How did free trade after 1820 benefit Buenos Aires?

Following the transition to free trade after 1820, Buenos Aires emerged as the province best positioned to capitalize on the new economic environment.12

The city benefited by leveraging its geographic and commercial advantages to establish a robust export-oriented economy. Specifically, Buenos Aires exported cattle products—such as hides and beef—to international markets in exchange for imported consumer goods from overseas. This shift allowed the region to thrive by integrating into global trade networks, contrasting with the interior provinces, which faced a much slower adjustment period as they sought to replace their traditional markets in Upper Peru.12