Governments Never Learn

So many hijinks in Buenos Aires, you almost wonder how long before they’ll invade the Falklands again. Here’s the latest:

Argentina has temporarily blocked sales of certain electronics including Apple’s iPhone and RIM’s BlackBerry in order to stabilize the country’s ailing economy, while suggesting that companies must build plants in the country to resume sales.

The decision by the Argentinian government claims that the selective consumer electronics ban is meant to slow rising inflation and correct the disparity between the pesos and U.S. dollar, according to website Manuals.ws.

In order to continue smartphone sales in Argentina, Apple must build a plant or partner with a local company to manufacture the iPhone. RIM is reportedly looking to partner with an existing plant so that it can continue sales in the region.

You know what helps build trade? Random and capricious trade laws, that’s what.