Argentina sees surge in door-to-door international e-commerce imports

Argentina is experiencing a significant surge in door-to-door international purchases through digital platforms such as Amazon, Shein, and Temu. In July, these small shipments—defined as packages under 50kg with a maximum value of US$3,000—totaled US$108 million, representing a 15.5% year-on-year increase.

From January to July, the cumulative value of these imports reached US$751 million, an 83.9% jump compared to the same period last year. This volume is nearing the total recorded for the entire year of 2025, with projections suggesting the 2026 total could surpass previous levels well before the end of the year.

The boom is attributed to regulatory changes implemented by the government of Javier Milei in late 2024, which increased the limit for occasional shipments from US$1,000 to US$3,000 and provided tariff exemptions for personal imports up to US$400. This shift, combined with favorable exchange rates, has led to a change in consumer habits, with 47% of online shoppers reporting international purchases in 2025, up from 37% in 2024. Local industry leaders express concern that this trend poses a direct threat to the domestic textile sector.