Automotive markets show growth in Argentina and Chile

Argentina recorded a record high for tire imports in July 2026, with 762,548 units for cars and light trucks entering the country. This surpasses the previous record set in May 2025. The increase follows changes in trade conditions, including the removal of reference prices and progressive tariff reductions. Continental led the month in imports for passenger and commercial light vehicles, followed by Linglong, XBRI, Firemax, and Dunlop.

In Chile, the automotive market saw a 5.6% growth in total operations during the first half of 2026, reaching 742,447 units of new and used vehicles. Used vehicle transfers grew by 5.8%, while new vehicle sales increased by 4.9%. Despite these gains, the Chamber of Automotive Commerce of Chile (CAVEM) expressed caution due to economic uncertainty, suggesting the current period should be used to strengthen organizational structures in anticipation of a recovery.