Chinese Auto Brands Grab 10% of Argentina Sales as Buenos Aires Hosts First China Auto Show

BUENOS AIRES, Oct 2, 2026 — Buenos Aires hosted Argentina's first Chinese auto show on Oct 2, as Chinese brands captured 10% of the country's car and light commercial vehicle sales in August, up from roughly 2% in late 2025. More than 20 Chinese brands, including Geely, Chery, GWM and Dongfeng, are participating. BYD, which launched in Argentina in late 2025, ranks as the ninth best-selling brand overall and leads EV sales in Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador and Uruguay. The surge follows a Milei administration measure permitting up to 50,000 tariff-free electric and hybrid vehicles in 2026. President Javier Milei has dismissed concerns that Chinese automaker growth could strain ties with the United States. Argentina's overall car sales have fallen 13% year-on-year in 2026, a decline analysts attribute to market adjustment and high interest rates. Toyota plans a $1.34 billion EV plant investment.