Imported cell phones will drop by up to 40% due to tax and tariff reductions starting in January

Starting January 15, imported cell phones will decrease in price by up to 40% due to tax and tariff reductions. The government estimates that the prices of 5G devices and other electronic products will align with those in Brazil and Chile, where they currently cost half as much. The measure will impact both consumers and importers.

Imported cell phones will drop in price by up to 40% starting January 15, when the tax cuts that eliminate tariffs and reduce internal taxes take effect. The government of Javier Milei expects that prices for high-end 5G devices will become comparable to those in Brazil and Chile.

According to official estimates, electronics prices could fall between 30% and 40%. At the official MacStation store, a 256GB iPhone 16 Pro Max currently costs $4,199,999 and a 512GB iPhone 16 Plus costs $4,999,999. With the tax cut, both should decrease by approximately 19%.

An imported Samsung Galaxy A35 5G would also be worth up to 40% less, according to projections from official distributors.

Decree 333/2025 establishes a timeline culminating on January 15, when the import duty for goods from outside the region will decrease from 8% to 0%. Simultaneously, internal taxes will be reduced from 19% to 9.5%. Overall, the final price of the devices could fall by more than 30%.

“This policy seeks to make technology more accessible, reduce smuggling, and foster a competitive and transparent market,” said Gabriel Salomón, commercial director of the logistics company Jidoka.

For importers, experts recommend waiting in free trade zones until the new tariff takes effect. This way, they can clear their products through customs without paying duties, representing a direct savings of 8%.

For consumers, patience will be key. The private sector anticipates a significant drop in retail prices, which could be between 30% and 40% during the first months of the year.

The tariff cut comes amid strong trade growth with China. During the first two months of the year, imports from that country grew by 73.5%, with a 152% jump in electronic products.

However, the measure is causing concern among the more than 20 factories located in Tierra del Fuego, which account for all local cell phone production. Business owners warn that competing with lower-priced imported devices will be a challenge for the national industry.

“The benefit for the consumer is clear, but we must consider the impact on production and employment in Tierra del Fuego,” sources from the sector stated.