Overview
- Competing federal chambers declined jurisdiction, creating a negative conflict that was elevated to the Supreme Court to assign the proper forum.
- The Secretaría de Comercio accepted Mercado Libre’s August 2025 complaint and issued a precautionary order halting Temu’s contested digital advertising while an investigation continues.
- Temu sought an urgent injunction to freeze the administrative measure, but no tribunal has ruled on the merits and the precautionary order remains in effect.
- Mercado Libre says the case targets deceptive marketing practices under fair‑trading rules, whereas Temu argues the claims are unfounded and intended to raise barriers to a new rival.
- The clash unfolds as cross‑border online purchases in Argentina jumped about 274% in 2025 to roughly US$894 million, intensifying concerns for local SMEs.