Argentina’s auto market is becoming more open under President Javier Milei, drawing a rapid expansion by Chinese automakers. Chinese brands accounted for 10% of car and light commercial vehicle sales in August, compared with about 2% late last year, while BYD, which launched in Argentina in late 2025, has become the country’s ninth best-selling car brand. Buenos Aires will host its first Chinese auto show on Friday, featuring more than 20 brands including Geely, Chery, GWM and Dongfeng. A policy allowing up to 50,000 electric and hybrid vehicles to enter without tariffs in 2026 is supporting the shift. The market is also adjusting after a 13% year-to-date decline in sales from the same period in 2025, with high interest rates limiting auto financing. Toyota Motor plans to invest $1.34 billion in an Argentine EV plant, while Tesla has taken steps that could precede an entry into the country. Industry executives say Argentina should strengthen its pickup-truck production and reduce local taxes to remain competitive.