In September, imports of consumer goods reached a new historical high for the third month in a row. They added up $1,157 million, while they reached in cumulative January-September $8,376 million, the highest value in the series from 2004. This emerges from a report by the Center for Argentine Political Economy (CEPA), based on official data.
This amount exceeds $1,693 million The previous record was recorded during the same period in 2018, representing an increase of 25.3%.
Relatively speaking Imports of consumer goods will account for 14.6% of total goods imports in 2025and is 4.1 percentage points above the same period in 2023.
In which sectors did imports grow the most? In the sum of the first three quarters of the year, the jump compared to 2024 is led by: Devices, batteries and lamps with an increase 248.9%; Motorcycles, bicycles and other transport equipment: 124.6%; Clothing: 61.8%; Food 77.4% and leather goods 44.7%. It should be noted that these five sectors account for half (48.8%) of total consumer goods imports between January and September 2025.
Looking at the relative differences, the clothing sector leads the way with a 152% increase in the number of importers compared to 2023. This is followed by jewelry, toys, musical instruments and safety clothing (131%), food (127%) and household appliances, batteries and lamps (106%).
Among importers in the textile sector, Adidas is at the top with imports per year $40.2 millionan increase of 323% compared to 2023. TAC Argentina, owner of the Zara brand, follows suit $38.5 million, which registered no imports two years ago. And in third place is Puma Sports Argentina $15.7 million, doubled its volume with an increase of 106%.
The increase in imports within the textile chain was accompanied by a change in the composition. Most growth is focused on finished products, both finished garments and knitted fabrics. This dynamic affects all industry segments as it reduces demand for yarns, fabrics, dyes and raw materials, ultimately leading to a slowdown in much local production.
From CEPA they pointed out that “this behavior has a history.” Since the 1990s, when brands were separated from factories, the sector has changed in line with the macroeconomic climate. In a context of openness and valued exchange rates such as the current one, companies resort to imports, while in scenarios with a more competitive exchange rate and policies that stimulate national production they return to local purchases.”
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