Overview
- Officials in both capitals say the joint framework is political architecture for now, with the White House setting the timetable and holding back the detailed terms.
- Argentine ambassador Alec Oxenford publicly defended the pact and highlighted projected gains for beef exports, citing potential growth from about 20,000 to 80,000 tonnes to the U.S. market.
- Business groups split in their reactions: AmCham praised the move, the national commerce chamber urged caution pending specifics, and exporters warned about asymmetry, Mercosur obligations and WTO most‑favored‑nation rules.
- Published elements point to Argentina easing non‑tariff barriers, aligning technical rules and fast‑tracking approvals for U.S. goods, while U.S. concessions flagged include limited tariff relief on non‑available inputs plus language on reciprocal beef access and interest in critical‑minerals investment.
- Provincial responses diverged as La Rioja criticized the terms and Santa Fe saw a better business climate, while private studies noted Argentina’s exclusion from certain U.S. surtaxes that hit China and the EU and reported a rollback of a 10% beef levy.