Title

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA - ARGENTINE REPUBLIC AGREEMENT ON RECIPROCAL TRADE AND INVESTMENT

Preamble

Preamble

The United States of America ("United States") and the Argentine Republic ("Argentina") (individually "a Party" and collectively "the Parties"),

AFFIRMING the enduring bond between them as sovereign nations and strategic partners, united by a shared commitment to freedom, prosperity, and the well-being of our peoples;

SHARING the vision for a strong, modernized partnership to enhance competitiveness, innovation, and investment;

INTENDING to enhance reciprocity by reducing tariff and non-tariff barriers and improve alignment to address unfair trade practices that threaten our prosperity, through implementation of this Agreement and further cooperation;

DESIRING to build on and improve their existing trade agreements, including the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement Between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Argentine Republic (U.S.-Argentina TIFA); and

RECOGNIZING the potential for the Parties of continuing to expand their bilateral trade relationship and the importance of successful implementation of this Agreement for that objective,

HAVE AGREED as follows:

Body

Section 1. Tariffs and Quotas

1. Argentina shall apply a rate of customs duty on an originating good of the United States as set out in Schedule 1 to Annex I.

2. The United States shall apply a revised reciprocal tariff rate on originating goods of Argentina as set out in Schedule 2 to Annex I.

Section 2. Non-Tariff Barriers and Related Matters

Article 2.1. Import Licensing

Argentina shall either eliminate its import licensing or apply automatic import licensing for originating U.S. goods.

Article 2.2. Technical Regulations, Standards, and Conformity Assessment

1. Argentina shall allow U.S. originating goods that comply with applicable U.S. or international standards, U.S. technical regulations, or U.S. or international conformity assessment procedures to enter its territory without additional conformity assessment requirements. In doing so:

(a) Argentina shall accord to the conformity assessment bodies of the United States treatment no less favorable than that it accords to its own bodies; and

(b) Argentina shall facilitate the acceptance of U.S. compliance procedures for goods that are not subject to third-party conformity assessment in the U.S. regulatory framework.

2. Argentina shall ensure that technical regulations, standards, and conformity assessment procedures are applied in a non-discriminatory manner and do not operate as disguised restrictions on bilateral trade, and shall remove existing technical barriers to trade in areas that undermine reciprocity, including requirements for duplicative or unnecessary testing or conformity assessment.

Article 2.3. Agriculture

1. Argentina shall ensure that its sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures are science- and risk-based and do not operate as disguised restrictions on bilateral trade. In this regard, Argentina shall remove any unjustified SPS barriers that undermine reciprocity.

2. Argentina shall not make a commitment to a third country, in an agreement, understanding, or any other instrument, that results in Argentina adopting or maintaining a measure that is inconsistent with the obligations of Article 2.2.2 and paragraph 1 of this Article.

3. The United States and Argentina intend to work together to address non-tariff barriers affecting trade in food and agricultural products.

Article 2.4. Geographical Indications

Argentina shall ensure transparency and fairness with respect to the protection or recognition of geographical indications, including pursuant to an international agreement. In cases that Argentina protects or recognizes a term that identifies a good as a geographical indication but there is no given quality, reputation, or other characteristic of the good that is essentially attributable to its geographical origin, Argentina shall permit use of the term in connection with U.S. goods.

Article 2.5. Cheese and Meat Terms

Argentina shall not restrict U.S. market access due to the mere use of the individual cheese and meat terms listed in Annex II.

Article 2.6. Intellectual Property

Argentina shall provide a robust standard of protection for intellectual property.(1) (2)  Argentina shall provide effective systems for civil, criminal, and border enforcement of intellectual property rights and shall ensure that such systems combat and deter the infringement or misappropriation of intellectual property, including in the online environment. Argentina shall prioritize and shall take effective criminal and border enforcement actions against copyright and trademark infringements.

Article 2.7. Services

Argentina shall address existing services trade barriers that undermine reciprocity. Argentina shall refrain from imposing new barriers that provide less favorable treatment to U.S. services suppliers than the treatment afforded to domestic services suppliers and services suppliers from any third country, jurisdiction, or economy.

