“Argentines are scooping up Lego sets, Apple computers and Stanley thermoses from abroad, as libertarian president Javier Milei’s efforts to open the closed economy prompt a flood of foreign goods.

Total consumer goods imports jumped 55 per cent in 2025 on the previous year, reaching a record high of $11.4bn, according to official data.

Argentines also bought around three times more goods from overseas via international ecommerce platforms in 2025 than in 2024, reaching a record $955mn, as companies such as Amazon, Shein and Temu gained a foothold in the country for the first time.

The increase comes as Milei cuts tariffs and a web of import restrictions introduced by previous governments to protect domestic industries, which made foreign goods rare and expensive in Argentina.”

From Financial Times.