Tierra del Fuego businesses face export bans and layoffs

The textile company Sueño Fueguino S.A. has been prohibited from exporting after the Special Customs Area Commission (CAAE) revoked its industrial subregime benefits. A federal injunction that previously protected the company's ability to trade outside Tierra del Fuego has been rendered ineffective. The CAAE decision, driven by a majority vote from national government representatives, mandates the total annulment of export authorizations. Local representatives from Tierra del Fuego, the Metalworkers' Union (UOM), and the Fuegian Industrial Union (UIF) opposed the measure to protect local jobs, but the decision stands.

Separately, the supermarket chain La Anónima has begun laying off employees in Tierra del Fuego, specifically in Río Grande and Tolhuin. The company is facing financial difficulties due to a 5.11% drop in sales and a significant rise in credit card delinquency. According to filings with the National Securities Commission, uncollectible credits reached approximately 19.255 billion pesos, representing a nearly 600% year-on-year increase. Labor unions are on alert, fearing that the workforce reductions could expand to approximately 50 employees by the end of the year.