Buenos Aires, Argentina – Argentina and the United States are on the cusp of a landmark moment, as they finalize the details of a groundbreaking tariff agreement, with a highly anticipated joint announcement planned between President Javier Milei and President Donald Trump. This extraordinary agreement, unlike typical commercial resolutions, underscores President Trump’s strong prioritization of his strategic alliance with President Milei, choosing not to impose higher tariffs on Argentine exports to the U.S.—a measure he has previously applied to other regional nations.
The intricate and extensive negotiations, primarily conducted in Washington, have largely concluded, with Argentine Ambassador Luis Kreckler returning to Buenos Aires after representing Argentina in discussions with the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR). Only minor details remain, expected to be swiftly resolved through direct communication between the Argentine Foreign Ministry and the USTR. The technical framework of this pivotal bilateral agreement encompasses at least 100 foreign trade positions, featuring general tariffs ranging from zero to 10 percent, providing a substantial commercial advantage for Argentina. Negotiations are also ongoing for specific tariffs on steel and aluminum, which President Trump had previously set at 50 percent, demonstrating a commitment to comprehensive resolution.
This agreement is projected to significantly boost Argentina’s export volumes, granting it a competitive tariff advantage over other Latin American countries for its products entering the U.S. market. The Argentine negotiating team, led by Foreign Minister Gerardo Werthein and Economy Minister Luis Caputo, received strong support from Ambassador Alec Oxenford, Juan Cortelletti, and Julia Hoppstock in Washington. Representing the U.S., Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick and USTR head Jamieson Greer, under direct instruction from President Trump, displayed remarkable flexibility on various Argentine goods, though discussions on global steel and aluminum tariffs remain partially open.
Upon the completion of technical negotiations, President Trump and President Milei will make a formal announcement. It has been mutually agreed that President Trump will initiate this announcement, likely through his Truth Social account, with the precise wording and timing to be meticulously coordinated between the Argentine Foreign Ministry and the White House. The announcement is expected to carry significant political weight, emphasizing the robust strategic alliance between Argentina and the U.S., aligning with President Trump’s past geopolitical-focused announcements with the UK, Vietnam, and Indonesia. A direct pre-announcement dialogue between the two Presidents is also a possibility, contingent on President Trump’s schedule, further cementing this pivotal partnership.
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