Uruguay imposes duty on Argentinian goods

Uruguay has imposed special import duties on certain products from Argentina. The list includes footwear and apparel produced in the provinces of La Rioja, San Luis, Catamarca and San Juan. These are all provinces where industrial promotional regimes are in force. The duty imposed will be up to a maximum of 18%. It is estimated that sales totalling US$52.5 million would be affected. As the region forms part of Mercosur, in theory there should be no tariffs. However, in Argentina, the move is being interpreted as part of the ongoing dispute with Uruguay over the installation of paper mills and their perceived environmental impact on Argentina.