Price comparison: a difficult gap to sustain
According to official data, a high-end 5G cell phone costs USD 2,566 in Argentina, compared to USD 1,011 in the U.S., USD 1,147 in Chile, USD 1,290 in Spain, and USD 1,143 in the United Kingdom. In 43-inch LED televisions, the local price (USD 637) doubles that of countries like Chile or Mexico. Meanwhile, in hot/cold air conditioners, the values are more than double those in Brazil or Mexico.
Projections of short and long-term impact
The consulting firm Abeceb estimates that in 2025 cell phone prices could drop between 6% and 8%, while in air conditioners and televisions the reduction could reach 12%. By 2026, with the tariff at 0% and greater competition, the accumulated decrease would reach up to 20%.
The case of the iPhone in Argentina
The company MacStation projected that an iPhone 16 Pro Max with 256 GB, currently valued at $2,125,244, would cost $1,848,962 with the new scheme (8% tariff) and $1,727,823 in January 2026 (0% tariff). This would imply a 19% decrease.
The company highlighted that the measure will help reduce the "gray market" and promote sales with formal financing, such as 6 to 12 installment plans.
Official estimate: up to 30% drop in prices
The Ministry of Commerce indicated that the total impact of the measures could generate a drop of up to 30% in imported electronic products. A decrease is also expected in goods manufactured in Tierra del Fuego thanks to the reduction of internal taxes.
The government believes that this policy can help combat smuggling and cell phone theft by facilitating formal access to state-of-the-art technology.
