Mensajepor Mr_Baca » Lun Ene 23, 2012 4:23 pm
BUENOS AIRES (Dow Jones)--Argentina posted a $280 million trade surplus in December, much less than expected.
Economists surveyed by Dow Jones Newswires had said the government would report a surplus of $700 million.
Argentina's trade surplus has been declining in recent years as growth in imports surpasses that of exports.
The Central Bank of Argentina has forecast a $8.9 billion trade surplus this year, down from $17 billion in 2009.
However, economists say recent government moves to block imports could make a difference in the months ahead.
In recent weeks, President Cristina Kirchner's government has stepped up its efforts to curb imports and demand for the U.S. dollars to pay for them.
Guillermo Moreno, Argentina's controversial commerce secretary, has been formally granted the power to vet imports in addition to his current job of overseeing a complex system of domestic price controls.
In the past, Moreno has often resorted to informal measures, including threatening phone calls, to persuade companies to import less. Beginning next month, Argentine importers will also have to get pre-approval from the tax authority, AFIP, and other government agencies before buying goods abroad.
By trimming the country's import bill, Kirchner not only hopes to protect the trade surplus, but also the central bank's international reserves, which are a key source of financing for the government.