The Milei government's regulatory changes (Decree 49/2025 + Decree 44/2026) opened Argentina's auto market to 50,000 zero-tariff electric and hybrid imports per year, plus a Mercosur-EU agreement allowing 10,000-15,500 European vehicles annually with reduced tariffs.
Key requirements for the zero-tariff EV/PHEV quota:
- Maximum FOB price: USD 16,000
- Minimum weight: 400 kg excluding battery
- Minimum power: 15 kW
- Minimum electric-only range: 80 km
This regulatory shift is the primary reason Chinese brands (BYD, Chery, GWM) and premium European EVs (Volvo, Audi, BMW) are now available in Argentina at competitive prices. The 2026 quota was rapidly exhausted, suggesting expansion to 75,000-100,000 units for 2027.
Private import for personal use remains generally prohibited; vehicles must be imported through authorized businesses.
Read the full regulatory analysis in Spanish →
