The Argentine steel industry faces a serious threat from the growth of Chinese steel imports, which now account for 22% of the market. Argentina's domestic steelmakers such as Ternium and Acindar warn that these products arrive with state subsidies, creating unfair competition that is impossible for the local industry to match.

Although the country's crude steel production is growing due to strong demand in Vaca Muerta, rolled steel products have registered an 11.4% drop this year. This decline, coupled with high taxes, weakens the capacity of domestic plants and discourages investment in value-added processing within the country.

The steel industry warns that this situation jeopardizes thousands of jobs in key industrial hubs. There is a growing urge for policies that protect the national steel industry, which is fundamental to the regional economy, given the still-weak domestic consumption and significant job insecurity.