Article 2.8. Good Regulatory Practices

Argentina shall adopt and implement good regulatory practices that ensure greater transparency, predictability, and participation throughout the regulatory lifecycle.

Article 2.9. Labor

1. Argentina shall adopt and effectively implement a prohibition on the importation of goods mined, produced, or manufactured wholly or in part by forced or compulsory labor as defined by the relevant International Labor Organization (ILO) instruments to which it is a party. Argentina shall consider U.S. government determinations on entities under Section 307 of the Tariff Act of 1930 and the prohibition of importation of goods from those companies.

2. Argentina shall protect internationally recognized labor rights. (3) This includes by adopting or maintaining such rights in its law and practice, and effectively enforcing its labor laws, including by creating or maintaining necessary institutions to protect labor rights. Argentina shall establish and effectively apply appropriate legal sanctions for violations of those laws. Argentina shall not weaken or reduce the protections in its labor laws in a manner that is inconsistent with its international obligations, including its existing obligations under the ILO instruments to which it is a party. (4) In addition, Argentina shall address issues related to labor rights that contribute to non-reciprocal trade in Article 1.12 of Annex III.

Article 2.10. Environment

Argentina shall adopt and maintain environmental protections, effectively enforce its environmental laws, uphold or institute as necessary strong environmental governance structures, and address environment-related issues that contribute to non-reciprocal trade.

Article 2.11. Value-Added Taxes

Argentina shall not impose value-added taxes that discriminate against U.S. companies in law or in fact.

Article 2.12. Customs Administration and Trade Facilitation

Argentina shall maintain or implement technology solutions that allow for full pre-arrival processing, paperless trade, and digitalized procedures for the movement of goods of the United States across its borders.

Section 3. Digital Trade and Technology

Article 3.1. Digital Services Tax

Argentina shall not impose digital services taxes, or similar taxes, that discriminate against U.S. companies in law or in fact.

Article 3.2. Facilitation of Digital Trade

1. Argentina shall facilitate digital trade with the United States, including by refraining from measures that discriminate against U.S. digital services or products distributed digitally. The Parties shall collaborate to address cybersecurity challenges.

2. Argentina shall not impose any condition or enforce any undertaking requiring U.S. persons to transfer or provide access to a particular technology, production process, source code, or other proprietary knowledge, or to purchase, utilize, or accord a preference to a particular technology, as a condition for doing business in its territory. (5) This paragraph does not preclude a regulatory body or judicial authority of a Party from requiring a person of the other Party to preserve and make available the source code of software, or an algorithm expressed in that source code, to the regulatory body for a specific investigation, inspection, examination, enforcement action, or judicial proceeding, subject to safeguards against unauthorized disclosure.

Article 3.3. Customs Duties on Electronic Transmissions

The Parties shall not impose customs duties on electronic transmissions, including content transmitted electronically, and shall support multilateral adoption of a permanent moratorium on customs duties on electronic transmissions at the World Trade Organization immediately and without conditions.

Section 4. Economic and National Security

Article 4.1. Complementary Actions

1. If the United States adopts a border measure or other trade action and considers that such measure is relevant to protecting the economic or national security of the United States, Argentina, when appropriate, shall adopt a measure with similar effect to the measure adopted by the United States.

2. Argentina shall adopt and implement measures to address unfair trade practices of companies owned or controlled by third countries operating in Argentina's jurisdiction. Argentina shall share information with the United States on such unfair practices and their effects in third country markets, in accordance with its laws and regulations.

3. Argentina shall adopt, in accordance with its laws and regulations, measures to encourage shipbuilding and shipping by the Parties.

Article 4.2. Export Controls, Sanctions, Investment Security, and Related Matters

1. Argentina shall cooperate with the United States, when appropriate, in:

(a) coordinating Argentina's export control goals and efforts with export controls in force by the United States;

(b) enhancing Argentina's regulation and enforcement regarding trade in national security-sensitive technologies and goods consistent with guidelines and lists in existing multilateral export control regimes; and

(c) working to ensure that Argentine companies do not backfill or undermine any U.S. export controls.

