Argentine forestry industry seeks cabotage law reform

The Argentine forestry industry is advocating for a comprehensive reform of the maritime and fluvial cabotage laws to improve regional competitiveness. During a seminar marking the 80th anniversary of the Asociación Forestal Argentina (AFoA) in Posadas, Misiones, industry leaders highlighted the logistical challenges facing the Northeast (NEA) region.

Representatives noted that despite Argentina's extensive river networks, producers in provinces like Misiones and Corrientes often rely on expensive truck transport to move bulky goods such as wood, cellulose, and industrial boards. AFoA President Pablo Ruival emphasized the need for low-cost logistics to connect regional production with global markets.

The industry is proposing the repeal of a 1944 decree to modernize fluvial regulations. Proponents argue that current restrictions stifle economic viability and job creation by paralyzing ports and sawmills. Modernizing the regime is seen as a way to reduce annual freight costs by an estimated USD 355 million and better utilize the country's strategic waterway infrastructure.