Technology hurdles and beer in Argentina

Protectionism.

I could end this story there. Anytime anyone comes to Argentina, they come with electronics in tow, hopefully undetected by customs. I happened to be traveling with beer making equipment and English language translation books. A friend- in a burst of mashup strategy- is both adding beer and English classes to his hotel. While the US craft beer market may have reached maturity, it is in the early stages here. I had no problem getting my handles, taps, and screws from JFK to Buenos Aires since I prepped TSA before I put my bag through. However on my domestic connection here, I could not carry them on board and had to scramble to box and check them. Victoria at the ticket counter saved the day.

There is no way I could have shipped the goods. They would have been confiscated. Lawyers, connections, time, and money may help others get some stuff through. But for the most part, one would be forced to see what they can buy here to make beer. Nothing. You have to have the equipment made. My crass capitalistic mind has trouble with the fact that one has to start at such a disadvantage in getting things going. That could change. Remember the new president?

Ok so with beer, you have to make your own tools. Crazy. With electronics, the price point is often too high, say 2-3 times as American prices. Taxes (a whole host of them) are mostly to blame. Needless to say the black market is thriving while honest brokers are closing their stores. The demand for electronics and good beer is there in this highly educated country. Imagine what could happen if they could actually get stuff (anything!) and at world market prices.

BizEnglish
Peter Nyheim, Ph.D.