Number: RL32637
Title: Argentinas Sovereign Debt Restructuring
Authors: J.F. Hornbeck, Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division 
Abstract: Since the debt restructuring, Argentina has repaid the $9.8 billion it owed the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and seeks to normalize relations with the private international financial markets. Still, there is outstanding litigation against Argentina by the 24% of bondholders who refused to accept the restructuring, and re-engaging the international capital markets has had only limited success. Litigants' lack of success when faced with a determined defaulting country has already led to the adoption of collective action clauses as standard provisions in emerging market debt and the Argentine default will continue to have widespread implications not only for creditors, but for Argentina's long-term financial sustainability, developing country debt markets, guidelines for future sovereign debt restructurings, and IMF policies. In support of U.S. congressional interest in developing country financial crises, this report analyzes Argentina's debt restructuring.
Pages: 17
Date: May 5, 2006