Argentina has seen a dramatic transformation in its apparel import dynamics this year, with coats emerging as the single largest category in garment imports. According to trade data from January to May 2025, coat imports surged to represent 26.14% of the country’s total apparel imports, amounting to $69.44 million. This marks a staggering increase from just 6.73% in 2022.

The sharp rise is part of a broader revival in Argentina’s fashion import market, which is bouncing back after years of economic restrictions and policy shifts. Total apparel imports rose by 86.61% year-on-year, signaling renewed demand and growing access to international products.

Experts attribute this rise in coat imports to seasonal demand, changing fashion preferences, and policy reforms that have reduced import duties on textiles and apparel. Retailers are now capitalizing on lowered costs to offer a wider range of outerwear, especially high-quality imports from Asia and Europe.

The surge also reflects growing consumer appetite for international fashion brands, especially among urban middle-class buyers who seek premium winter wear. With inflation cooling and purchasing power slowly recovering, the outerwear segment has become a high-growth opportunity in Argentina’s fashion market.

Alongside coats, the broader textile import sector also showed momentum. Apparel imports in the first four months of 2025 totaled $223.8 million, while fabric imports hit $175.4 million, showing strong reliance on global suppliers—especially China.

Analysts predict Argentina’s apparel market will continue expanding in the coming quarters, driven by liberalized trade, seasonal restocking, and demand from fashion-forward consumers.