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Tariff Break Fuels Chinese Car Push in Argentina as Cheap Hybrids and EVs Gain Ground

Analysts warn that China’s price war and thinning margins offer a roadmap of risks for Argentina.

Overview

  • Argentina’s special regime lets electrified vehicles bypass the 35% extrazone tariff, with a 50,000‑unit quota largely tapped by Chinese brands.
  • ACARA reports Chinese brands registered more than 5,700 vehicles in January–September 2025, or 1.6% of the market, with expectations to exceed about 12,000 by year‑end.
  • Media price rankings for October show entry models starting near US$19,900, led by the JAC S2, underscoring an aggressive low-cost pitch.
  • BYD’s Dolphin Plus became the first Chinese model to earn five stars in Latin NCAP tests, highlighting recent safety and quality gains.
  • Coverage notes that about 85% of electrified imports under the regime come from China and cites BYD’s reported 30% quarterly profit drop and warnings of industry consolidation as cautionary signals.