The Government of the Nation formalized today (31.03.2025) the adjustment of the tariffs applicable to fabrics, clothing and footwear through the Decree 236. Although this decision had been previously announced, its publication makes it official and takes effect immediately.
This measure aims to review the Common External Tariff (CET) levels in Argentina and Brazil, seeking to "stabilize domestic prices and ensure adequate supply in the local market."
The regulation recalls that the CET, established in 1994 by Decision 22 of the Common Market Council, initially set tariffs for textile and footwear products at 14% for yarn, 18% for fabrics, and 20% for clothing and footwear. However, Decision 37 of the 2007 increased these rates for Argentina and Brazil, reaching 26% for textiles and 35% for clothing and footwear. Later, Decision 26 of the 2009 increased tariffs on yarn, setting them between 18% and 26%, depending on the type of product.
It also notes that "these tariffs contributed to rising prices for textile and footwear products in both countries, negatively impacting the sector's competitiveness and limiting consumers' access to more reasonable prices." To mitigate these effects, Decree 236 revises both the application of the AEC and the Extra-Zone Import Duty (DIE), in line with Decree 557/23 and its amendments.
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To this end, the Executive Branch is guided by Article 664 of the Customs Code (Law 22.415), which grants it the power to modify import duties in order to stabilize domestic prices and guarantee supply to the local market.
Thus, Decree 236 introduces adjustments to the merchandise of the textile and footwear sector, which are included in the tariff items of the Common Nomenclature of MERCOSUR (NCM), detailed in the ANNEX I of the decree.
And the Extra-Zone Import Duty (DIE) rates are replaced in the Annex II of the Decree No. 557/23 and its modifications.
These adjustments are also expected to boost intraregional trade, facilitating the circulation of textile and clothing products within MERCOSUR, in line with the proposals analyzed by the MERCOSUR Trade Commission (CCM).
The measure comes into effect force immediately, as noted at the beginning of the news.
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