Foreign purchases exceeded USD 100 million in September and set a new record
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In a context of greater economic freedom, online purchases from abroad reached USD 102 million in September, registering a monthly increase of 11.4% and a year-on-year jump of 452.6%, according to INDEC data. This is a record figure that reflects the positive impact of the deregulation and trade liberalization policies promoted by the national government.
The growth is explained by the new regulatory framework that facilitates access to imported products at competitive prices. General Resolution 5608/2024 raised the FOB value limit for door-to-door shipments from USD 1,000 to USD 3,000, while Decree 1065/2024 exempted purchases of up to USD 400 from import duties and the statistical fee, which only pay VAT.
These decisions, framed within the economic liberalization program led by Luis Caputo, aim to modernize retail trade and directly benefit the end consumer.
More freedom, more consumption, and international prices
According to the Ministry of Economy advisor, Felipe Núñez, "thanks to smart trade liberalization, lower taxes, and deregulation, local prices are converging with international prices."
The official emphasized that this change marks a difference compared to the years of economic closure. "When Kirchnerism closed the economy to benefit a few, it destroyed people's purchasing power. Today, consumers can access better products at lower prices and increase their purchasing power in other areas," he stressed.
Récord histórico en compras online al exterior: crecen las importaciones gracias a la apertura comercial del Gobierno
Among the most in-demand products are technology, sneakers, and clothing, goods that for years were inaccessible due to internal market barriers and surcharges.
A historic leap in individual imports
Between January and September 2025, online purchases totaled USD 601 million, more than double the entire 2024, when they had reached USD 238 million. The trend marks a structural change in consumption habits and reflects confidence in macroeconomic stability and the reduction of the exchange rate gap.
For analysts, this phenomenon not only expands the range of available products but also encourages competition and efficiency in local commerce, which must adapt to a more transparent and globalized environment.
Tourism and spending abroad are also growing
In parallel with the boom in international e-commerce, outbound tourism recorded a strong rebound. According to the Central Bank, outflows for spending on goods and services abroad amounted to USD 952 million in September, of which USD 678 million correplied to card expenses, USD 168 million to transportation, and USD 106 million to tour operators.
Récord histórico en compras online al exterior: crecen las importaciones gracias a la apertura comercial del Gobierno
The report highlights that exchange rate freedom and confidence in the digitized peso allowed more Argentines to travel and spend abroad without restrictions.
More economic freedom, more opportunities
The record in personal imports confirms the success of the trade liberalization and deregulation policy promoted by Javier Milei's government. With a simpler tax system and a freer market, Argentina is moving toward a model where the consumer chooses, competition improves quality, and prices converge with international standards.
