U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed interest in negotiating a free trade agreement (FTA) with Argentina. Argentine President Javier Milei views closer ties with Washington as essential for attracting investment and securing access to American technology. Public opinion in Argentina strongly supports this direction, with 60% of citizens backing an FTA with the U.S. They see it as an opportunity to boost economic growth and reduce dependency on China.
Such a move would disrupt Argentina’s trade relationship with Brazil. As Milei moves closer to Washington and Lula deepens ties with Beijing, the region risks fragmenting into two spheres of influence: one aligned with the United States and another dominated by China.
A U.S.-Argentina FTA agreement would not only redefine bilateral relations but also reshape South America’s economic landscape amid competing influences from Washington and Beijing.
However, Trump’s protectionist policies, including recent tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, could limit the scope of any agreement.
March 4, 2025
SOURCE: RIO TIMES
Trump and Milei Explore U.S.-Argentina Trade Deal as Mercosur Faces Growing Strains