PazdelRío stock: steelmaker seeks to retain 35% wire-rod tariff

PazdelRío has asked Colombia's government to maintain the tariff protection applied to wire-rod imports from China and Russia, according to a report published by Valora Analitik on Tuesday, October 20, 2026.

The steelmaker said the existing 35% tariff has helped bring competition from imported wire rod closer to conditions faced by domestic producers over the past two years. PazdelRío wants the protection to continue through a mechanism other than the decree currently governing the measure.

Tariff decision remains central

Chief Executive Pedro Blanco said removing the protection without an equivalent replacement could expose the Colombian market to larger inflows from countries without free-trade agreements with Colombia. The company specifically pointed to China and Russia and argued that international steel distortions, including state support and alleged unfair trade practices, make the policy decision important for local mills.

For investors, the request underlines PazdelRío's exposure to Colombian trade policy rather than a change in operating guidance. Wire rod represents 40% of the company's total production and about 50% of wire rod sold in Colombia, according to the report. PazdelRío also said products derived from wire rod added only 0.13 percentage points to construction-cost variation during the safeguard measure.

Regional industrial footprint

PazdelRío is an integrated Colombian steelmaker that produces steel from raw-material extraction through industrial processing and supplies products for construction, infrastructure and everyday industrial uses. Its portfolio also includes fertilizers, soil amendments and other products. The company says its operations are centered on serving Colombia, with a major economic footprint in Boyacá.