Overview

• At its Sept. 30 board meeting, the Unión Industrial Argentina elevated concerns about illegal imports and called for updated rules to curb unfair competition.
• The group reported ongoing talks with the Ministry of Security covering border operations, new equipment and training for federal forces to strengthen enforcement.
• Evidence presented included beer checks showing about 40% of surveyed stock in AMBA without legal origin, an estimated 1.4 million adult vape users despite a sales ban, and apparel sold online through platforms that avoid taxes and controls.
• Industrial chambers criticized the auction of seized goods, warning that it allows contraband to reenter the market without sanitary oversight and at very low prices.
• UIA’s research arm projected roughly a 3% year‑on‑year drop in August industrial activity and flagged scarce credit due to high interest rates, while Martín Rappallini advanced tax‑relief proposals to improve competitiveness.