What does Argentina import?

Argentina is an agricultural country par excellence. It is the third largest exporter of soybeans in the world and is also known for its excellent meat quality. The country has developed a significant industry (mainly textile and food), but it does not develop certain products.

What does Argentina import? Argentina imports electronic products, machinery and cars. In Argentina there is little technological development, so the country has to import products from China and the United States. Vehicles for transport, cellular and aircraft parts lead the country's imports.

Additionally, Argentina imports diesel fuel from Russia, Chile and the United States, and minerals such as iron, from Brazil.

The major imports come from Brazil, a country that used to be competitor of Argentina, but today has a much more stronger economy.

Since 1995, Brazil and Argentina are part of Mercosur, a free trade area, in which Paraguay and Uruguay are also participants. These countries have no customs duties for importing and exporting goods, with exception of sugar and automotive industries.

What does Argentina import? The main imports from Brazil are: trucks, cars, buses and spare parts, TV cameras, washing machines, mobile phones, motorcycles, computers, tires, etc.

In the 90, the country experienced a radical change in foreign policy that favored the entry of foreign products by lowering tariff rates and improving the administration and customs control.

In that time a lot of foreign goods entered to the country. However, Argentina suffered a terrible crisis in 2001. The peso was devalued and consequently, imports decreased. Argentina has recovered in recent years and imported goods came back to the country.

One problem is that the retail prices of imported electronic goods in Argentina are worth double than in Mexico, 30% more than in Peru and 23% more than in Chile. This is because customs duty is 20.5% and 31% VAT must be added.