Argentina's Economy Minister Luis Caputo ignited controversy by stating he never bought clothes locally because it was 'a robbery'. Textile industry figures like businesswoman Marixa Balli and designer Benito Fernández slammed the comments as offensive and urged government support for a struggling sector.
Luis Caputo, Argentina's Economy Minister, stated in a Radio Mitre interview that 'I never bought clothes in Argentina in my life because it was a robbery. So, those of us who had the possibility to travel bought abroad.' These remarks, made this week, drew sharp backlash from the textile industry, which is grappling with a severe crisis.
Panelist and Xurama brand owner Marixa Balli criticized Caputo on A la Barbarossa (Telefe). 'You're a minister and you work in Argentine politics, you can't say you've never bought clothes in Argentina, because on top of that you have the possibility to travel. The people who live in Argentina and can't travel and can barely pay for the bus ticket... this is offensive,' she said. Balli, who closed her main store in Buenos Aires' Flores neighborhood due to low sales, called 2025 'the worst year' for her business. She called for reducing the tax burden: 'Lower the taxes and everything will be much more normal. Collaborate not only with big companies, but with SMEs.'
Designer Benito Fernández, who recently shuttered his prêt-à-porter line, questioned the comments on Radio con Vos. 'It's not good that they treat us like thieves,' he said, referring to Caputo's implied accusation. He highlighted the industry's woes: '7 out of 10 machines are stopped in Argentina today.' Fernández justified local prices due to high taxes and labor costs, which are '10 times more expensive than in China, but because it's fair pay.' He urged protecting the sector like the US and Brazil do, with tariffs on subsidized Chinese imports.
Both emphasized the need for dialogue and state support to revive a vital industry hit by foreign competition and fiscal pressures.