The Parties shall enhance the exchange of information on their respective export control systems and cooperate on enforcement.

2. Argentina shall cooperate with the United States in a manner consistent with, and permitted by, applicable requirements of its law, with a view to promoting compliance with U.S. sanctions and export controls and will make best efforts to assist the United States in enforcement of U.S. sanctions and export controls.

3. Argentina shall cooperate with the United States on matters related to investment security, including exploring the establishment of a mechanism to review inbound investment for national security risks consistent with widely-accepted international best practices.

4. If the United States determines that Argentina is cooperating to address shared national and economic security issues, the United States may take such cooperation into account in administering its laws and regulations pertaining to export controls, investment reviews, and other measures.

Article 4.3. Other Measures

1. The United States shall work with Argentina to streamline and enhance defense trade.

2. Argentina and the United States shall enter into a duty evasion cooperation agreement within 60 days of entry into force of this Agreement.

3. Argentina shall not purchase any nuclear reactors, fuel rods, or enriched uranium from certain countries.

Section 5. Commercial Considerations and Opportunities

Article 5.1. Investment

1. Argentina shall allow and facilitate U.S. investment in its territory to explore, mine, extract, refine, process, transport, distribute and export critical minerals and energy resources and to provide power generation, telecommunication, transportation, and infrastructure services on terms no less favorable than it accords to its own investors in like circumstances and shall regulate those investments in keeping with minimum standards of international law.

2. The United States shall work through its U.S. institutions such as the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM Bank) and the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), if eligible, to consider supporting investment financing in critical sectors in Argentina in collaboration with U.S. private sector partners, consistent with applicable law.

Article 5.2. Commercial Considerations

1. Argentina shall ensure that its State-Owned or Controlled Enterprises (SOEs), when engaging in commercial activities: a) act in accordance with commercial considerations in their purchase or sales of goods or services; and b) refrain from discriminating against U.S. goods or services. Further, Argentina shall only provide non-commercial assistance or otherwise subsidize its goods-producing SOEs, while in the process of privatizing those enterprises in accordance with the plan in Ley de Bases y Puntos de Partida para la Libertad de los Argentinos 27.742, and in a manner that does not distort trade. Argentina shall ensure a level playing field for U.S. companies in Argentina's market with respect to SOEs of third countries through its antitrust law.

2. Upon the written request of the United States, Argentina shall provide information regarding all forms of non-commercial assistance or subsidies that it provides to a manufacturing enterprise in its territory and shall take action to address the distortive impacts of those subsidies and support mechanisms on trade and investment with the United States.

Section 6. Implementation, Enforcement, and Final Provisions

Article 6.1. Annexes, Appendices, and Footnotes

The annexes, appendices, and footnotes to this Agreement constitute an integral part of this Agreement.

Article 6.2. Modifications and Amendments

Each Party may request reasonable modifications to this Agreement, which the other Party shall consider in good faith. The Parties may agree, in writing, to amend this Agreement if such amendment does not undermine the benefits of this Agreement or other agreements between the Parties.

Article 6.3. Rules of Origin

The Parties intend for the benefits of this Agreement to accrue substantially to them and their nationals. If benefits of this Agreement are accruing substantially to third countries or third-country nationals, a Party may establish rules of origin necessary to achieve the Parties' intention for this Agreement.

Article 6.4. Enforcement and Implementation

1. If a Party considers that the other Party has not complied with a provision of this Agreement, that Party may review the terms of this Agreement and take action in accordance with its law. Prior to taking an action under paragraph 2, the Party shall, when practicable, seek consultations with the other Party.

2. The Parties shall address matters related to the implementation and operation of this Agreement through the Trade and Investment Council established under the U.S.-Argentina TIFA, including sessions of the Innovation and Creativity Forum for Economic Development. The Parties may also consider further negotiations, as appropriate, through the U.S.-Argentina TIFA.

