Sharp rise in imported clothing: purchases from abroad grew 186% in volume in the first half of 2025

Clothing imports from abroad soared in the first five months of the year , driven by an official policy that enabled cash payments, reduced tariffs, and kept the dollar stable. According to the latest report from the Argentine Clothing Industry Chamber ( CIAI ), between January and May 2025, imports grew 77% in dollar terms and a staggering 186% in physical volume.

The figure represents a record for the last three years for this period. In total, garments worth USD 253 million were imported, and some 73,000 tons of apparel entered the country in just five months.

The textile sector warns that rising imports are affecting domestic production . According to data from the chamber itself, more than 10,000 jobs have been lost in the last 18 months, with a direct impact on the first links in the chain, such as garment factories and the yarn and fabric industry.

Paradoxically, many companies in the sector are also incorporating foreign products into their portfolios as a strategy to remain competitive in a market with greater consumer options and tighter margins.

The main source of imported clothing was China, which doubled the volume shipped to the country compared to the same period last year. Imports from the Asian giant reached USD 133 million, representing a year-over-year growth of 97% in dollar terms and 221% in volume.

Among the most imported products were men's coats and jackets made of synthetic fibers, which totaled USD 55 million. Sweaters—both synthetic and cotton—and men's pants also grew strongly.

The report also revealed which brands led the import rankings. Adidas recorded a 61% increase in dollars and a 103% increase in volume. Its most imported product was T-shirts and undershirts made of other textile materials, valued at USD 4.2 million.

Zara came in second, with an 86% increase in dollar terms and a 46% increase in volume. The Spanish brand's most in-demand items were synthetic fiber sweaters and women's cotton pants.

In contrast to the increase in imports, the sector's exports grew by just 1.2% in dollar terms and showed a slight decline in volume (-0.4%), totaling USD 10.7 million and 2,190 tons.

Brazil was the main destination, accounting for 36% of total sales. At the brand level, Lacoste (Vesuvio) led the ranking with exports of USD 2.3 million (up 51%), followed by Adidas with USD 2.1 million (up 72%), and Jazmín Chebar, which exported USD 881,000 (up 19%).

The phenomenon reflects a dual trend: on the one hand, an increase in consumer options and falling prices in some sectors; on the other, growing pressure on local production, which is beginning to see its competitiveness threatened in the new environment.

Although the strongest brands manage to maintain their international presence, the sector's structure continues to show a high concentration among a few exporting firms, while the majority face a complex reality in the face of trade liberalization.