Argentina is moving to regulate international e-commerce platforms such as Shein and Temu, proposing new legislation to address the significant increase in foreign-origin clothing imports. The Argentine Chamber of Apparel (CIAI) is leading this initiative, aiming to create a more equitable environment for domestic textile producers who are facing intense competition.
The proposed law targets the popular door-to-door purchasing systems used by these global platforms, which industry representatives argue operate with considerable advantages over local manufacturers. This legislative push is influenced by similar measures implemented in France, which include ecological taxes and advertising restrictions for ultra-fast fashion brands. Argentina's draft legislation is expected to mandate origin certificates, environmental audits, toxicity controls, and a review of platform tariffs and taxes.
The rapid expansion of Shein and Temu in Latin America, with a user base exceeding 105 million according to Sensor Tower, has placed substantial pressure on Argentina's traditional textile sector. Data from January to May 2025 indicates a significant surge in clothing imports, reaching nearly $253 million, an increase of 7% in value and a dramatic 186% rise in volume compared to the previous year. This surge, occurring during an economic recession and rising dollar costs, has heightened concerns about the transparency of these platforms' supply chains.
In the first four months of 2025, apparel imports rose by 83% to $223.8 million, with China remaining the primary supplier. Other nations are also confronting the challenges posed by fast fashion. Chile, for instance, has expanded its producer responsibility law to encompass textiles, focusing on waste reduction and promoting a circular economy. France has been a frontrunner in regulation, with its Senate approving a bill that includes eco-taxes, advertising bans, and mandatory sustainability disclosures, with penalties starting at €5 per item and increasing to €10 by 2030.
The CIAI is actively working to build consensus for the proposed bill by engaging with political parties and various productive sectors. This legislative effort aligns with protective measures already adopted by countries like Mexico, Ecuador, Chile, Uruguay, and Colombia, which are implementing increased tariffs and taxes to manage the influx of fast fashion products and support their local industries.