United States and Argentina Ink Expansive Trade Deal to Boost Economies and Lower Consumer Costs

Historic Agreement Signed

The United States and Argentina formally signed an expansive trade agreement on Thursday, February 5, 2026, designed to ease restrictions on goods, bolster Argentina's economy, and potentially lower food prices for American consumers. The deal represents a significant step in strengthening economic ties between the two nations.

The agreement was signed by officials including Argentina's Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer in Washington. This accord follows a framework announced in November 2025 and reflects the close ideological alignment between U.S. President Donald Trump and Argentine President Javier Milei.

Key Provisions for U.S. Exports to Argentina

Under the new agreement, Argentina will significantly open its markets to a range of U.S. products. Key provisions include:

• Argentina will establish a tariff-rate quota for 80,000 metric tons of U.S. beef, allowing it to enter duty-free.
• New duty-free quotas will be implemented for U.S. agricultural products, including 1,000 metric tons per year of cheese, 870 metric tons per year of almonds, 40 metric tons of shelled pistachios, 40 metric tons of unshelled pistachios, 690 metric tons of frozen potatoes, and 1,100 metric tons of unfrozen potatoes.
• Preferential market access will be granted for U.S. goods such as medicines, chemicals, machinery, information technology products, medical devices, motor vehicles, and a broad array of other agricultural products.
• Argentina has committed to allowing access for U.S. poultry and poultry products within one year and will simplify bureaucratic processes for U.S. exporters of beef, beef products, pork, and pork products.
• The agreement also includes provisions to protect U.S. exporters' use of certain meat and cheese terms.

U.S. Market Access for Argentine Goods

In a reciprocal move, the United States has agreed to eliminate over 1,600 tariffs on Argentine goods. The U.S. will apply a reciprocal tariff rate of zero on specific originating goods from Argentina, as outlined in Schedule 2B, in accordance with Executive Order 14360 of November 14, 2025. For other originating goods from Argentina, the additional ad valorem rate will not exceed 10 percent. Additionally, the U.S. will remove reciprocal tariffs on certain unavailable natural resources and non-patented articles used in pharmaceutical applications.

While the agreement includes a commitment to improved, reciprocal market access for beef trade, the signed text does not include a U.S. tariff-rate quota for Argentinian beef, a point that remains subject to further discussions.

Broader Economic and Political Implications

This trade deal is a cornerstone of President Milei's agenda to liberalize Argentina's historically protectionist economy. For the Trump administration, it aligns with efforts to reduce domestic food prices. Beyond tariffs, the agreement addresses broader trade and investment issues, including Argentina's commitment to improving enforcement against counterfeit and pirated goods, tackling intellectual property challenges, and allowing U.S. companies to adhere to U.S. or international standards for imports. Argentina has also pledged to prohibit the importation of goods produced by forced or compulsory labor. Analysts suggest the deal is expected to stabilize prices, increase exports, and foster stronger bilateral ties.