On February 5, 2025, Argentina and the United States (“US”) executed an Agreement on Reciprocal Trade and Investment (the “Trade Agreement”).
This Trade Agreement seeks to deepen bilateral trade cooperation between the Parties, which undertake to work toward enhanced cooperation in the field of economic security, thereby fostering greater predictability and transparency in the market.
Reciprocal tariffs are eliminated and bureaucratic barriers are simplified, facilitating access for U.S. products to strategic sectors. In this regard, for example, Argentina will eliminate 221 tariff lines covering machinery, technology, medical devices, and chemical products, while the United States will eliminate tariffs on unavailable natural resources and on unpatented items intended for use in pharmaceutical applications.
In addition, Argentina undertakes commitments regarding the regulation of investments in accordance with international law standards. At the same time, the United States, through its institutions, will support the financing of investments in critical sectors in Argentina, in collaboration with U.S. private sector partners, in accordance with applicable legislation.
In the agricultural sector, Argentina will authorize the entry of live cattle and poultry from the United States, together with a simplification of bureaucratic procedures, while efforts will also be made to improve bilateral market access for beef.
With respect to natural resources, the Agreement aims to promote a more efficient economy by encouraging the Parties to adopt measures ensuring fair treatment for investors, while also fostering Argentina’s access to markets through the export of strategic minerals. Furthermore, the Agreement requires the adoption of measures to combat illegal deforestation, illegal mining, and trafficking in exotic wildlife.
The Trade Agreement also includes commitments relating to digital trade and to enhanced enforcement against counterfeit and pirated goods.
With regard to labor regulation, Argentina, within the framework of this Agreement, will prohibit the importation of goods produced through forced labor and will strengthen the protection of internationally recognized labor rights. It will cooperate with its provinces to ensure that labor inspections are adequately resourced to fulfill their objectives and will implement a six-month action plan to combat child labor in agricultural production and in the garment industry.
The Trade Agreement shall enter into force sixty (60) days after the date on which the Parties exchange written notifications certifying the completion of their respective internal legal approval procedures.
