November 21, 2024, 10:57 PM
November 21, 2024, 10:57 PM
The influx of Argentines to Bermejo (Tarija) has increased in recent days due to the depreciation of the Bolivian currency and appreciation of the pesoor to take advantage of the economic situation and buy wholesale. Currently there is an exchange rate of 100 Argentine pesos for 9 bolivianos.
“Despite the rise in some prices, The Argentine peso is currently the strong currency on the border with Bolivia“said César Benitez, a citizen of Argentina.
Argentines cross to Bermejo to buy new and used sneakers that They are 70% less than in Argentina, as well as stationery (toilet paper, disposable tissues and napkins).
Added to these are the purchases of new clothes and grocery products that are half price. Even an Argentinian can taste a menu or dish for 40% less of the cost in the neighboring country.
The executive secretary of the Bermejo Federation of Union Workers, Rubén Borja, stated that The Argentine currency increased in relation to the Bolivian and that causes the merchandise that Argentines buy by weight to reduce in cost.“So that’s why more people are coming in from Argentina to take merchandise because of the exchange rate,” said the union member.
Benítez said that Argentines enter Bermejo more because wholesale purchases are made, unlike what happens in Villazón or Yacuiba, which are the other border cities of Bolivia.
Economist Fernando Romero pointed out that for inflationary reasons the Bolivian currency is depreciating, compared to the currencies of neighboring countries.
“For example, a Peruvian sol is worth Bs 3. This weekend In Argentina there was an increase in the value of the peso compared to the Bolivianpreviously one boliviano was equivalent to 111, 11 bolivianos in the border market and now it fell by 2%. This means that the Argentine peso has increased in its purchasing power,” said Romero.