Tierra del Fuego trembles: Javier Milei's government decreed a reduction in tariffs on cell phones and electronics.

Starting this Wednesday, May 21, imported cell phones will be subject to half the tariff they previously paid. Javier Milei 's government published Decree 333/2025 in the Official Gazette on Tuesday, formalizing the reduction of tariffs on imported electronic products. This measure also includes a reduction in internal taxes and a change in the tax treatment for production in Tierra del Fuego .

The resolution, signed by President Javier Milei, Chief of Staff Guillermo Francos, and Economy Minister Luis Caputo, was announced last week by presidential spokesman Manuel Adorni.

According to the text of the decree, the Executive Branch's intention is to make access to technology more affordable for Argentine consumers, while promoting greater digital inclusion. "This will reduce market prices and facilitate access to products," states the regulation, which will be extended until December 31, 2038. Furthermore, it is anticipated that the tariff on cell phones will be completely eliminated by January 15, 2026.

Along with this measure, a reduction in internal taxes was also implemented: they will go from 19% to 9.5% for imported cell phones, televisions, and air conditioners. For products manufactured in Tierra del Fuego, this tax burden will be reduced from 9.5% to 0%, seeking to offset the loss of competitiveness that market opening would entail.

The government maintains that these changes will have a direct impact on consumer prices. They estimate a nearly 30% drop in imported electronic products, which would bring local prices closer to those in neighboring countries. Currently, a high-end cell phone in Argentina costs around $2,566, compared to $1,290 in Spain, $1,147 in Chile, and $1,011 in the United States.

At the same time, the Executive Branch believes this scheme will stimulate greater competition and an expansion in the range of available models, benefiting both users and the development of the sector. The reduction in internal taxes on Tierra del Fuego production is also expected to boost investment and efficiency improvements.