Overview
- BYD’s vessel carrying several thousand hybrid and electric cars is scheduled to dock in Zárate on January 19, with reports citing 5,000 to more than 7,000 units.
- Responding to deputy Miguel Ángel Pichetto, Economy Minister Luis Caputo said the tariff‑free scheme allows up to 50,000 electrified vehicles a year and limits Chinese brands to half that quota.
- Caputo argued the measure helped pull new‑car prices closer to regional levels, broadened model choice, and encouraged EV infrastructure, noting Argentina mainly produces pickups with 70% exported and only two locally made passenger cars.
- Industry voices cautioned about structural risks, with Ford Argentina’s Martín Galdeano warning the high tax burden could force a plant closure if not addressed.
- China’s market regulator issued draft rules against price collusion and selling below cost, a shift analysts say could temper aggressive pricing on exports that expanded Chinese brands’ footprint in Argentina in 2025.