Argentina seeks to strengthen the competitiveness of its national industry by promoting greater added value and the growth of the country's industrial value chains.

In a serious step Argentina established the temporary reduction to 0% of export duties for 14 strategic aluminum and steel products included in the Common Nomenclature of MERCOSUR (NCM), when exported to countries that apply import tariffs equal to or greater than 45%. This is provided for in the Decree 726/2025, published this Wednesday (8.10.2025) in the Official Gazette.

Significant production capacity in the aluminum and steel sectors
The decree highlights: "Argentina has significant production capacity in the aluminum and steel sectors, which generate exports, employment, and added value. In recent years, some countries have applied high tariffs that restrict international trade, affecting the competitiveness of our exports. Therefore, measures are being adopted to mitigate these effects and promote exports."

The reduction in export duties will be temporary and will be in effect from October 9, day after its publication, until the December 31th 2025, or until a tariff reduction is formalized in the recipient countries, whichever occurs first.

The corresponding tariffs

For its implementation, The Ministry of Economy's Production Coordination Secretariat will issue the necessary complementary regulations and keep the Customs Collection and Control Agency (ARCA) informed about the countries that apply the corresponding tariffs. to strengthen the competitiveness of its national industry by promoting greater added value and the growth of the country's industrial value chains.

 US : Reinstate steel and aluminum tariffs on Argentina 

It is noteworthy that President Donald Trump announced on Twitter that the United States would reinstate steel and aluminum tariffs on Argentina and Brazil whereas Argentina exported $700 million in steel and aluminum to the United States in 2018. Although the tariffs will directly impact the country’s metallurgical industry, these exports only make up 1 percent of Argentina’s total, meaning the country’s trade balance will be mostly unaffected.

Related : Trump cuts tariffs on beef, coffee and other foods as inflation concerns mount

Source : ADUANA NEWS + Other sources 

Argentina , export duties , Reduce ,  aluminum ,steel , industrial value chains. , (ARCA) ,  Ministry of Economy , Donald Trump tariffs