In an impressive measure aimed at reducing tax pressure and improving access to technology for all Argentinians, the presidential spokesperson, Manuel Adorni, announced this Tuesday that Javier Milei's government will eliminate import tariffs on cell phones and significantly reduce internal taxes on electronic products like televisions and air conditioners.
The decision, which will be formalized through a decree to be published this week, aims to reduce the price of imported and domestic electronic products by up to 30%.
Javier Milei, presidente de Argentina.
The plan will be implemented in two stages: in the first, import tariffs on cell phones, currently at 16%, will be reduced to 8% immediately once the decree is published, expected on Thursday or Friday. In a second stage, starting January 15, 2026, these tariffs will be completely eliminated, bringing them to zero.
Additionally, Milei's government will reduce internal taxes for cell phones, televisions, and air conditioners: for imported ones, from 19% to 9.5%, and for those manufactured in Tierra del Fuego, from 9.5% to 0%. This represents a substantial decrease in the final cost of these products for consumers.
Javier Milei, presidente de Argentina.
"Today, in Argentina, a cell phone with 5G technology costs twice as much as in Brazil and the United States. The situation was so ridiculous that people would pay for a plane and a hotel to buy something as basic as a cell phone. And even then, it was cheaper than buying it in Argentina," the government stated. To illustrate the magnitude of the problem, international prices were compared: a cell phone that costs 2,566 dollars in Argentina can be found for 1,011 in New York, and 1,147 in Santiago de Chile.
The tax reduction is part of a broader policy of deregulation and tax cuts that Milei's government has been implementing since the beginning of the administration. According to Adorni, these measures have already caused positive effects, such as the decrease in car and tire theft, as a result of the opening of auto parts imports. This policy is also expected to help reduce smuggling and cell phone theft.
"The money that the state steals through taxes must return to the pockets of Argentinians," the spokesperson stated. He also recalled that the government has already eliminated the PAIS Tax and reduced internal taxes on cars and motorcycles.
