| Work Detail |
The recent modification of the system for access to public works , implemented by the national government through Provision 24/2025, has generated concern among Argentine construction companies . The regulation introduces a new qualification system that eliminates historical barriers and allows foreign companies to compete on equal terms with domestic ones, even without prior experience in the country. The change is part of the deregulation policy promoted by the Ministry of Deregulation and State Transformation, led by Federico Sturzenegger, which had already eliminated the National Registry of Builders in February through Decree 105/25. Both measures aim to dismantle what the government describes as a cartelized system that limited real competition in the sector. From the Argentine Chamber of Construction (Camarco) , its president, Gustavo Weiss, acknowledged that the measure came as a surprise in the run-up to the sectors annual convention. While he avoided public confrontations, he noted that the organization promptly rejected the elimination of the registry , as it was a tool that brought some order to the public procurement system. The opening to foreign capital comes at a delicate time for domestic construction companies. The sector has been stagnant for over a year and a half , with an estimated loss of 100,000 jobs between mid-2023 and early 2024. While employment levels stabilized in the last quarter, the level of new construction remains low. According to the Construya Opinion Study , 44% of surveyed companies reported a drop in activity of more than 20% in the last year. The hardest hit regions were Patagonia, with a 62% contraction, and the Northwest region, with a 54% drop . The main factors identified as obstacles by business owners were: Increase in construction costs (23%) Low demand for private or public works (15%) Exchange rate uncertainty (13%) Looking ahead to the second half of 2025, 41% of companies expect a rebound , while 29% expect to maintain their current level and 11% anticipate further declines of more than 20%. The new regulatory landscape raises questions not only about the ability of Argentine companies to compete with international firms with greater financial backing, but also about the need to review provincial and municipal frameworks , where more than 2,000 local registries and regulations remain, hindering system homogeneity. |