3. Nothing in this Agreement shall constrain, or otherwise prevent, a Party from imposing additional tariffs to remedy unfair trade practices, to address import surges, to protect its economic or national security, or for other similar reasons consistent with its law.

Article 6.5. Termination

Either Party may terminate this Agreement by providing written notice of termination to the other Party. Termination shall take effect six months after the date of such notification. When practicable, a Party shall provide the other Party an opportunity to consult before providing such notice.

Article 6.6. Authentic Languages

The texts of this Agreement in the English language and the Spanish language shall be equally authentic, except for the following texts of Annex I: Appendix 2 to Schedule 1, Schedule 2A, and Schedule 2B, which shall be authentic only in English.

Article 6.7. Entry Into Force

This Agreement shall enter into force 60 days after the date on which the Parties have exchanged written notifications certifying completion of their applicable legal procedures or such other date as the Parties may agree.

Conclusion

Attachments

Annex III. Specific Commitments

Section 1. Non-Tariff Barriers and Related Matters

Industrial Goods

1.1. Used and Remanufactured Goods

Argentina, in regards to its used goods import prohibition, shall exempt additional capital goods, including construction, agricultural and mining equipment and medical devices, by amending regulations related to Decree 273/2025, and shall continue to work with the United States to expand market access for remanufactured goods.

1.2. Motor Vehicles and Parts

1. Argentina shall accept, in accordance with its laws and regulations,(6) vehicles and vehicle parts that are manufactured to comply with U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) and U.S. emissions standards and sold in the United States, and accept U.S. compliance procedures for automotive products without additional conformity requirements to enter Argentina's market. (7) (8)  For vehicles, Argentina agrees that a Blue Ribbon letter identifying the vehicle identification number (VIN), and a sworn statement from the manufacturer detailing the tests and standards with which the vehicle complies shall constitute proof of compliance with U.S. FMVSS.

2. The Parties agree to share relevant recall and safety information on vehicles and vehicle parts.

3. The United States shall accept vehicle parts manufactured in Argentina complying with U.S. FMVSS, subject to U.S. enforcement procedures.

4. Argentina shall address any other standards or requirements that discriminate against U.S. vehicles and vehicle parts.

1.3. Medical Devices and Pharmaceuticals

1. Argentina shall accept a prior approval or clearance that is issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as sufficient evidence that a medical device manufactured in the United States meets Argentina's requirements for marketing authorization, and shall not require marketing authorization for low-risk medical devices if marketing authorization is not required by the U.S. FDA.

2. Argentina shall recognize audits and certificates of device manufacturers' quality management systems that are:

(a) in accordance with the requirements established by Medical Device Single Audit Program (MDSAP); and

(b) conducted by auditing organizations authorized by the regulatory authorities participating in MDSAP to audit under MDSAP requirements.

3. Argentina shall not impose additional regulatory requirements beyond those required for MDSAP.

4. Argentina shall accept U.S. FDA?s electronic certificate of pharmaceutical product (eCPP) and electronic certificates to foreign government (eCFGs) for its approval requirements for pharmaceuticals and medical devices. Argentina shall not require hardcopies, original copies, authenticated copies, wet signatures, or apostilles of those U.S. FDA certificates.

5. Argentina shall accept a prior marketing authorization that is issued by the U.S. FDA as sufficient evidence that a pharmaceutical product manufactured in the United States meets Argentina's requirements for marketing authorization. (9)

6. Argentina shall not require periodic re-authorization for a pharmaceutical product manufactured in the United States that has previously received marketing authorization from the United States, unless the Argentina identifies a significant safety, effectiveness, or quality concern.

7. Argentina shall accept the results of a good manufacturing practice surveillance inspection conducted by the U.S. FDA of a manufacturing facility for pharmaceutical products without further need for an inspection or reinspection performed by Argentina?s relevant regulatory authorities when the following conditions apply:

(a) the manufacturing facility is within the territory of the United States; and

(b) the most recent U.S. FDA inspection report as provided by the facility is classified as no action indicated, demonstrating no objectionable conditions or practices.

