A UNLP report revealed that lack of consumption became the main concern of La Plata merchants.
The economic crisis continues to hit businesses hard The Silver and a recent report prepared by the UNLP Faculty of Economic Sciences set off the alarms: for the first time in years, the majority of local businessmen consider that the decline in sales represents a bigger problem than inflation.
The data arises from the “Commerce Survey” corresponding to the first quarter of 2026, carried out by the Sectoral and Territorial Development Laboratory of the La Plata university together with the local Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Services.
According to the survey, sales fell on average by 9.1% compared to the same period last year, accumulating thirteen consecutive quarters of decline.
In addition, 51% of merchants claimed to have suffered a decrease in their operations during the first months of the year. Another 31% maintained that sales remained stable and only 17% indicated that they had recorded improvements.
Lack of demand displaced inflation
One of the most relevant points of the report is that the consumption drop It came to occupy first place among the concerns of La Plata merchants, leaving behind inflation, which had led the problems since 2019.
Behind the lack of demand, public service rates and tax pressure appear as the main factors affecting the sector.
The study also warns that the economic contraction reached practically all commercial sectors and maintains the negative trend that had already been registered during the end of 2025.
In parallel, sales through alternative channels grew again. According to the survey, 33.1% of operations were carried out through digital platforms, social networks, websites or telephone channels.
Employment, insecurity and concern in the sector
Another fact that reflects the impact of the economic situation is the deterioration of commercial employment. The index prepared by the UNLP marked a value of 84 points in the first quarter of 2026, being 16% below the levels registered in 2019.
Regarding prices, the report indicates that the average in the city increased by 32.3% compared to the same period last year.
On the other hand, merchants also expressed concern about problems linked to public space. The insecurity It was indicated as the main daily inconvenience by 57% of those surveyed.
Added to this problem are difficulties parking, mentioned by 36%; the state of streets and sidewalks, with 31%; and traffic problems, which reached 23% of the responses.
