1. Policy Retrospect: Six-Year Anti-Dumping Measures Come to an End

The policy adjustment is based on Announcement No. 134 of 2026 issued by the Ministry of Economy of Argentina on February 12. The announcement made a negative final ruling in the sunset review combined with circumstance change review on aluminum sheets from China, deciding not to extend the previous anti-dumping sanctions.

The products involved refer to 3xxx series non-alloy or alloy aluminum sheets conforming to Argentina’s IRAM 681 standard, with diameters ranging from 60mm to 1000mm and thicknesses from 0.3mm to 5mm, corresponding to Mercosur tariff codes 7606.91.00 and 7606.92.00.

Back in February 2019, Argentina launched an anti-dumping investigation into Chinese aluminum sheets. In February 2020, a positive final ruling was issued, imposing an anti-dumping duty as high as 80.14% on the free-on-board value of the products, valid for five years.

2. Market Impact: Chinese Aluminum Sheet Exports Regain Price Competitiveness

For Chinese steel enterprises, the removal of anti-dumping duties means a substantial reduction in export costs and a significant rebound in the price competitiveness of their products in the Argentine market.

Statistics show that in 2024, China’s export value of aluminum sheets to Argentina reached 76.79 million US dollars, making China one of the major suppliers to the local market. The previous high anti-dumping duty of 80.14% had sharply raised export costs for Chinese enterprises, forcing some to withdraw from the Argentine market. The latest policy relaxation will help enterprises re-enter this key South American market.

Relevant officials from the China Iron and Steel Industry Association stated that Argentina’s policy adjustment reflects respect for the principle of fair trade and the real demand in the South American market for cost-effective Chinese steel products. With the termination of anti-dumping measures, domestic aluminum sheet manufacturers can adjust their export structure and increase resource allocation to the South American market, especially in automotive manufacturing, architectural decoration, electronic equipment and other application sectors.

3. Knock-on Effect: South American Steel Purchasing Demand Picks Up

Notably, alongside Argentina’s policy easing, overall steel purchasing demand in South America has shown positive changes. According to Volza trade data, since February 2026, import inquiries for hot-rolled coils and medium-heavy plates from Chile, Brazil and other countries have increased month-on-month. Major buyers such as Brazil’s Injertec Ltda and Chile’s Cha Si Quiza Fuertes have launched new rounds of tendering.

Analysts believe that the recovery of infrastructure projects and the rebound of the manufacturing sector in South America are the core drivers of rising demand. Steady steel demand driven by Brazil’s "reindustrialization" strategy and Argentina’s energy facility upgrading, coupled with the restored cost advantage of Chinese products, will boost the vitality of steel trade in South America.