Agriculture

1.4. Meat, Poultry, and Meat and Poultry Products

1. Argentina shall recognize the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) as the U.S. competent authority with oversight of U.S. meat and poultry (including offal), meat and poultry products, and processed meat and poultry, including cold storage warehouse facilities.

2. Further to paragraph 1, Argentina shall accept the FSIS Meat, Poultry and Egg Product Inspection (MPI) Directory, which lists all Federally inspected establishments, as the certified list of establishments, eligible to export U.S. meat and poultry (including offal), meat and poultry products, and processed meat and poultry to Argentina.

3. Argentina shall accept the FSIS Export Certificate of Wholesomeness (FSIS 9060-5 series certificates) or electronic data elements, or any successor thereto, for imports of U.S. meat and poultry (including offal), meat and poultry products, and processed meat and poultry.

4. Argentina shall limit attestations and information in certificates required for imports of U.S. food and agricultural products to those consistent with international standards or U.S. requirements.

5. Argentina shall complete the steps outlined in Appendix 1 to allow market access for U.S. poultry and poultry products within one year of the date of entry into force of this Agreement.

1.5. Live Poultry and Poultry Product Commodities

1. Argentina shall not adopt or maintain any measure related to importation of live poultry, poultry genetics, poultry products, and eggs and egg products, that is inconsistent with the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) Terrestrial Animal Health Code (TAHC) Chapter 10.4 (Infection with High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (HPAI) Viruses) or any successor thereto. Argentina's National Health and Agrifood Quality Service (SENASA) shall align the import regulation definition for poultry with the WOAH TAHC definition for poultry.

2. SENASA shall decrease the scope of regionalization of the United States from the U.S. country level to a zone of 10 kilometer (km) radius around the outbreak for live poultry, poultry genetics, poultry products, and eggs and egg products whenever such regionalization follows the provisions as defined by the WOAH TAHC Chapter 4.4 (Zoning and Compartmentalisation), or any successor thereto. SENASA shall ensure that any import restrictions imposed on U.S. live poultry, poultry genetics, poultry products, or eggs and egg products in response to outbreaks of HPAI are limited to the zone of 10 km in which the outbreak was confirmed from the date of official confirmation by APHIS.

3. SENASA shall recognize the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) as the competent animal health authority for determining if the referred zone of 10 km from where an outbreak was previously detected is considered free of HPAI, as defined by the WOAH TAHC Article 10.4.6 (Recovery of free status), Chapter 10.4 (Infection with High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza Viruses), and Chapter 4.4 (Zoning and compartmentalisation), or any successor thereto, and therefore is eligible to export live poultry, poultry genetics, poultry products, and eggs and egg products to Argentina. Argentina shall not maintain any HPAI restrictions after the date of APHIS determination of freedom.

1.6. Product Registration for U.S. Beef, Beef Products, Beef Offal, and Pork and Pork Products

1. SENASA shall ensure that any registration procedures for U.S. beef, beef products, beef offal, and pork and pork products applied as a condition of importation into Argentina are conducted in a timely, transparent and non-discriminatory manner, without causing unnecessary delays to importation.

2. SENASA shall allow U.S. companies to fulfill the product registration requirement with a single submission by including multiple U.S. beef, beef products, beef offal, and pork and pork products in a single monograph per company.

1.7. Facility Registration for Dairy Products

Argentina shall not adopt or maintain a facility registration requirement for imports of dairy products into Argentina.

Intellectual Property

1.8. Geographical Indications

With respect to the protection or recognition of a geographical indication, including pursuant to an international agreement, Argentina shall:

(a) ensure transparent and fair procedures for examination, opposition, and cancellation, including with respect to a translation or transliteration;

(b) provide that the grounds for refusal and opposition include the likelihood of confusion with a prior trademark and whether the term is the term customary in common language as the common name for the relevant good in its territory;