U.S. and Argentina Formalize ARTI Trade Deal, Locking In 10% Tariff on Argentine Imports

• The U.S. and Argentina officially signed the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade and Investment (ARTI) on 5 February 2026, converting last year’s framework into a binding accord. [ar.usembassy.gov]
• The deal maintains the 10% U.S. tariff on most Argentine goods but delivers significant tariff reductions and expanded market access for U.S. exports, including vehicles, machinery, medical devices, and agricultural products. [ghy.com]
• The agreement strengthens bilateral alignment between the Milei and Trump administrations, reflecting a deepening political and economic partnership. [apnews.com]

More details

The United States and Argentina have officially cemented a major shift in their bilateral trade relationship with the signing of the United States–Argentina Agreement on Reciprocal Trade and Investment (ARTI) on February 5, 2026, in Washington D.C. The accord—signed by U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Argentine Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno—marks the transition from last November’s political framework to a legally binding, operational trade agreement. [ar.usembassy.gov]

A Deal That Locks In Stability While Expanding Access

Under the newly formalized ARTI, the United States preserves its 10% tariff on most Argentine-origin goods, maintaining trade protection measures introduced in previous tariff rounds. At the same time, the U.S. grants substantial tariff relief on key U.S. exports, including:

• medicines and pharmaceutical components,
• machinery and IT equipment,
• medical devices,
• vehicles,
• agricultural products.
  [ghy.com]

Argentina, in return, commits to broad reductions in non‑tariff barriers, agreeing to:

• eliminate or simplify import licensing for U.S. goods,
• accept U.S. or international technical standards without requiring duplicative testing,
• remove technical barriers viewed as discriminatory or restrictive.
  [ustr.gov]

These provisions are designed to streamline market entry for American exporters while providing Argentine exporters clarity and predictability on tariff treatments.

Political and Strategic Alignment Behind the Deal

Beyond economics, the agreement reflects the tight political alignment between President Javier Milei and U.S. President Donald Trump. Milei has aggressively repositioned Argentina toward the United States, embracing U.S. geopolitical priorities and market‑oriented policies. His government views the ARTI signing as a diplomatic victory and a symbolic reset of Argentina’s global economic role. [apnews.com]

For the U.S., the deal forms part of its strategy to reduce consumer prices, expand agricultural exports, and forge stronger alliances in the Western Hemisphere. It also comes as U.S. tariff policies face scrutiny in domestic courts and trade circles. [pbs.org]

What Changes Immediately?

According to the updated tariff schedules referenced in the agreement:

• U.S. duties on select agricultural and industrial goods from Argentina fall to zero or capped rates, depending on whether goods fall under ARTI’s Schedule 2A or 2B.
• For all other goods, additional duties remain capped at 10% above MFN levels, formalizing the long‑signaled U.S. position on Argentine imports.
  [ghy.com]

On Argentina’s side, U.S. exporters will immediately benefit from:

• simplified import processing,
• elimination of statistical taxes over time,
• improved recognition of U.S. regulatory standards.

Broader Economic Implications

Economically, ARTI aims to:

• increase bilateral trade flows,
• reduce administrative friction for exporters,
• encourage cross‑border investment,
• support Argentine efforts to attract large‑scale investment through complementary reforms.

For Argentina, the agreement aligns with Milei’s broader push to liberalize the economy, restore market confidence, and rebuild foreign reserves. For the U.S., it strengthens supply‑chain access to certain natural resources and agricultural inputs. [usnews.com]

Conclusion

The formal signing of the ARTI solidifies a new phase in U.S.–Argentina relations—one defined by predictable tariffs, expanded market access for U.S. exporters, and closer geopolitical alignment. While the 10% duty on most Argentine imports remains in place, the overall agreement reflects a significant deepening of bilateral cooperation with potentially wide‑ranging economic effects.