Overview
- A White House joint declaration launched negotiations for a Bilateral Agreement on Reciprocal Trade and Investment between the two countries.
- Reported provisions keep a 10% tariff with product exceptions and procedural simplification, and the U.S. communiqué does not require investment commitments or purchase obligations by Argentina.
- Substantive areas include acceptance of U.S./international standards without extra certification, stronger intellectual property alignment, digital data transfer recognition and U.S. e-signatures, cooperation on critical minerals and soy, and disciplines on state firms and subsidies.
- The Milei administration is courting governors and expressing optimism, while opposition figures such as Gustavo Pulti call for congressional debate and warn about risks to SENASA, local industry and data protection.
- Analysts highlight ambiguities on tariff mechanics and Section 232 and say benefits hinge on domestic competitiveness and regulatory stability, with signing reported as expected around December 5 pending technical and legal details.