Photo: Wikimedia Commons.
Imports from China to Argentina soared by 78.9% year-on-year during the first half of 2025, according to a report by the Center for Political Economy Argentina (CEPA), based on official data from the National Institute of Statistics and Census (INDEC). This surge positions China as a leading supplier of goods to Argentina and further deepens the Asian giant's role in Argentina’s trade landscape.
CEPA analysts attribute the sharp increase to several key factors. First, the dismantling of foreign exchange controls and the reduction of import tariffs under President Javier Milei’s economic reform program have facilitated greater access to imported goods. These liberalization policies particularly benefited imports of industrial inputs, technology, and consumer electronics, many of which originate in China.
Between January and June 2025, Argentina’s total imports rose by 31.4%, but China stood out with the largest jump among all trading partners. CEPA notes that this growth reflects a partial rebound in industrial production and consumer demand, especially in sectors that depend heavily on imported machinery and components.
On the other hand, Argentine exports to China remained relatively flat, which contributed to an increased bilateral trade deficit. This growing asymmetry continues a longer-term trend in which Argentina’s import volumes from China consistently outpace its exports. CEPA warned that this structural imbalance could have long-term implications for Argentina’s trade sustainability and called for policies to enhance the value and diversification of Argentine exports.
The report also highlights concerns from local industry groups, which argue that an unchecked surge in imports could put pressure on domestic manufacturers, especially in sectors vulnerable to international competition. Meanwhile, supporters of Milei’s reforms defend the changes as necessary to fight inflation and improve efficiency by allowing greater competition and access to goods.
This recent data confirms that China remains a key economic actor in Argentina, both as a source of industrial supplies and as a trade partner whose influence is growing amid changing economic policies.
* Original text in Spanish. Translated by Large Language Model (LLM) technology.
Main Source:
Aumentaron casi 80 % las importaciones desde China hacia Argentina – Infogei
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