Argentina New Import Tax Cuts & US Tariffs: How It Affects Loading Dock Prices

Recently, the 10% tariff imposed by the United States on Argentina has escalated trade tensions between the two countries. In response to the U.S. counter-tariff measures, the Argentine government has implemented a series of import tax adjustments. Specifically, Argentina has increased import taxes on U.S. goods, leading to a significant rise in import costs, particularly impacting the prices of logistics equipment such as dock levellers.

As U.S. suppliers raise their prices, Argentina’s logistics industry faces higher procurement costs, which greatly affect company operations. Meanwhile, this tariff shift has also driven the Argentine market to turn towards China, increasing demand for more cost-effective Chinese-made logistics equipment.

Choosing Seppes loading dock equipment for your supply chain offers 360-degree protection. It helps to secure logistics entry points and eliminate potential contamination through environmental controls, thus safeguarding goods inside the facility. The equipment is also equipped with pedestrian safety features, ensuring employee protection before, during, and after the loading and unloading process to prevent injuries.

Types of Loading Docks and How to Choose

Types of Loading Docks

Dock Levellers

Dock Levellers are key equipment in the logistics and warehousing industry, mainly used to compensate for the height difference between lorries and loading areas. It can automatically adjust the height of the platform to ensure the safe and smooth loading and unloading of goods.

High Speed Overhead Door

The high speed overhead door is a fast opening and closing door that provides efficient isolation from the outside environment. Its main advantages include reduced energy consumption, cleaner warehouses and increased operational safety. What’s more, the combination of high speed doors and loading dock levelers is the preferred configuration for optimizing the operations of warehousing companies, taking into account the needs in many areas.

Dock shelters and seals

Dock shelters and seals are two ways of tightly sealing the vehicle to the building after the truck has reversed into the loading dock. Their purpose is to keep inclement weather, such as wind, rain, extreme cold or heat, out of your facility during loading and unloading, thereby saving energy and improving employee comfort.

Dock Bumpers

Rubber fenders are installed at the edge of the dock and their main purpose is to protect cargo, equipment and the dock from collision damage. It absorbs the impact of trucks when they are docked, reducing damage and extending the life of the equipment.

Truck Restraints

Truck Restraints are used to ensure the safety of lorries when docked to the quay. It holds the lorry in position and prevents accidental movement during loading and unloading. It is particularly suitable for environments with high safety requirements to ensure the safety of personnel and equipment.

Equipment Type	Description	Suitability	Efficiency	Durability	Safety	Cost-Effectiveness
Dock Levellers	Used to bridge the gap between loading docks and truck beds, ensuring smooth loading/unloading.	★★★★★	★★★★☆	★★★★★	★★★★☆	★★★★☆
Rapid Rolling Doors	High-speed doors that open and close quickly to improve energy efficiency, safety, and work speed.	★★★★☆	★★★★★	★★★★☆	★★★★★	★★★★☆
Hydraulic Dock Lifts	Hydraulic systems used to lift heavy loads, ideal for low-ceiling or constrained spaces.	★★★★☆	★★★★☆	★★★★★	★★★★★	★★★☆☆
Dock Bumpers	Rubber bumpers that protect docks, equipment, and vehicles from collisions during loading/unloading.	★★★★☆	★★★★☆	★★★★☆	★★★★★	★★★★☆
Truck Restraints	Devices that secure trucks to prevent unintentional movement during the loading/unloading process.	★★★★☆	★★★☆☆	★★★★★	★★★★★	★★★☆☆

Considerations for selecting loading and unloading equipment

Suitability of equipment

When selecting loading docks, the first thing to consider is its suitability. The choice of equipment is determined by the size of the warehouse, the type of cargo, and the operational needs. For example, a large warehouse may require an automated dock lift platform, while a smaller warehouse may be better suited to a flexible hydraulic dock pad. Ensuring that the equipment can meet the operational needs of the business is the primary consideration.

