Overview
- Economy Minister Luis Caputo reaffirmed that duty‑free imports of hybrids and EVs were agreed with automakers and capped at 50,000 units a year, with a 50% ceiling for Chinese brands.
- Caputo argued the opening has lowered new‑car prices toward regional levels, broadened model choice, and encouraged charging infrastructure and local electric‑pickup projects.
- A BYD vessel is scheduled to dock in Zárate on January 19 with a large batch of Chinese‑made hybrids and EVs, reported in the range of roughly 5,000 to more than 7,000 units.
- Deputy Miguel Ángel Pichetto criticized the policy as a threat to Argentine jobs and called Chinese industry unfairly subsidized, warning of potential friction with the United States.
- Ford Argentina president Martín Galdeano highlighted structural tax burdens and cost pressures that could jeopardize investment and even operations without reforms, underscoring industry concerns as the import regime remains in force.