The Argentine textile industry fell by 7.8% in 2025, during which the Argentine Textile Industries Federation (FITA) called the sector’s “hardest moment.”According to official figures, the industry was the only one to experience deflation in January — a fall of 0.5%, while prices that month increased by 2.9%. Argentine business leaders said they were hit by Chinese imports and slumping demand as the Milei administration lowered or outright eliminated tariffs. Employment in the sector has been falling continuously year-on-year since February 2024, two months after Javier Milei took office. However, in the same period, imports of finished garments grew strongly: 129% in quantity and 91% in value compared to January 2025. “Ensuring balanced competitive conditions is key to enabling the Argentine textile industry to sustain employment and strengthen the productive fabric throughout the country,” he said, echoing the demands of industry leaders across sectors for the government to lower taxes.

Source: Bueno Aires Herald March 07, 2026 07:45 UTC