On February 5, 2026, the United States and Argentina announced that they have concluded a comprehensive Agreement on Reciprocal Trade and Investment (the “Agreement”), which is intended to deepen bilateral economic ties, modernize regulatory structures, and strengthen cooperation in areas connected to economic and national security. The Agreement formalizes the existing U.S.–Argentina Trade and Investment Framework Agreement and addresses various facets of the US-Argentina trade relationship including tariff measures, non‑tariff barriers, intellectual property protection, digital trade, commercial disciplines, and implementation procedures. The Agreement will enter into force sixty days after both governments certify completion of their domestic legal requirements.
Tariff Measures
On tariffs, Argentina commits to apply new rates to U.S. origin goods under detailed tariff schedules, including immediate duty‑free treatment (category EIF) for specified classifications, a reduction to 2% for others (category R2), continued MFN rates for some (category Z), and multiple tariff‑rate quotas (TRQs) administered on a first‑come/first‑served basis on other products. Illustrative TRQs include duty‑free access for 80,000 metric tons of beef in calendar year 2026, as well as annual quotas for cheeses (1,000 MT), almonds (870 MT), pistachios (40 MT in‑shell and 40 MT shelled), certain sugars/confectionery, prepared potatoes, wine (<2 liters, 80,000 liters), and 10,000 motor vehicles with defined technical parameters.
Meanwhile, the United States will, for specified Argentine origin goods, suspend additional reciprocal tariffs under Executive Order 14257 (the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (“IEEPA”) reciprocal tariffs), provide zero additional tariff for certain agricultural products under Executive Order 14360, and cap other additional ad valorem rates at 10%, inclusive of MFN duties and IEEPA reciprocal tariffs.
Non-Tariff Barriers
The Agreement requires Argentina to replace or eliminate restrictive import licensing practices, recognize U.S. and international technical standards without imposing additional conformity assessment obligations, and ensure that all sanitary and phytosanitary measures are grounded in science and do not act as disguised restrictions on trade. Argentina will adopt transparent regulatory practices that include publishing draft regulations, conducting public consultations, utilizing regulatory impact analyses to guide policymaking, and embracing established international standards to promote free trade. Argentina also agrees to reduce existing regulatory barriers to trade, by accepting U.S. federal motor vehicle safety and emissions standards, as well as FDA clearances for medical devices and pharmaceuticals, to limit duplicative testing and streamline access to its market.
IP Enforcement
The Agreement also contains significant intellectual property provisions. Argentina will increase its participation in international IP frameworks by fully implementing the Berne Convention, Paris Convention, WIPO Copyright and Performances Treaties, and the Marrakesh Treaty and submitting the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) to the Argentine Congress for ratification. Argentina further commits to address specific issues identified in the USTR Special 301 Report, including patentability criteria, patent examination timelines, enforcement gaps, and deficiencies in data protection and anti‑counterfeiting measures.
Digital Trade
Argentina will issue an adequacy decision to enable cross‑border data flows to the United States. Argentina further agrees not to impose discriminatory digital services taxes or customs duties on electronic transmissions. Argentina will also extend recognition under its digital signature law to electronic signatures created in the United States. It also undertakes not to condition market access on forced technology transfer or disclosure of source code, except in narrowly defined regulatory investigations. The Agreement further promotes non‑discriminatory treatment for U.S. digital services and aims to facilitate broader cooperation on cybersecurity.
National Security and Export Controls
The economic and national security commitments require the countries to coordinate on export controls of sensitive dual‑use goods. Argentina agrees to prevent the backfilling of U.S. export controls by third countries and to explore mechanisms to review inbound investment for national security risks. Cooperation also extends to shipbuilding, defense‑trade streamlining, and restrictions on the procurement of certain nuclear‑related materials from specified foreign sources.
Critical Minerals and Natural Resources
With respect to critical minerals, Argentina will facilitate U.S. investment in mining, processing, and infrastructure projects connected to critical resources, while encouraging Federal-level Argentine Government investment in mining infrastructure. It plans to accelerate approvals for eligible projects through the Incentives Regime for Large Investments (RIGI) program.
Labor and Environmental Commitments
Argentina undertakes to prohibit the importation of goods produced by forced or compulsory labor and to protect internationally recognized labor rights, including through effective enforcement mechanisms. It will implement a six‑month plan to address child and forced labor issues in specific sectors and strengthen labor inspectorates across its provinces. Environmental obligations include enforcing domestic environmental laws, combating illegal logging, regulating fisheries sustainably, implementing the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, and taking enforcement measures against illegal wildlife trade and illegal mining.
Takeaways
The Agreement represents a transformation in U.S.-Argentina trade relations, proposing various measures to promote cooperation between the signatories and remove longstanding barriers to trade. Businesses should work with trade counsel to consider the impact of the Agreement on their operations and sourcing and continue to monitor developments as the Agreement is implemented nationally.
