The increase in foreign product purchases in Argentina coincided with the expansion of global online retail platforms, including Amazon, Shein and Temu among Argentine consumers. File Photo by Friedemann Vogel/EPA
Argentina’s easing of import restrictions led to a record surge in foreign product purchases in 2025, with consumer goods imports reaching $11.4 billion, according to the Economy Ministry.
The figures reflect a major shift in the country’s economic direction after market-opening reforms promoted by President Javier Milei after decades of strict foreign trade controls.
Since taking office, Milei’s administration has focused on dismantling those restrictions to increase competition and expand product availability for consumers amid high inflation and declining purchasing power.
Lower tariffs and fewer regulatory barriers have facilitated the entry of imported goods and accelerated changes in consumption patterns.
Imports of consumer goods, defined as finished products intended directly for sale such as processed foods or household appliances, rose 54% in 2025 compared with 2024 and 43.6% compared with 2023, according to Argentina’s National Institute of Statistics and Census.
The increase coincided with the expansion of global online retail platforms, including Amazon, Shein and Temu among Argentine consumers, the Financial Times reported.
Regulatory changes played a key role. In November 2024, the government raised the courier shipment threshold to $3,000 from $1,000 and introduced a tax exemption that allows people to import up to $400 annually without paying tariffs.
As a result, cross-border purchases surged. Consulting firm Analytica estimated courier-based imports reached $894 million, a 274.2% year-over-year increase.
The measures broadened product availability and eased access to goods that were previously scarce or expensive in the domestic market. Products such as Apple computers or Stanley thermoses, widely available abroad, are now entering Argentina more easily as the country reconnects with global trade.
Economist Gustavo Lazzari said the shift must be viewed within Argentina’s economic history.
“Argentina has been a very closed economy. Import substitution policies were strong from the 1940s and 1950s, and imported goods were often seen not as inputs but as a luxury. The Argentina Milei inherited was historically closed,” he told UPI.
Interest in cheaper foreign goods, especially Chinese products, has increased. Clothing prices in Argentina remain high compared with other markets, making overseas purchases more attractive.
Economy Minister Luis Caputo criticized previous protectionist policies in remarks to Radio Mitre. He said protectionism “is a foolish measure that harms lower-income people.”
“I never bought clothes in Argentina because it was a ripoff. Those of us who could travel bought them abroad,” he said.
Lazzari said part of the surge reflects pent-up demand.
“There is an impoverished consumer who lacked access to imported products. Now they see cheap clothing from China and rush to buy it,” he said.
Still, he cautioned the trend may not represent sustained growth.
“In Argentina there is a concept of postponed consumption. I do not see a boom. I see consumption rebuilding, almost like after a war,” he said.
Alberto Calvo, founder of consulting firm Avanzia, offered a similar assessment, noting trade liberalization improved access to many products “including items that were simply unavailable in Argentina,” he told UPI.
Local retailers are also adapting. Some platforms now offer imported products directly through their own websites, combining international supply with domestic services.
Calvo, a former president of the Argentine Chamber of Electronic Commerce, agreed the phenomenon reflects an adjustment rather than an exceptional boom.
“When strong restrictions are lifted, everything looks like a boom at first,” he said.
“There is still uncertainty about where the market will settle, but it has already changed. Argentina will need to think of itself as part of a more global market and focus on specialization and added value to compete with foreign products that often win on price,” he said.
