From toilet paper to football boots: the shortage of products is becoming more and more acute

The pulse of uncertainty hit many sectors and the situation worsened after the resignation of Martín Guzmán. In some areas, products and items began to run out in small shops and even in large chains. “The problem is transversal and there is no sector that is not touched”, says Fabián Castillo, head of FECOBA. In small businesses, he listed, Missing library items, cosmetics and car covers. Newsstands warn not to receive anything imported: lighters, batteries, tobacco or coffee capsules.

In the large supermarket chains they pointed out that this week the observations were generalized and that the new price lists expected average increases of 12% with peaks up to 25%. Which in the best of cases, because “in some durable goods of imported origin (which are not assembled in the country) limit deliveriesThe most alarming thing is that paper mills “interrupt the delivery of toilet paper” due to an alleged shortage of cellulose, a fundamental input to produce it.

From a chain of foreign origin to which they explained Clarione that the delivery of the goods is subject to the acceptance of the surcharges. “It’s not an easy situation, not at all, because we only have stock for a few days“He commented. Suppliers justify the increases in a similar way. The difficulties in importing, the volatility of the dollar and the increase in the costs of their operation.

These costs have to do, in some cases, with the “reassessment” of basic inputs that impact almost all the goods that are traded. It impacts, for example, in the processing of packaging, cardboard, packaging material and even preserves. And above all the graphic ink with which the identification labels are stamped and which comes from abroad.

Ernesto Acuña, president of UKRA (Unión Kiosqueros de la República Argentina) explained that for 10 days they received lists with increases of between 20 and 30% on all imported products they offer: tobacco and its accessories (paper for rolls and filters), candies, razor blades and condoms. “This Monday no supplier delivered goods because they said it was priceless “He added.

Castillo warns that the problem is widespread and runs through, to a greater or lesser extent, almost all areas and businesses. And he gave several examples: «Among the textiles there is a lack of fabrics for clothing. In footwear, glues and leather goods. In rubber, tires and related products, such as condoms. And a lot of glass is missing. There is no sector that does not have such problems, “she concluded.

“There are hardly any football boots left,” described the owner of one of the country’s leading chains. It is one of the key items for sales in this sector, taking into account that there are less than 5 months to go until the World Cup in Qatar. “Many manufacturers have already told us that shirts from other countries will not be imported,” he complained. This is not the case with the Argentine jacket, which Adidas produces and distributes in the country.

In the current context, with restrictions on imports, other items related to sports considered to be niche are also missing. “Clothing and footwear for tennis, rugby or volleyball, for example, they are very difficult to obtain ”, confides an owner of another commercial chain.