Update on the Privatization of Corredores Viales S.A. - Public Hearings Announced
|
Following the promulgation of Decree No. 97/2025, which announced the privatization of Corredores Viales S.A. (previously reported in the February 17, 2025 edition of our What's New in Argentina), the National Direction of Roadways (DNV) has initiated public hearings for the "Federal Highway Network Concessions - Stage II" Project.
This initiative was formalized through DNV Resolution No. 827/2025, which stipulates that in-person hearings will be conducted from June 11 to June 13, 2025, in the following municipalities of Buenos Aires Province: (i) San Miguel del Monte, (ii) Junín, and (iii) San Nicolás de Los Arroyos.
Parties wishing to participate may register prior to June 9, 2025, via the DNV's official website.
|
|
Mendoza to Launch Tender Process for 15 Exploration and Exploitation O&G Areas in June-25
|
The oil & gas map in Mendoza has been reshaped over the past two (2) years, driven by YPF’s withdrawal from mature fields under the “Andes Plan” and the Provincial Government's concerted effort to solicit new investment for both conventional development and the southern expansion of the Vaca Muerta shale formation. Aligning with this strategic direction, the provincial administration is scheduled to initiate a new bidding procedure in early June. This tender will encompass the allocation of 15 oil and gas blocks, targeting both exploitation and exploration endeavors: specifically, three blocks for exploitation and twelve blocks for exploration.
The exploitation concessions are: Puesto Molina Norte, Puntilla del Huincán, and El Manzano, all located in the Neuquén Basin.
The exploration blocks include Zampal and Puesto Pozo Cercado Occidental (located in the Cuyo Basin), and Atuel Norte Exploración, Atuel Sur Exploración, Boleadero, Calmuco, Chachahuen Norte, CN III Norte, Los Parlamentos, Ranquil Norte, Río Atuel, and Sierra Azul Sur, all located in the Neuquén Basin.
|
|
Argentina Simplifies Domestic Aviation Regulations
|
Through Decree No. 338/2025 (the “Decree”), the National Government has deepened its aeronautical deregulation reforms, aiming to further liberalize the domestic aviation market.
The Decree replaces the previous route concession system with a simpler authorization process, meaning that carriers will no longer be limited to operating only its original pre-approved routes. Once a carrier is authorized as an operator, it will be able to freely request approval for new routes.
The reform also allows foreign airline crews to operate domestic segments when part of international routes, in line with global standards. Additional changes include the elimination of the requirement that two-thirds of a carrier’s Board members be Argentine nationals, and the removal of the mandatory presence of a Chief of Aerodrome, granting local authorities discretion over staffing needs.
These measures follow earlier reforms and reflect the government’s broader strategy to increase connectivity, competition, and investment in the aviation sector.
|
|
Argentina Lifts Export Duties on Industrial Goods
|
Through Decree No. 305/2025, Argentina has eliminated export duties on 88% of its industrial products, significantly improving the country’s investment climate for manufacturing and export-oriented businesses. The change removes taxes of 3% to 4.5% on over 4,400 industrial goods and capital, including plastics, auto parts, metals and machinery, glass products, pharmaceuticals, and others.
The reform immediately benefits exporting companies by increasing margins and global competitiveness. It also reduces the financial burden on firms looking to scale operations or enter foreign markets. This measure is expected to attract both local and foreign investment into value-added production within the country.
|
|
Reduction of SENASA’s Role in Vegetable Exports
|
Through Decree No. 318/2025, the National Government has repealed a 1935 regulation governing the classification, packaging, and inspection of fresh vegetables for export. The reform limits the National Food Safety and Quality Service’s (“SENASA”) responsibilities exclusively to sanitary and phytosanitary controls, removing its oversight of product quality and production processes.
The measure aims to simplify export procedures, eliminate outdated requirements, and align Argentina’s practices with international standards.
|
|
Argentina to Eliminate Cell Phone Import Tariffs and Slash Electronics Taxes
|
The National Government, through Decree No. 333/2025 published May 19th 2025, announced it will eliminate the 16% import tariff on cell phones in two stages: an immediate cut to 8%, and a full elimination to 0% by January 15, 2026. The reform also reduces internal taxes on imported electronics such as cell phones, TVs, and air conditioners from 19% to 9.5%. Additionally, import tariffs on gaming consoles like PlayStation and Xbox will be lowered from 35% to 20%.
|
|
Among the more than 15 projects submitted for approval under the Incentive Regime for Large Investments (RIGI), up to date three (3) of them have received the formal approval: (i) “YPF Luz - Parque Solar El Quemado”: with a planned investment of USD 211 million, for the construction of a 305 MW photovoltaic park in Mendoza; (ii) “VMOS S.A. - Vaca Muerta Oleoducto Sur”: a USD 2.486 million project that includes the construction of a 437-kilometer oil pipeline between Allen (Río Negro) and Punta Colorada, as well as storage tanks and a marine terminal for crude oil export; and (iii) “Rio Tinto – Proyecto Rincón”: a USD 2.724 billion project to construct and develop a demonstration plant and two lithium carbonate plants in Salta.
The projects pending approval are in the mining, energy, oil and gas, and steel industries.
For further information, please refer to news@pagbam.com, call (54-11) 4114-3000 or get in touch with us via WhatsApp.
|
|
|
|
|
