costs and affect chartering and fuel decisions. Tech & Culture: Vintage computer collecting is surging again as AI-era enthusiasts restore older Atari/Commodore/IBM machines.