In brief
The US and Argentina have signed a framework agreement to strengthen their strategic alliance and deepen trade and investment ties. The deal sets out reciprocal commitments to open markets, reduce barriers and align standards, paving the way for long-term economic growth and cooperation.
In focus
- Tariffs: Argentina grants preferential access for US goods (medicines, chemicals, machinery, IT products, vehicles, agricultural goods). The US removes tariffs on certain natural resources and pharmaceutical inputs; both commit to improved beef trade conditions.
- Nontariff barriers: Argentina eliminates import licensing and consular formalities for US exports and phases out the statistical tax.
- Standards: Argentina accepts US or international standards for goods, vehicles, medical devices and pharmaceuticals without extra conformity checks.
- Intellectual property (IP): Argentina strengthens enforcement against counterfeit goods, addresses patent backlog and criteria, and works toward international IP standards.
- Agricultural access: Argentina opens its market to US live cattle, commits to poultry access within one year, and simplifies registration for beef, pork and dairy products.
- Labor: Argentina reaffirms labor rights, bans imports produced by forced labor and enhances enforcement.
- Environment: Argentina combats illegal logging, promotes resource efficiency (including critical minerals) and implements World Trade Organization fisheries subsidies obligations.
- Economic security: Both countries cooperate on export controls, investment security and anti-duty evasion measures.
- Commercial opportunities: Both countries commit to joint efforts to boost trade and investment in critical minerals and stabilize global soybean trade.
- State-owned enterprises: Argentina addresses distortionary practices and industrial subsidies impacting bilateral trade.
- Digital trade: Argentina facilitates cross-border data transfers, recognizes the US as an adequate jurisdiction and validates US electronic signatures.
Next steps: The two countries must finalize the text, complete domestic formalities and review implementation through bilateral forums. Preliminarily, considering that this is not a free trade agreement and that most of the obligations may be implemented through regulations, approval by the respective Congresses of the two countries may not be required.
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