The increase in tariffs imposed by American President Donald Trump is generating complications in the exports of the Argentine industry. In this context, Acerbrag, one of the main steel companies in the country, has announced the possibility of laying off 500 workers.
Trump's measure includes a 25% increase in tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, which has led Acerbrag, considered the second largest domestic producer of rebar and the third of long steels, to a critical situation. The Bragado plant in the province of Buenos Aires has stopped its activity, and it is estimated that there will be a significant cut in personnel.
The Metalworkers' Union (UOM) has warned about the situation, indicating that Acerbrag's production will remain halted at least until March 10, which will also affect the administrative staff at the Bragado plant. This decision follows a previous personnel reduction carried out in 2024 due to the decline in domestic steel sales.
The mayor of Bragado, Sergio Barenghi, has pointed out the seriousness of the situation for the local community, attributing Acerbrag's crisis to a model of excessive imports and the lack of competitiveness of the national industry, further aggravated by the paralysis of public works.
On the other hand, Aluar, a company focused on aluminum sales to the United States, is also facing an adverse outlook due to the changes in imports set by Trump. With annual exports of US$ 600 million to the United States, representing a significant percentage of its production and total exports, Aluar fears that the new tariff regime will severely affect its business.
Aluar maintains that Argentine aluminum exports do not pose a threat to the national security of the United States, but are an important support for the American industry. In this scenario, the Steel Chamber has pointed out that Argentine exports to the United States are complementary to the local industry, suggesting a negative impact on the trade relationship between both parties.