The United States and Argentina announced, this Thursday (13), a trade agreement that eliminates tariffs on Argentine products and facilitates the access of North American goods to the South American country’s market. The pact, signed by presidents Donald Trump and Javier Milei, aims to strengthen economic cooperation and reduce trade barriers. The measure includes sectors such as agriculture, technology and medicines, with benefits expected for both sides. The White House expects the agreement to be finalized in the coming weeks.
The understanding also covers labor and environmental commitments. Argentina will simplify registrations on US agricultural products, while the Americans will remove taxes on natural resources and pharmaceutical inputs. The agreement reflects the rapprochement between the two countries, intensified after US financial support for Argentina in October.
- Sectors benefited: agriculture, technology, medicines and vehicles.
- Commitments: elimination of non-tariff barriers and alignment of standards.
- Chronology: preliminary agreement in November, with conclusion in weeks.
Agreement Details
The pact establishes the removal of North American tariffs on products such as coffee, bananas and pharmaceutical inputs not produced in the USA. In return, Argentina will open its market to US cattle, beef and dairy products.
Argentina also committed not to impose taxes on digital company servicess, facilitating digital commerce. The agreement provides for cooperation in economic security and export control.
Expected benefits
The tariff reduction should make products such as coffee and bananas cheaper for North American consumers. For Argentina, preferential access to the US market could boost exports.
The Argentine government hopes to attract more North American investment, especially in strategic sectors such as critical minerals. The pact also reinforces the political alliance between Trump and Milei.
Labor and environmental commitments
Argentina reaffirmed the protection of labor rights and the prohibition of goods produced with forced labor. The country will adopt measures against illegal logging.
The agreement includes actions to increase efficiency in the use of resources and implement World Trade Organization (WTO) standards on fishing subsidies.
The two countries will work together to combat unfair trade practices by third parties, such as tariff evasion and state subsidies.
Pattern alignment
Argentina will accept US products that follow international standards, without additional evaluations. This reduces costs for North American exporters.
The country will eliminate consular formalities and statistical taxes, streamlining trade. Sectors such as information technology and medical devices will directly benefit.
Expanded economic cooperation
The agreement strengthens economic integration on the continent, with the US signing similar pacts with Ecuador, Guatemala and El Salvador. The White House highlighted the importance of open markets.
Argentina will recognize the US as a suitable jurisdiction for data transfer, facilitating digital commerce. Cooperation in critical minerals has also gained prominence.
