In a significant move to reduce consumer prices and enhance access to technology, the Argentine government, under President Javier Milei, has announced the elimination of import tariffs and a substantial reduction in internal taxes on various electronic products. This policy aims to decrease the cost of items such as smartphones, televisions, air conditioners, and gaming consoles by up to 30%.

Key Measures:

  • Import Tariffs on Smartphones: Currently set at 16%, these will be reduced to 8% immediately upon the publication of the forthcoming decree, expected later this week. A complete elimination of these tariffs is scheduled for January 15, 2026.

  • Internal Taxes on Electronics: For imported products like smartphones, televisions, and air conditioners, internal taxes will be halved from 19% to 9.5%. For domestically produced items in Tierra del Fuego, these taxes will be entirely eliminated, dropping from 9.5% to 0%.

  • Gaming Consoles: Import tariffs on gaming consoles such as PlayStation and Xbox will be reduced from 35% to 20%.

Anticipated Impact:

The government projects that these measures will align the prices of electronic goods in Argentina with those in neighboring countries, thereby reducing incentives for smuggling and theft. For instance, a high-end smartphone that costs approximately $2,566 in Argentina is available for $1,011 in New York and $1,147 in Santiago de Chile.

This initiative is part of President Milei’s broader economic strategy to deregulate markets, reduce tax burdens, and foster competition. The administration believes that lowering taxes and opening markets will not only benefit consumers but also stimulate economic growth and reduce illicit activities associated with high-priced goods.

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