Argentina Slashes Trade Barriers and Embraces Global Standards to Lower Prices and Boost Competition

In a sweeping move to stimulate market competition, cut costs, and reduce consumer prices, the Argentine government has introduced a series of regulatory reforms and tariff cuts aimed at simplifying import procedures and aligning with international standards.

According to El Cronista Financiero, the Ministry of Deregulation and National Transformation has issued Resolution No. 16/2025, repealing previous regulations (Nos. 731/87, 524/98, and 169/18) that required local certification for electrical products - even those already certified under the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards. Under the new policy, products with certifications such as CE (European Union), EAC (Eurasian Economic Union), CCC (China), UKCA (United Kingdom), NOM (Mexico), SEC (Chile), Inmetro (Brazil), and UL (United States) will be exempt from additional Argentine testing. The resolution also lifts import restrictions on low-voltage electrical devices (below 50V), making it easier for compliant products to enter the Argentine market.

On the same day, the Secretariat of Industry and Trade under the Ministry of Economy issued Resolution No. 26/2025, easing import certification requirements for cement products. This includes general-purpose cement, specialty performance cement, high-performance road concrete (TAR), and masonry cement. Certification reports issued by recognized institutions from high-standard markets and neighboring countries - such as Brazil, Chile, Bolivia, Paraguay, and Uruguay - will now be accepted in Argentina for both import clearance and domestic marketing. These changes aim to eliminate redundant certification procedures, lower compliance costs, and speed up the time-to-market for construction materials.

In addition, the Ministry of Health has updated regulations on the import of paints, varnishes, and lacquers. Importers are now permitted to clear customs by submitting a declaration confirming compliance with national lead content standards. The products will then be subject to inspection by the Argentine Revenue and Customs Administration (ARCA), with the National Institute of Industrial Technology (INTI) conducting sample testing to verify compliance.

Further bolstering its commitment to open markets, the Argentine government has announced a reduction in import tariffs for clothing, textiles, and footwear. As shared by Economy Minister Luis Caputo via social media, duties on clothing and footwear will be lowered from 35% to 20%, fabric tariffs will drop from 26% to 18%, and duties on various yarns will be adjusted to 12%, 14%, or 16%. These changes will come into effect upon publication in the Official Gazette.

Minister Caputo highlighted the urgency of the move, noting that Argentina's clothing prices are among the highest regionally and globally. For example, a branded T-shirt in Argentina costs 310% more than in Spain and 95% more than in Brazil. Jackets are priced 174% higher than in Spain and 90% more than in Brazil. Caputo emphasized that the tariff cuts are designed to enhance competition, curb inflation, and ultimately bring more affordable prices to Argentine consumers.

Together, these policy shifts represent a bold step toward modernizing Argentina's trade framework, enhancing consumer welfare, and fostering a more competitive and integrated market environment.