As Argentina’s capital outflows increase, the nation is struggling to supply its domestic steel markets, a local source told SteelOrbis.
With no significant plate production domestically, Argentina imports most of the plate it uses from Brazil. According to a Buenos Aires-based distributor, most plate imports come from Usiminas, which is owned by Ternium, the same group that operates Argentina’s Siderar.
“There’s a local plate producer in Rosario. But that company isn’t performing well. It produces just a few qualities of steel and has been through financial problems,” the source said.
According to the source, Argentina is currently importing A36 plates from Brazil at an average price of FOB $600/mt or more, depending on the type and thickness of the steel.
With a tight imports control, Argentina imposes a 12 percent tax on imports from other countries, including those from the Mercosul trade bloc, of which Brazil is part.
“We’re seen terrible prices for all types of plates. Those products have prices from 20-30 years ago,” the source said.