Argentina faces billion-dollar IMF trip wire as protests simmer

Demonstrators holds placards that read slogans in opposition to the IMF, during a protest against the government's negotiations with the international financial institution near the Buenos Aires Obelisk, Argentina January 27, 2022. REUTERS/Agustin Marcarian

BUENOS AIRES (Reuters) - Argentina is facing a billion-dollar trip wire of debt repayments to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) coming due with uncertainty over whether the South American country will pay amid tense talks to revamp around $40 billion in loans.

The grains-producing country, which has been battling currency and debt crises for years, is due to pay back $730 million to the IMF on Friday and another $365 million on Tuesday next week, though officials have not confirmed plans to pay.