Overview

• The apparel chamber CIAI says it is coordinating with peers in Brazil and Mexico on a draft to regulate Shein and Temu, with Argentine lawmakers Miguel Ángel Pichetto, Nicolás Massot and Martín Lousteau expressing support.
• Proposals referenced include environmental and toxicity checks, progressive ecological levies modeled on France, limits on advertising, and the application of local taxes and duties to equalize conditions.
• Argentina’s courier imports reached USD 98 million in July and USD 408 million in January–July 2025, while textile import volumes rose 97% year over year, with apparel up 123% and home textiles up 195%, according to industry data.
• Sector surveys report apparel sales down about 30% over two years, production declines of roughly 12% in the past year and near 30% in two years, and workforce adjustments at 72% of firms with 60% cutting staff.
• Supporters point to regulatory shifts that raised the courier FOB limit to USD 3,000 and exempted shipments up to USD 400 from import duties, as well as safety warnings such as Seoul’s tests finding excessive cadmium and lead in some children’s items.