Overview
- Decree 333/25 completes its final stage, dropping the customs duty on imported mobile phones from 8% to 0% after an initial cut from 16% in May 2025.
- Government projections point to price reductions of up to about 30%, while industry estimates vary from roughly 10% to 25% and note changes will not be immediate.
- Sergio Airoldi anticipates around a 10% decline and says effects may show from February, whereas logistics executive Gabriel Salomon estimates 20%–25% for imports.
- The Río Grande branch of the metalworkers’ union warns the move endangers Tierra del Fuego’s electronics hub, citing its role as about 78% of the provincial economy and roughly 8,500 jobs.
- Analysts say remaining taxes, high local costs, and widespread contraband—Afarte estimates one in three phones sold is illegal—could limit or delay full price pass-through, even after the tariff cut.