Foreign direct investment (FDI) in Argentina has fallen to negative levels for the first time in 22 years, amid a wave of international companies selling their operations to local businesses.

According to a report by consulting firm PxQ, based on information from the Central Bank, FDI reached negative US$1.52 billion between January and November 2025, the first year with a deficit since 2003.

A Central Bank source confirmed to the Herald that the deficit has been caused by the sale of foreign companies to local capitals this year. The number remained negative even with Javier Milei’s government attracting some foreign investments with a scheme of tax breaks and other facilities known by the acronym RIGI.

The latest firm to confirm its exit from the country was Canadian fertilizing company Nutrien, which completed the sale of its Argentina-based nitrogen producer Profertil — the country’s largest fertilizer producer — to two local companies.

Nutrien announced that it would leave........

© Buenos Aires Herald