Argentina has decided to expand the number of foreign goods subject to minimum import prices, basically so that cheap Brazilian and Chinese goods don't swamp the local market and drive expensive Argentine manufacturers out of business (of course, they won't admit it's aimed at China and Brazil, but it is). The upside? Some manufacturing workers may save their jobs. The downside: everyone will pay more. Freetraders and protectionists, discuss.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
3 comments:
It's totally idiotic. But since when has logic ever entered into politics. This is appeasement of the masses in a "for the worker" country. It's all about votes.
Argentina has plenty of natural resources to be a world leader it just lacks infrastructure and the will to execute. Unfortunately, those two things only come when trust, planning and contract enforcement are commonplace and expected. Trust especially is hard to come by in Argentina.
Hey! Although I'm as porteña as an adoquin of Corrientes street, I really like your blog.
With your concise data you show a view of Buenos Aires wich, most of the times, I'm proud of.
Thanks and keep going! :-D
I just found your blog so sorry this is a comment on an old post.
The tragicomic aspect of this ban on imported goods is that when I was a kid living in Argentina, most goods were made in the country. Then over the years, in particular the '80s and '90s, most manufacturers had to close shop and others (big ones) moved their plants to Brazil or elsewhere. Which means that you can't even buy an aspirin in Argentina that hasn't been imported from Brazil, for example. Therefore, even if all imports of goods were banned, Argentina would not have the ability to manufacture anything since it doesn't have the infrastructure to do it anymore, everything has been sold. So this ban on imported goods sounds like a terrific idea and will no doubt impress some people but in reality it won't get anywhere. When was the last time you bought a "made in Argentina" computer/watch/tv/air conditioner/shirt/condom/you name it?
Exactly.
Squirrel.
Post a Comment