U.S. Finalizes Terms on Trade Agreement with Argentina

Feb. 6, 2026
By: Austin J. Eighan

The U.S. Trade Representative announced that the United States and Argentina have signed a new reciprocal trade agreement. Built upon the framework agreement announced in November, the United States–Argentina Agreement on Reciprocal Trade and Investment aims to lower tariffs and other trade barriers, expand market access, and strengthen economic and security cooperation initiatives between the countries.

Under the agreement and the accompanying updates to the countries’ tariff schedules, the U.S. will maintain a 10% tariff ceiling on Argentine goods and expand the tariff-rate quotas (TRQs) for beef, which allow a set amount of imports to enter at a lower duty rate before higher rates apply. Argentina agreed to eliminate duties on over 200 items, including machinery, transportation equipment, medical devices, and chemicals. Argentina committed to reduce duties on certain automotive parts to 2%, while introducing TRQs for vehicles, meat, and other agricultural products. Argentina also agreed not to impose duties on electronic transmissions or digital services taxes against U.S. companies.

The agreement seeks to reduce regulatory barriers by compelling Argentina to accept U.S. or international standards without requiring additional conformity assessment. For example, Argentina must allow vehicles and vehicle parts manufactured in compliance with U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards and emissions standards to enter its market. As part of accepting such U.S. compliance procedures, Argentina will eliminate consular document authentication requirements. Argentina also committed to modernize its customs administration procedures by implementing new technology and digitalization processes to facilitate a faster flow of trade.

The agreement also integrates bilateral economic and national security obligations. Argentina committed to enter into a duty evasion cooperation agreement with the U.S., which requires Argentina to share its intelligence and market data on unfair trade practices by companies owned or controlled by third countries. If the U.S. imposes border measures or other trade restrictions to protect national or economic security interests, Argentina will have to adopt measures “with similar effect.” Further, the agreement requires Argentina to align its export control objectives with U.S. regulatory frameworks by strengthening enforcement involving security-sensitive technologies and preventing Argentine companies from circumventing U.S. export controls.

As the agreement comes into force, please reach out to one of our attorneys at Barnes, Richardson & Colburn if you would to review the impact of the trade deal on your supply chain.