Due to financial struggles in securing funding for the construction of its pavilion, Argentina is considering withdrawing from the 2025 World Exposition in Osaka. If this decision is made, it would mark the fourth country to do so after Mexico, Estonia, and Russia.
The economy of Argentina has been facing high inflation for a long time, prompting President Javier Milei to implement measures to cut government spending after taking office in December. Despite these efforts, the country had planned to build a Type A pavilion at the event, where participating nations design and construct their own installations.
However, negotiations with the Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition have stalled due to Argentina’s financial issues. The association has suggested that Argentina consider less costly options such as building a Type C pavilion or renting a Type X pavilion from the organizer. But these options may not be feasible for Argentina as they do not align with their vision and budget constraints.
Rising construction material costs and labor shortages in Japan’s construction sector have impacted many countries’ plans to build Type A pavilions at the event. As of May 23rd, only 53 countries have secured contractors out of an initial 60 planned to build them. With just over a year left until the event takes place on Yumeshima Island in Osaka Bay from April 13th to October 13th, 2025, there is still much uncertainty about which countries will participate fully in this global celebration of innovation and design.