Starting in 2026, the complete elimination of import taxes on cell phones will take effect
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The Argentine cell phone market is preparing for a significant change starting in 2026, when the total elimination of import taxes on cell phones will take effect.
This measure is part of the decree issued by President Javier Milei, who established in May a process of progressive tariff dismantling aimed at reducing costs, lowering prices, and boosting the foreign trade of the technology sector.
The Ministry of Economy expects the measure to have a direct impact on consumer prices, with an estimated reduction of between 30% and 40%, which could correct the historic price gap between Argentina and markets such as the United States or Brazil.
El presidente Javier Milei.
The change in the sector began to be noticeable from the beginning of 2025. According to INDEC data, in the first two months of the year, imports from China grew by 73.5% year-on-year, reaching USD 3.024 billion. Within that increase, electronic products led the surge, with 152% growth in phones and computers, totaling USD 135 million. This context of expanding imports was decisive for the subsequent tariff relaxation.
The decree establishes a phased schedule to reduce the Extra-Zone Import Duty applied to cell phones, which will allow companies to gradually adapt their operations. It is estimated that in 2026, phone imports could double, driven by lower costs and greater regulatory predictability.
Importing companies are already adjusting their strategies to take advantage of the new framework. Some plan to receive merchandise by the end of 2025 and keep it in free trade zones until January 15, 2026, the date on which the nationalization of the products will no longer be taxed. That decision would allow a direct saving of 8% on the value of each device, an additional incentive to increase the volume of imports.
Javier Milei en New York.
The impact will not only be economic but also social. According to Gabriel Salomón, commercial director of the logistics and foreign trade firm Jidoka, this policy will facilitate access to technology for work and education, as well as discourage smuggling and consolidate a more competitive and transparent market, supported by a greater flow of imports and more affordable prices for Argentines.
With this change, Argentina is moving toward greater integration with the global technology market, in a scenario where tax reduction seeks to stimulate competition, improve supply, and bring electronics closer to Argentine consumers at more reasonable prices.
