In this era where every initiative is capable of Facilitating exports The country has gained strategic weight, as the government has developed a mechanism aimed at streamlining operations, reducing costs and improving competitiveness. The economy accumulates an increase in imports This puts pressure on the trade balance, while the country remains in need Add dollars In a context characterized by debate over reserves, delayed recovery, and the heavy tax burden on the export sector.
The latest INDEC report confirmed that exports reached US$7,954 million in October, a year-on-year growth of 13.1%, while imports rose to US$7,154 million, an increase of 16.9% in the same period.
The difference showed a Surplus of $800 millionthe twenty-third month of positive balance, but also Lowest in five months. The increase in purchases from abroad was supported by a 19.7% increase in imported quantities, which is part of a general dynamic in which Cheap dollar Deregulation leads to more goods arriving from China and other Asian platforms.
In parallel, the private sector warned again Structural constraints. The Chamber of Exporters stressed that Argentina has nearly 9,000 export companies, “fewer than Peru and very few in Chile,” while sales were concentrated in products with less added value. The auto industry faced a 120% jump in imports and a 17.6% decline in its foreign sales, and the auto parts deficit exceeded $7.4 billion.
In that context, Policies that reduce operational burdens Reducing administrative friction not only improves the experience for exporters, but also incorporates efficiency into a system that requires dynamism to support the flow of foreign exchange.
New scheme: What is controlled export
In October, it established the Customs Collection and Control Agency (ARCA). Controlled export systemwhich allows Supervising plant operations through video surveillance (CCTV) system without the physical presence of inspectors at each loading point. The initiative was launched from General Resolution 5770/2025 and aimed to Companies already operating under the Export Plant Load System (EXPL)
The goal is Simplify procedures, reduce waiting times and optimize costs. According to ARCA, the system replaces the presence of customs officers at facilities in many cases They are located at great distances Headquarters of operations, especially in sectors such as mining.
Minister Federico Sturzenegger He described the measure as a “Copernican change” and said: “With a small infrastructure, which is a cage and cameras, you will be able to send your foreign trade yourself from your own factory. It will not be necessary to bring an auditor, pay travel expenses, or suffer delays.”
Which provinces were at the forefront and how many companies are already operating?
During the implementation of the pilot plan ARCA has empowered more than 10 companies in Mendoza and Santa FeThen another one was included Three in Salta. These are companies that have at least two years of experience in the register of importers and exporters and have met the technical requirements for system integration.
The government announced this on Thursday Catamarca joined the schemeFour companies in the governorate began the testing phase of the remote monitoring system. According to ARCA, this procedure is permitted Simplify tasks Which previously required transporting individuals “long distances” or even “to the top of the mountain” in the case of mining, which is one of the most active sectors in the region.
“This measure is Part of the modernization process, “Simplifying and improving the competitiveness we have made of ARCA,” said Juan Pazo, president of the organization, when announcing the expansion of the system.
In total, the decision aims to benefit 1,600 export companies across the country.
Expanded system and additional stimulation
The program was supplemented by a loan from BICE to finance the purchase and installation of technical equipment, in amounts up to $200 million and terms of up to 36 months, intended for SMEs and large companies that need to adapt their factories to the monitoring system required by ARCA.
Why is the system relevant today?
The jump in importsdriven by falling prices and exchange liberalization policy, coexist with sectors that have maintained export records in terms of quantities but with a marked trend towards dominance. In January-August, overseas sales exceeded their 2011 highs, although the share of industrial manufacturing fell by 7% according to INDEC ICA.
In this context, tools such as export control seek to… Reduce central component of operational cost overruns. Companies face delays, high administrative costs, and limited logistics infrastructure, which the industry cites as one of the reasons bottleneck To benefit from expanded agricultural, mining and energy cycles.
diverse Latin American countries They have developed trade facilitation policies based on digitalisation, simplification of documents and the use of technologies for indirect controls.
Initiatives such as remote verification have been promoted Global Alliance for Trade FacilitationWhich trained customs employees in the region on remote inspection mechanisms, or as Electronic screening programs The one window that ASAPRA scanned in front of the World Customs Organization, shows a The regional trend is towards more flexible operations And less dependent on on-site verifications.
In contrast, multilateral organizations such as the Islamic Development Bank and the World Customs Organization themselves recommend Traceability systems, technical selectivity and remote audits to speed up trade flows without increasing the bureaucratic burden.