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Imports Squeeze Argentina’s Appliance Industry as Whirlpool Closes Fátima Plant

Cheaper imports following tariff cuts are forcing rapid restructuring across Argentina’s white-goods sector.

Overview

  • Whirlpool confirmed the shutdown of its Fátima facility, resulting in the loss of just over 200 jobs after opening the plant in 2022.
  • Electrolux extended rotational suspensions for 400 workers through year-end and is operating at roughly 50% capacity, with meetings pending with the UOM Rosario chapter on next steps.
  • Peabody began a workforce reshuffle with about 15 layoffs and says 70–80% of its Argentine sales now come from imports, mainly from China, while Mabe shifted production from Río Segundo to Luque in Córdoba, leading to around 50 departures.
  • Nielsen IQ reports the washing-machine segment grew 72% in units from January to October versus a year earlier, with October prices 20.4% lower year over year due to record import volumes that broadened assortments.
  • Industry sources warn that employment could fall by up to 10% across a sector of about 15,000 workers if trends persist, as economists and columnists press for labor-market and tax reforms and debate the limited impact of the washer tariff cut from 35% to 20%.