Overview
- The White House published a joint framework to deepen reciprocal trade and investment, with Argentina expected to lower non-tariff barriers and grant preferential access for U.S. goods such as medicines, chemicals, machinery, IT products, medical devices, vehicles and farm products.
- Business reactions diverged as AmCham praised the signal for investment, importers welcomed potential cost cuts, and the Argentine Chamber of Commerce urged caution until the fine print is known.
- Industrial groups warned of asymmetry and competitiveness risks for metalworking, autos and pharmaceuticals, and coverage pointed to faster entry for U.S.-approved products in areas like drugs under streamlined local procedures.
- Analyses highlighted clauses on state firms, subsidies and labor that observers say could be used to curb China’s footprint in Argentina, even as current trade flows show China as a larger partner than the United States.
- Economist Martín Redrado called the deal commercially unbalanced but investment-friendly, noting a possible 80,000-tonne beef quota is still under discussion, while reports say President Javier Milei is weighing a U.S. trip that could be used to formalize terms if ready.