Tierra del Fuego textile industry faces job losses and rising competition

The textile industry in Tierra del Fuego, Argentina, is facing a severe crisis, with approximately 850 jobs already lost. Alberto Garófalo, president of the Cámara Fueguina de la Industria Nacional (CAFIN), attributed the decline to falling domestic consumption, increased imports, and the rapid expansion of Chinese e-commerce platforms, which reportedly hold nearly 40% of the garment market.

Garófalo also highlighted issues with the under-invoicing of imported goods, creating unfair competition for local manufacturers. Some factories in the region are reportedly operating with up to 80% idle capacity. The local situation mirrors a broader national trend; according to the Federación de Industrias Textiles Argentinas (FITA), national textile production fell by 22.6% during the first seven months of 2026 compared to the previous year. Since December 2023, the Argentine textile sector has lost more than 28,000 formal jobs.