Argentina liberalizes its foreign trade: new facilities for Spanish and Portuguese exports

 

Experts from DHL Express Argentina They detailed this Wednesday the new trade facilitation measures in the southern country, highlighting the raising of the limit of the regime courier to $3.000 and the elimination of bureaucratic obstacles to boost exports from España y Portugal.

 

A paradigm shift in trade with Argentina

 

Argentina has begun an unprecedented phase of commercial liberalization. According to Nicolás Mouze, Trade Lane Development DirectorThe country is in a process of opening up that will be boosted by the progressive implementation of the agreements of Mercosur"It is very important for Spanish and Portuguese exporters to be prepared, knowing that the import and arrival of goods has already been simplified," he noted. Mouze.

 

This new era not only implies a future tariff reduction, but also an immediate streamlining of processes for goods demanded by a population of more than 46 millionSectors such as technology, machinery, and goods premium They are leading a growing demand in a highly urban market, concentrated mainly in cities such as Buenos Aires, Córdoba, Rosario y Mendoza.

 

New limits and facilities in the regime courier

 

One of the most critical points of this transformation is the updating of the express shipping regime. Claudio Salcedo, Customs and Regulatory Affairs Manager de DHL Express ArgentinaHe explained that the measures implemented since December 2024 are unprecedented in the country.

 

Previously, the limit for the regime courier It was set at $1.000 and 50 kilograms per shipment. With the new regulations, the value limit increases to $3.000 FOB per waybill or shipmentIn addition, the weight restriction has been significantly relaxed: now the following are allowed 50 kilograms per packageallowing simplified imports of shipments that can reach 300 or 500 kilograms in total, provided that each package respects the individual limit.

 

The main indicators and regulatory changes analyzed are detailed below:

 

Concept	Previous Regime	New Regime / Current Data
Value limit (Courier)	$1.000 USD per shipment	$3.000 USD per shipment (FOB)
Weight limit (Courier)	50 kg per total shipment	50 kg per individual package
Population of Argentina		46 million
E-commerce Growth (2024)		55% increase
Projected Investment in Mining		$50.000 million

 

 

Economic Analysis: Real vs. Nominal Growth "It is essential to distinguish between nominal and real growth in the Argentine market. While in 2024 E-commerce registered a record increase of 181 % driven by annual inflation of 117,8 %, the closing data of 2025 They show a consolidation of the sector with a growth of 55 %This apparent nominal slowdown is, in reality, a sign of positive stabilization: with inflation falling, the 55% increase reflects a genuine rise in order volume and the entry of new consumers into the digital ecosystem, far exceeding the overall price index and demonstrating the resilience of domestic consumption.

 

Strategic sectors: Energy, Mining and E-commerce

 

The economic future of Argentina It is closely linked to the extractive and technological industries. Julián Andrés Fedo, Senior Sales Manager, highlighted the site of Vaca Muerta, in the province of Neuquénas the second largest reserve of non-liquefied natural gas in the world. This industry requires massive investment in equipment and technology that España y Portugal can provide.

 

Furthermore, the mining is. The lithium and other minerals sector projects investments exceeding $50.000 billion over the next few years. These leading industries generate an ecosystem of opportunities for suppliers of machinery, engineering services, and specialized logistics.

 

In the area of ​​consumption, the E-commerce It has experienced a post-pandemic boom, with more than 25 million Argentinians buying. onlineThe market demands quality products and consumer goods premiumThe categories with the greatest potential for European exporters include:

 

• Printed books: Thanks to specific agreements with the Argentine Book Chamber, provided by DHL Express.
• Industrial equipment: Manufactured goods and spare parts for the energy and construction sectors.
• Health and Medical Technology: High-precision devices and biological samples.
• Fashion and Textiles: Branded goods premium and niche products.

 

Logistics infrastructure and sustainability

 

To support this growth, Carla Soratti, Senior Sales Manager de DHL Express ArgentinaHe emphasized the company's robust infrastructure in the country. Since 2023, they have had a own direct flight in the route Buenos Aires Santiago de Chile Miami, with six weekly frequencies.

 

Furthermore, the company has reinforced its environmental commitment with the program GoGreen Pluswhich uses fuel SAF (Sustainable aviation fuel). This service allows exporters to obtain annual carbon footprint reduction certificates, a requirement increasingly valued in the European market and by large mining and energy operators.

 

Key points and frequently asked questions about exporting to Argentina

 

What are the requirements for the "small shipments" duty-free regime?

This applies to shipments up to $3.000 and 50 kg per package, with a maximum of 3 units of the same type of merchandise. It allows up to 5 shipments per year per person and includes a $400 duty-free allowance (except VAT).

 

Is it necessary to be registered as an importer to use the regime courier?

No, for shipments through the regime courier Or expressly, it is not mandatory to be registered in the customs importers/exporters register, which greatly simplifies access to the Argentine market for individuals and SMEs.

 

How does the regulation affect products with special modifications?

Although the government has eased restrictions on the entry of products such as computers or textiles, certain goods (such as food, cosmetics or medicines) still require authorizations from agencies such as the ANMAT or National Institute of FoodIt is essential to verify the tariff classification before shipping.