A new Chinese government regulation, which came into effect on October 1st, could create chaos in Argentine imports and cause serious economic losses for companies that do not take the necessary precautions.
This is regulation STA 17/2025, which will definitively prohibit the “Purchase-Export” practice, a widely used mechanism that allowed suppliers without their own license to export through third parties.
The regulatory change establishes that only Chinese companies that have a valid and own export license will be able to ship products abroad. This measure will directly impact bilateral trade, considering that approximately 50% of Chinese companies that currently sell to Argentina are not direct exporters.
In fact, historically, half of the shipments from China were made with borrowed licenses, a practice that is now completely prohibited.
In Full Growth
The issue becomes more relevant in the context of the dynamic growth of bilateral trade. In July 2025, China’s exports to Argentina reached US$ 1420 million, recording a 66.9% year-on-year increase. The main affected products include automobiles, telephones, and motorcycles, sectors where many manufacturers operated without their own licenses to offer more competitive costs.
The main risk for Argentine importers is financial. Those companies that pay advances to Chinese suppliers without first verifying that they have a valid export license could face the total loss of their investment, as the merchandise will never be able to be shipped from the origin.
Furthermore, the new regulation will imply an increase in fiscal and customs control in all operations, resulting in potential adjustments to costs and logistical times.
Significant Structural Change
We are facing a structural change that cannot be ignored. Many Argentine importers have built commercial relationships with suppliers who, unknowingly, will not be able to fulfill their export commitments. The process to obtain an export license in China is complex and can take months, so many supplying companies will not be able to regularize their situation in time.
We recommend that importers act immediately to review their supplier portfolio and ensure that their commercial partners in China comply with the new legislation. Prevention today is the only guarantee to avoid losses tomorrow. It is essential that Argentine companies understand that this is not a minor change, but a profound transformation in the rules of the game for trade with China.
Alternative Mechanism
For those importers who discover that their usual suppliers do not have export licenses, there is a viable alternative: working through local trading offices in China. These companies, duly registered as exporters, can act as intermediaries, buying the products from the original manufacturer and then legally exporting them to Argentina.
This option allows maintaining the commercial relationship with the trusted manufacturer or company, but adding a layer of regulatory compliance. While it may imply an additional cost, it is a practical solution that avoids the total loss of the operation and maintains business continuity. Local trading offices can facilitate the export process, ensuring that all documentation is in order and that the products can be shipped without issues.
The author is commercial director of Jidoka
