The Argentine steel chamber questioned the US reaction, at the head of Donald Trump, of imposing 25% of tariffs on the import of steel and derived to all countries of the world, including Argentina. They ensure that local companies “are reliable suppliers” and ask the government of Javier Milei that enable a dialogue channel To ride the measure.
Last Monday, the US president signed an executive order established by tariff barriers to the purchase of steel and derivative items. The measure, focused on reducing the US trade deficit, will affect all companies, without distinction of origin. Before consultation on a possible exception to Argentina, the Republican denied it: “With Argentina we have a small deficit, as with almost all countries.”
The new import rights generated the local reaction of the camera that brings together the Argentine steel producing companies, the CAA. “We understand the need to establish defense measure against unfair competition against China’s advance As the main steel producer in the world, but the response must be coordinated, “they said in a statement to which he accessed scope.
According to CAA figures, Argentina “represents only 0.20% of world production and It is a reliable supplier “. “There is a productive integration between the steel sector of both countries: the North American industry asked Argentina to steel products that are supplies for its production process. This import was duly authorized by competent American organizations,” they said.
They also recalled that in 2018, when Trump established duty of the 25% For the sector, the country negotiated a share of imports of 180,000 tons of steel products per year. Since then “The Argentine industry strictly complied with the agreed volumes”they pointed out from Ca.
“China has become the largest steel producer in the world with a 54% participation in steel and more than 51% in finished products and has become the main exporter with more than 94 million tons during 2023 (the year past exceeded that value). “They asked.
On the other hand, they refuted Trump’s argument regarding the deficit with our country, “in general terms, the Argentina has a chronic commercial deficit with the United States only reversed in 2024 “, They explained, as a result of “the deep recession that the country crossed the country limited imports.” “In turn, Argentina had a specific increase in exports by sending energy products requested by the United States,” they said.
Given this situation, the Argentine Chamber of Steel requested the Government of Javier Milei to find “a dialog Private sector, workers and the value chain of steel as a whole. “
Of not mediating changes, as of March 12 all imports of steel articles and steel derived from all countries of the world will be subject to additional AD VALEM tariff of 25%.
Source: Ambito
