US Official Urges Argentina to Ratify Trade Agreement

AI-summarized · Neutrality-checked

Deputy US Trade Representative Jeff Goettman met with Argentine Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno and Economy Minister Luis Caputo on August 28 to urge the ratification of a February trade agreement. Although the deal would eliminate reciprocal tariffs on over 1,600 Argentine products and more than 200 American goods, the Milei administration has not yet submitted the text to Congress, missing an original April deadline. The push for ratification follows a 38% increase in Argentine exports to the United States between January and July, totaling nearly US$6 billion. Argentina’s legislative delay has been influenced by a crowded congressional agenda and ongoing legal uncertainty regarding the underlying US tariff scheme.

Consequences

Argentina must navigate a congested legislative schedule that includes contested labor reforms to finalize the agreement. Future ratification remains contingent on Argentina achieving clarity regarding Washington's tariff commitments and the resolution of legal questions surrounding the trade framework.

Sources

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