Argentina smartphone imports surge 746% amid trade opening

In Argentina, smartphone imports have surged by 746.6% year-on-year during the first eight months of the year. This spike follows the removal of tariffs in January and an increase in door-to-door purchases, marking a significant shift toward commercial openness.

This trend has heavily impacted the local manufacturing industry. According to a report by Analytica, imports of IT, television, and communication equipment fell 25.7% in July, representing a 44.6% cumulative decline since December. Current production levels in the electronics sector are reportedly comparable to the lowest points during the pandemic. This decline is particularly notable in Tierra del Fuego, a province where electronic assembly plays a critical role in private employment.