China dominates Argentina's imported textile market, accounting for 70% of the share, which threatens over 500,000 jobs and undermines national production. This is happening amid the deregulation of the courier delivery system and the simplification of customs procedures. According to the Pro Tejer Foundation, Chinese clothing enters the country without quality certifications, without reference values, without labels, and without paying taxes, creating insurmountable competitive advantages for Argentine manufacturers. This phenomenon also threatens the local commercial network and the entire chain of textile jobs. In response, in August 2025, Argentina imposed a 33.5% tariff on shipments from digital platforms in countries without trade agreements, such as China. From 2026, an eco-tax per garment item will also be introduced, reaching 10 euros by 2030. In Europe, France passed a pioneering law against ultra-fast fashion in June 2025, which also mandates displaying an environmental score and bans advertising for fast fashion from 2026. In the US, the federal government eliminated the 'de minimis' exemption in August 2025, which allowed goods under $800 to enter without tariffs. In Argentina, Deputy Miguel Ángel Pichetto has introduced a bill proposing a special tariff for imports, mandatory registration, and leveling the tax playing field for purchases on foreign platforms. While cheap clothing may seem like a good deal for consumers, it hides a much higher collective cost: lost jobs, weakened national production, and reduced tax revenue.
