The Import opening and the Cheap dollar They are felt in the textile industry in the midst of strong growth in Chinese “Fast Fashion” platforms. The Income to the country of clothing grew by 87% year -on -year In the first five months of the year and reached the U $ 265 millions, Its highest level for this period since 2018according to a report of the Argentine industrial camera of clothing (CIAI) based on INDEC data.
In total, 14,774 tons of clothing were imported in the first five months of the yearmarking a jump from 125% compared to the same period of 2024. This increase is mainly explained by the purchase acceleration to Chinathat concentrated 54% of imports and whose Average price fell 18% year -on -yearlowering the general basket of imported garments.
Import record rise implies “A structural change in the supply patterns of the local market”in a context of commercial opening, fall in domestic consumption and growing pressure on national production of clothing.
Garments: Average price fell 17% annually in the first five months of the year
The average unitary value of the imported garment decreased by 17%, placing in US $18, mainly thanks to China’s pricing. T -shirts, for example, reduced their average price one 45% to the U $ 25.50 per unitwhile Sweaters They went down a 19% and the pants a 23%.
In terms of import participation, coats They led the ranking with a 26%followed by Sweaters (18%) and pants (18%). Vietnam, Cambodia and Bangladesh They completed the group of main origins, all with growth of between 40% and 120% in their exports to Argentina.
Shein and Temu phenomenon
Shein and Temu They are fast fashion companies (“Fast Fashion”) that quickly became a global phenomenon, especially among young people, due to their low prices and the wide variety of products they offer. However, its rapid ascent generated controversy due to Environmental concerns and labor, as well as complaints for plagiarism.
So much so in countries as France these companies were regulated by imposing them Ecotasas, advertising prohibitions and restrictions on the “influencers” that promote them.
France imposed a historical sanction of 40 million euros to Shein after an investigation uncovered numerous deceptive commercial practices towards their consumers. Between October 2022 and August 2023, the General Directorate of Competition, Consumption and Repression of Fraud (DGCCRF) In the country he thoroughly examined the prices of thousands of products offered in the online store and the inspectors detected that the company raised the price of some items before applying alleged discounts, thus generating a false perception of large sales for buyers.
Exports fell 20% and played minimum of eight years
As opposed to the fort import increasethe Exports of Argentine garments continued their setback: They added only US $ 6.5 million between January and May, 21% less than in the same 2024 period, with an exported volume of 208 tons (-20%).
Both value and volume, clothing exports registered their historical minimums of the last eight years, reflecting the loss of external competitiveness of the sector, they mentioned since Ciai.
Source: Ambito
