The Argentine stained glass windows changed skin: the shirt, the jean, the diver or the dress that is seen today in a neighborhood store, in a shopping or on the web, it was most likely not made in the country. According to recent data, almost seven out of ten garments sold in Argentina are importeda deep transformation that accelerated in recent months with the commercial opening promoted by the government and the massive landing of platforms such as Shein and Temuthe Chinese colossi of ultra -grape fashion.
Given this context, the change is not less. If we count the first five months of the year, the country allocated More than US $ 1.5 billion to import clothessomething that shakes the local textile industry, with rising costs, low demand and a competition that comes from outside with prices that are impossible to match.
According to a report of the Pro weaving Foundation, 67% of the garments consumed in the country are imported, Figure that grows if the clothing that is marketed in Shoppings is recorded: 75% is foreign.
In contrast, the same study points out that Half of the national companies in the textile sector fell 5% their sales in the first five months of 2025, figure attributed to the lack of buyers and the increase in costs. In that sense, 60% of industrialists admitted that they reduced their staff and only 35% raised to recover the use of installed capacity, although none at 2023 levels.
The Shein effect
Imports arrive on three ways: companies that bring clothing from the outside (even national brands), tourists who buy clothes abroad, and online purchases that arrive in Courier, the famous “Door to Door.” According to customs data, Corporate imports increased by 125% And they represented some U $ 264 millionbut that number multiplies upon reaching the final consumer, reaching more than 1,000 millionaccording to economist calculations Gustavo LudmerCounter Chamber Advisor.
Purchasing tourism also plays its part. The Argentines spent U $ s1,572 million in clothing During their trips abroad in the same period, which represents a rise in 136%according to data from the Central Bank. However, the real leap occurred in the digital channel, where purchases for electronic commerce arriving from abroad They tripledwith a growth of 211% that is equivalent to U $ s242 million. Of that total, it is estimated that at least half corresponds to clothing.
Thus, brands like Shein They managed to capture the interest with attractive garments, at such low prices that a third of what is paid in Avellaneda premises, already more accessible than shopping malls. Deliveries can take up to 30 days, but shipping is free, they can be returned free of charge and, for many, that is enough. In parallel, Temuanother Chinese platform, already brings 300,000 packages per month To Argentina, with products that range from clothes to tools or toys.
In addition, the easy process when making the purchase It is shown as an extra seasoning: once the product is chosen, you must click on “Exit safe now”, enter with user and password, or create an account at that time associating an email. Then the shipping and billing data are completed, and the purchase is confirmed after entering the payment information.
The shirt is also imported
The phenomenon is so expansive that it even affects the largest football clubs in the country. Adidas, who until recently manufactured the shirts of Boca and River In Argentina, Part of production from Brazil began to importin response to tariffs from 35% to 20% and the total liberalization of personal purchases for up to US $ 400 per year. In the case of San Lorenzothe shirt directly occurs in China, through an agreement with the local Atomik firm.
Behind this transformation, the local industry loses land. Vitamin and Uma closed, Tn & Platex suspended staff in Catamarcaand according to the sector of the sector, the production fell a 20% compared to 2024 and a 40% compared to 2023. Only 30% of the workers in the field are registered, and within that group they have already lost At least 10,000 formal jobs.
From the Clothing chamberits president Claudio Drescher warns that the Shein phenomenon not only implies loss of employment and currency exit, but also environmental problems. “It is very disposable clothes, with massive carbon emissions, toxic chemicals and water pollution,” he warns. In that framework, they work with pro -legislators and Peronism to boost a anti-shein lawsimilar to that approved this year in France.
Brake to Chinese giants: Brazil, Mexico and Europe say enough
While in countries like Brazil and Mexico 20% taxes are already applied to small purchases from abroad, and Europe voted tariffs and restrictions on health and ecological issues, Argentina remains one of the most permeable markets. Even in Brazil, given government pressure, Shein began to make 85% of her clothes inside the countrycoping 60% of the market and opening physical pop-up stores.
Europe advanced with regulations, such as in France, where Ultra Fast Fashion garments can receive a Ecological score and pay even 5 euros of taxwhich will double in 2030. In addition, its advertising is prohibited and influencers that promote these brands are sanctioned. Even the European Commission warned about dangerous products, such as glasses without UV filter, cosmetics with prohibited substances or children’s clothing with small and toxic pieces.
Anyway, in Argentina there is a different scenario, without commercial barriers or environmental regulations, Fashion Fashion advances without brake.
Source: Ambito
