Argentina Food Packaging Market Overview
Argentina's food packaging market is valued at approximately USD 4.5-5.5 billion, supported by a strong dairy tradition with annual milk production exceeding 11 million metric tons. The yogurt segment is dominated by La Serenísima (Mastellone Hnos., approximately 45% market share), Danone Argentina (Yogurísimo, Ser, Activia brands), and SanCor. These companies operate large-scale processing facilities primarily in Buenos Aires province, Córdoba, and Santa Fe. Argentina's plastics processing sector includes over 3,000 enterprises employing 40,000+ workers. The country has historically relied on European machinery (particularly Italian and German brands), but economic pressures since 2018 have driven increased interest in Chinese equipment offering 40-60% cost savings. Argentina's peso volatility affects import planning, making equipment purchases with fixed USD pricing particularly attractive. PP resin is domestically produced by Petroquímica Cuyo and YPF Química at approximately $1,100-1,400/MT, supplemented by imports from Brazil (Braskem) and Middle East sources.
Key Specs
- •The yogurt segment is dominated by La Serenísima (Mastellone Hnos., approximately 45% market share), Danone Argentina (Yogurísimo, Ser, Activia brands), and SanCor.
- •The country has historically relied on European machinery (particularly Italian and German brands), but economic pressures since 2018 have driven increased interest in Chinese equipment offering 40-60% cost savings.
Finished yogurt cups — high-speed thin-wall production
Key Opportunities: Yogurt Cup Production Sector
Argentine yogurt cups follow European-influenced formats with 120 ml, 150 ml, and 200 ml being the standard volumes. Part weights range from 4.5-7.0 g with wall thicknesses of 0.40-0.50 mm in food-grade PP. The premium segment led by La Serenísima and Danone uses IML for brand differentiation, while economy brands still use sleeved or printed cups. Multi-pack formats (4x, 6x, 8x) dominate supermarket sales through chains like Carrefour, Coto, and Disco/Jumbo. For 8-cavity IML production of 150 ml cups on the HWAMDA HMD 400M8-SPV, output reaches 6,400-8,228 cups per hour at 3.5-4.5 second cycles. Argentine cup geometry typically features 70-85 mm top diameter and 55-70 mm height. The domestic production opportunity is enhanced by Argentina's high import tariffs on finished packaging (up to 35%), making local manufacturing significantly more economical than importing printed cups.
Import Regulations and Certification Requirements
Injection molding machines enter Argentina under NCM (Nomenclatura Común del Mercosur) 8477.10.11 with import duty of 14% (reduced from 35% for capital goods under the BK temporary import benefit regime). IVA (VAT) is 21%, though capital goods may qualify for accelerated IVA recovery. Argentina's BK regime allows temporary duty reduction to 0-2% for machinery without local production equivalents, pending INTI (Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Industrial) certification. Food contact packaging must comply with Disposición ANMAT 1312/2019 and Mercosur GMC Resolution 56/92, which align with EU and FDA frameworks for PP food contact. Migration limits are 10 mg/dm2 overall and specific migration per ANMAT positive list. Import licensing requires SIRA (Sistema de Importaciones de la República Argentina) approval, which may take 30-90 days. HWAMDA recommends initiating SIRA application concurrent with production lead time to avoid delivery delays.
Key Specs
- •Injection molding machines enter Argentina under NCM (Nomenclatura Común del Mercosur) 8477.10.11 with import duty of 14% (reduced from 35% for capital goods under the BK temporary import benefit regime).
- •IVA (VAT) is 21%, though capital goods may qualify for accelerated IVA recovery.
- •Argentina's BK regime allows temporary duty reduction to 0-2% for machinery without local production equivalents, pending INTI (Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Industrial) certification.
Multi-cavity yogurt cup mold with precision cooling channels
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HWAMDA Equipment Configuration for Argentina
For Argentina's yogurt cup market, HWAMDA recommends the HMD 400M8-SPV (4,000 kN) for 8-cavity IML production, providing 374-442 mm/s injection speed, 918-1,078 cm3 injection volume, and 1,080 x 1,060 mm platen dimensions. Argentina uses 380V/50Hz electrical standard (same as European specification), simplifying machine configuration. The INOVA controller supports Spanish-language interface. Molds use 2344 (H13) steel with 8-drop valve gate hot runners from YUDO, designed for 120-200 ml Argentine-format cups at 70-85 mm diameter. The servo-hydraulic drive system achieves 1.0-1.2 kWh/kg energy consumption, significant given Argentine industrial electricity costs of approximately $0.06-0.12/kWh. For startup operations, the HMD 270M8-SPV (2,700 kN, $55,000-70,000) with 4-cavity molds offers lower capital entry. IML automation uses the SWITEK SW8 system, and auxiliary equipment includes a chiller rated for Buenos Aires summer temperatures (up to 38 degrees Celsius).
Logistics and After-Sales Support for Argentina
HWAMDA ships from Ningbo to Buenos Aires port via the Pacific-Atlantic route with transshipment at Santos (Brazil) or direct service, with transit times of 35-45 days. Ocean freight costs $4,500-7,000 per 40ft container. Zárate port (60 km north of Buenos Aires) is an alternative for oversize cargo. Inland transport from Buenos Aires to Córdoba and Santa Fe takes 1-2 days. Argentine customs clearance typically takes 7-15 business days, though the SIRA pre-approval system means the import license must be secured in advance. HWAMDA engineers provide 5-7 day on-site installation and commissioning with Spanish-language training. After-sales support includes 24-month warranty, remote diagnostics via WhatsApp in Spanish, and spare parts from Ningbo (30-40 days by sea) or air freight from HWAMDA's São Paulo-based Latin American logistics partner (3-5 days). For urgent technical issues, HWAMDA can dispatch engineers from its Brazil service network within 48-72 hours.
Key Specs
- •For urgent technical issues, HWAMDA can dispatch engineers from its Brazil service network within 48-72 hours.
Hot runner system for balanced melt flow distribution
Getting Started: Investment and ROI for Argentina
A complete 8-cavity yogurt cup IML line for Argentina includes: HMD 400M8-SPV ($85,000-110,000), 8-cavity IML mold ($18,000-28,000), SWITEK IML robot ($18,000-25,000), chiller and auxiliaries ($5,000-8,000), and shipping plus SIRA/customs ($8,000-14,000). Total investment: $134,000-185,000. Under Argentina's BK regime, the effective import duty may be reduced to 0-2% on the machine, saving $12,000-15,000 versus the standard 14% rate. Operating at 8 cavities, 4.0-second cycles, and 85% OEE, annual output reaches approximately 40 million cups. Using domestic PP at $1,100-1,400/MT and 5.5 g per cup, material cost is $0.0061-0.0077 per cup. Total production cost is approximately $0.010-0.015 per cup. With Argentine wholesale cup prices of ARS 40-70 ($0.028-0.049 at parallel rates), gross margins range from 55-70%. Payback period is estimated at 14-22 months, with the BK duty benefit improving the return.
Frequently Asked Questions
Argentina's BK (Bienes de Capital) regime allows temporary import duty reduction from 14% to 0-2% for industrial machinery not manufactured domestically. High-speed thin-wall injection molding machines typically qualify. The process requires INTI certification that no local equivalent exists, taking 30-60 days. This saves approximately $12,000-15,000 on an HMD 400M8-SPV purchase. HWAMDA provides the technical specifications and documentation needed for the BK application.
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