Unión Industrial Argentina warns of rising smuggling impact

The Unión Industrial Argentina (UIA) has expressed significant concern regarding the rise of smuggling, reporting that approximately 60% of surveyed companies face a high or very high impact from illegal trade. This phenomenon is affecting various sectors, including textiles, leather, footwear, paper, and common metals.

Labor unions, specifically the Sindicato Único del Personal Aduanero de la República Argentina (SUPARA), have criticized the national government’s deregulation and adjustment policies. They argue that cuts to the functions and salaries of customs agencies have weakened the oversight necessary to control the flow of goods, thereby facilitating smuggling.

In addition to the UIA, the Cámara Argentina de Comercio y Servicios (CAC) has joined the call for reinforced border controls to prevent fiscal losses and protect domestic industry. Business representatives are demanding stricter inspections of electronic operations on social media and the implementation of advanced scanning technology to combat unfair competition from untaxed imports.