August 1st, 2025
1. The government announced the definitive reduction of withholding taxes
On Thursday, Decree 526/2025, published in the Official Gazette, formalized a permanent reduction of export duties (DEX) for a series of key agro-industrial products. The reduction in export duties, announced by President Javier Milei during the official opening of the Palermo Rural Exhibition last Saturday, applies to beef, poultry, and various crops in the grain chain, including corn and sorghum (from 12% to 9.5%), sunflower complex (5.5% for grain and 4% for derivatives), soybeans (26% for grain and 24.5% for by-products), and wheat and barley (remaining at 9.5%).
2. The Central Bank raised short-term rates again in an attempt to calm the dollar
In another week marked by pressure on the foreign exchange market, the Central Bank sharply raised short-term rates in an attempt to dampen demand for dollars and sustain the stability of the local financial system, on a day when a million-dollar Treasury debt auction will seek to help limit liquidity in the market and try to overcome the volatility following the turbulent end of the LEFI. On the other hand, the Treasury failed to renew all the debt that matured in its debt auction and, despite the high interest rates offered, some $2.8 trillion remained in the market. This scenario, coupled with lower foreign exchange settlements from the agro-export sector, caused the dollar to resume its upward trend and exceed $1,300.
La Nación: Dólar: pese a las medidas del Gobierno, las cotizaciones suben y se ubican por encima de $1300
3. Foreigners who make large investments will be eligible for citizenship
The national government has defined the procedure to be followed by foreigners seeking to obtain Argentine citizenship who have made an investment considered “significant.” The process will be handled by the Agency for Citizenship Programs through Investment, under the Ministry of Economy, which will evaluate the application, request reports from official agencies, and issue a recommendation to the National Directorate of Migration, which is responsible for making the final decision.
El Cronista: Los extranjeros que realicen grandes inversiones podrán obtener la ciudadanía: así será el proceso
4. The government reduced tariffs on imports of industrial machinery and tools
The national government reduced tariffs on 29 capital goods, ranging from 20% to 35%, to 12.6%. These goods include machinery and tools used to produce goods and services. Through Decree 513/2025, tariffs were reduced on machinery for the metallurgical industry (laser cutting, bending, and pressing machines), gas scrubbers and pipe cleaning equipment used in the oil industry, elevators, industrial fans, industrial ice cream manufacturing machinery, bakery ovens, hair cutting and shearing machines, centrifugal pumps, among others. In addition, the tariff on lithium-ion electric accumulators, interconnected to form up to 6 modules with a maximum voltage of 1,500 V per module, was reduced, allowing energy to be stored during periods of high demand.
Secretaría de Comercio de la Nación: El Gobierno Nacional baja impuestos a la importación de maquinarias y herramientas industriales
5. Governors join forces to compete in elections
The governors of Córdoba, Santa Fe, Jujuy, Chubut, and Santa Cruz announced on Wednesday the formation of an electoral alliance to compete in the October legislative elections, under the slogan “A federal cry.” The decision, taken after a summit at the Chubut house in Buenos Aires, comes amid growing discontent over cuts in funding from Javier Milei’s administration, marking a political rift that promises to shake up the national scene. The meeting, led by host governor Ignacio Torres, lasted several hours and culminated in a statement reflecting the unity of the provincial leaders. Also present at the meeting was the former governor of Córdoba, Juan Schiaretti.
Cadena 3: Cinco gobernadores lanzaron un frente electoral para desafiar a Milei en octubre