On October 8, 2025, Decree No. 726 was published in the Official Gazette (https://www.boletinoficial.gob.ar/detalleAviso/primera/332563/20251008), whereby the Executive Branch established a 0% export duty rate applicable to certain iron, steel, and aluminum goods, provided that such goods are exported to countries imposing ad valorem import tariffs equal to or higher than 45%.
The measure covers, inter alia: (i) iron or steel sheets and plates, whether or not alloyed, plated, coated, or otherwise finished, of various widths; (ii) steel ingots; (iii) unwrought aluminum; and (iv) aluminum bars, profiles, and wires. Prior to the entry into force of this Decree, most of these products were subject to an export duty rate of 3%.
This provision is of a temporary nature and shall remain in force until December 31, 2025, or until the importing countries reduce their applicable ad valorem import tariffs, whichever occurs first.
The Secretariat of Production Coordination, under the authority of the Ministry of Economy, shall be responsible for notifying ARCA of the list of countries applying ad valorem import tariffs equal to or exceeding 45%, for the purposes of implementing the export duty reduction established herein.
This Decree shall enter into force on October 9, 2025.
The Executive Branch’s decision seeks to mitigate the effects of international protectionist policies that hinder access of aluminum and steel products to global trade flows, enhance the competitiveness of the Argentine industrial sector, and promote exports with greater added value.
This constitutes a strategic measure aligning national trade policy with the principles of openness and the development of domestic value chains.