Freight Transport Costs Rose 1.81% in June, Marking the Lowest Monthly Increase of 2026 – Trade News | 06/07/26

Freight transport costs in Argentina increased 1.81% in June, marking the lowest monthly increase of 2026, according to the Freight Transport Cost Index (ICT) published by FADEEAC. The result reflects a slowdown compared with April (2.42%) and May (1.91%), following the sharp increase recorded in March, when the index rose 10.15%, largely driven by higher fuel prices. During June, the Fuel component increased by just 0.55%, the smallest rise of the year, supported by the continued implementation of the government's "buffer" mechanism, which freezes the domestic fuel reference price. The index, audited by the Faculty of Economics at the University of Buenos Aires, recorded increases across most of its eleven cost categories. Personnel costs rose 2.61% following the implementation of the fourth installment of the current collective labor agreement, while Repairs increased 3.02%, General Expenses 2.06%, Tolls 3.09%, Tires 2.96%, Vehicle Equipment 1.69%, Insurance 1%, Financial Costs 1.76%, and Lubricants 4%. In contrast, Vehicle Registration and Taxes remained unchanged because they are adjusted annually. The report also notes that the continued postponement of the full update of fuel taxes, extended through Decrees 405/26 and 562/26, helped moderate cost increases during the month. Despite the monthly slowdown, the ICT accumulated a 22.2% increase during the first half of 2026, compared with 14% in the same period of 2025, while the year-on-year increase reached 47%. Diesel prices have also risen 34% so far in 2026, remaining one of the main drivers of operating costs for the sector. According to the report, freight transport companies continue to operate under pressure from rising costs, deteriorating road infrastructure, and uneven economic activity, with stronger demand from agriculture, energy, and mining, while consumption, manufacturing, and public investment remain weaker. Link to Article