New import regulations transform Argentinian PC market

New import rules are having a considerable influence on the Argentinean PC market. New regulations relating to "non-automatic import licenses” have resulted in a decrease in the number of notebooks imported into the country. Since March 2011, selected products cannot be imported into Argentina without prior approval of the national Government.

The new regulations are intended to improve local assembly and manufacturing, mostly through joint projects between local brands and manufacturers.

In March 2011, 122,000 notebooks were imported into Argentina. By April, this figure had dropped to 90,000 and by May it had plummeted to just 6,000.

Despite the new restrictions, the total PC market in Argentina has demonstrated a solid performance. In May 2011, it grew 25% year on year in terms of units to reach 117,000. The demand for notebooks is clear as they are beginning to take up a bigger share of the overall PC market. In May 2010, they accounted for 47% of all units sold and by May 2011, this had increased to 61%.

The new situation in Argentina is set to promote desktop computers and will increase the already growing category of all-in-one devices (AIO). The sale of AIO’s has been the focus for some brands that have suffered from import restrictions related to portable categories.

In the coming months, it is expected that local brands will take advantage of supply constraints concerning notebooks and increase their market share. Additionally, joint projects between brands and manufacturers are set to increase in the second half of 2011.