Argentina's Economic Crisis Spurs Donkey Meat Tasting Amid Soaring Beef Prices

In March 2026, Argentina's inflation reached 32.6% annually, marking the tenth consecutive month of increases, while meat prices surged by 55-61%. As a result, beef consumption has plummeted to its lowest levels in two decades, ranging from 47.3 to 49.9 kg per capita, prompting a shift towards pork, chicken, and eggs. A barbecue event featuring Patagonian donkey meat was organized in Chabut province, where prices were one-third of those for beef cuts. President Javier Milei's approval stands at 36%, amid rising unemployment and a labor informality rate of 43%. The Central Bank has indicated that a new CPI model will reflect higher inflation. Argentina's debt to the IMF exceeds $57 billion, having received $15 billion of a $20 billion bailout, while delinquent bank loans tripled in 2025, with credit card delinquencies nearly doubling.