Cost-benefit analysis

With the impact of current global tariffs, companies need to conduct a detailed cost-benefit analysis of their equipment. When selecting equipment, it is important to consider not only the initial investment in the equipment, but also to assess the maintenance and operating costs over the long term.

Durability and Maintenance Costs

Loading dock equipment is often used for long periods of time, so the durability and maintenance costs of the equipment must be taken into account. Selecting high quality, durable equipment reduces the frequency of repairs and replacements, thereby reducing long-term operating costs. In addition, ease of maintenance and repair of equipment is an important factor in long-term return on investment.

Changes in Tariffs and Tther Taxes in Argentina

The latest adjustments in Argentina’s tax policy have had a significant impact on the cost components of imported handling equipment.

Item	Previous Tax Rate	New Tax Rate (effective from April 10, 2025)
Import Tariff	10% – 35%	12% – 40%
Industrial Products Tax	20%	15%
Value-Added Tax (ICMS)	21%	18%
Other Additional Fees (PIS/COFINS)	9.25%	8.75%

How the Argentine Market is Choosing Loading Docks Suppliers in the New Tax Rates

Many customers are under pressure to increase prices, especially for commodities such as logistics equipment and industrial doors. For these customers, choosing a supplier will require greater care in selecting cost-effective products. This ensures an efficient and cost-effective solution in the face of additional cost pressures from tariffs.

Cost Benefit Analysis

When faced with high tariffs, customers are first and foremost concerned with the overall cost of purchasing. While U.S.-branded products may have a quality advantage, the cost of importing them increases significantly due to tariff increases. In contrast, Chinese-made equipment is more competitively priced. Especially when it comes to cost effectiveness, customers can get an equally efficient solution at a lower procurement cost by choosing a Chinese brand such as SEPES.

EQUIPMENT PERFORMANCE

High-performance loading docks can run for long periods of time, reducing maintenance costs. Although the initial investment will be slightly higher, it can bring greater cost savings in long-term operation. Therefore, when choosing a supplier, customers pay more attention to product reliability, technical support and after-sales service.

Customized Solutions

In the face of diverse market demands, customers usually give priority to the provision of customised products and solutions when choosing a supplier. Chinese loading and unloading equipment brands, such as SEPES, are able to provide customised logistics equipment according to the specific needs of customers. This not only helps customers get the right loading and unloading equipment, but also improves overall operational efficiency.

Flexible Supply Chain Management

High tariffs not only increase direct sourcing costs, but may also lengthen product delivery cycles. When selecting a supplier, customers consider whether the supplier is able to provide flexible supply chain management. Ensure quick response and timely delivery in case of supply chain disruption or tariff changes. Chinese manufacturers can cater for these situations and are able to ensure stable supply despite price increases, reducing the risk caused by tariff fluctuations.

FAQ

How does Argentina’s new tariff affect the cost of imported loading docks?

Answer: Argentina’s new import tariffs have led to an increase in the price of imported loading and unloading equipment. Especially for high-end industrial products, the increase in tariffs could lead to a cost increase of up to 30 per cent, making it more expensive for companies to purchase equipment such as dockside lifting platforms, hydraulic lifts, and quick roll-up doors from international suppliers.

What types of loading docks will be affected by Argentina’s import tariffs?

Answer: Yes, equipment such as hydraulic dock lifts, high-end dock lift platforms and automation systems are typically affected by increased import tariffs. These products are typically more expensive, and with the addition of tariffs, the final price could rise significantly, putting more cost pressure on Argentine companies

 How do tariff changes in Argentina affect demand for handling equipment in the country?

Answer: With the increase in tariffs, demand for locally manufactured loading and unloading equipment has risen in the Argentine market, with companies turning to local products to avoid higher import costs. At the same time, some companies have begun to consider sourcing refurbished or second-hand equipment as a cost-saving measure in response to rising tariffs.