Overview
- Reports say a BYD-owned vessel carrying thousands of hybrid and electric vehicles is due to dock at Zárate around January 19.
- The policy allows duty-free entry for up to 50,000 electrified vehicles per year, with a maximum of 25,000 from Chinese brands, which the Economy Ministry says was agreed with automakers.
- Minister Luis Caputo argues increased supply will lower 0 km prices, broaden model choice and support charging infrastructure, while opponents warn of pressure on jobs and foreign currency.
- Deputy Miguel Ángel Pichetto criticizes the shipments as benefiting a subsidized Chinese industry and predicts trade tensions, citing his call to “frenar a China.”
- Industry data show Chinese-brand share in Argentina rose to about 5.6% in late 2025 (roughly 2.2% for the full year) as local production fell 3.1% and exports dropped 10.8%, and analysts note most Argentine output is export-focused pickups with few direct substitutes to the imported electrified models; separately, China’s regulator has drafted rules to curb below-cost selling, which could temper future export price cuts.