The Argentine government, through the Ministry of Economy, has lifted an anti-dumping measure that imposed a 28% ad valorem tariff on aluminum sheet imports from China. The official resolution, signed by Minister Luis Caputo, was published in the Official Gazette and marked the end of a review period, thereby removing the protection initially established in 2020. This move came as a surprise given the economic pressures faced by domestic aluminum producers, particularly Aluar Aluminio Argentino S.A.I.C., which vocalized its concerns regarding the lifted protection.

Aluar, owned by Javier Madanes Quintanilla, recently pressed the government for continued support amid economic challenges exacerbated by the closure of its Fate plant, which was also owned by Quintanilla. The decision to remove the anti-dumping measure falls during a critical time when the Fate plant's closure raises questions about job security and the future of aluminum production in Argentina. The company had been one of the main proponents of the measure, arguing that it was necessary to protect local jobs and maintain competitive pricing against foreign imports.

This decision not only reflects the Argentine government's stance towards international trade practices but also highlights the tensions between government policy and local industry concerns. By lifting the anti-dumping tariffs, the government may be aiming to reduce costs for consumers and businesses reliant on imported aluminum, but it risks alienating domestic producers like Aluar, who depend on some level of protection from foreign competition for their survival and growth. As market dynamics evolve, it will be critical to monitor how this decision impacts both the domestic market and the broader industrial landscape.