President Trump signaled potential interest in a Free Trade Agreement with Argentina, following comments by Special Envoy Claver-Carone. President Milei indicated willingness to reconsider Argentina’s ties with Mercosur to pursue U.S. trade agreements. Both leaders recognize the benefits of enhanced trade relations amidst existing challenges.
United States President Donald Trump indicated he might consider signing a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Argentina, despite earlier comments from U.S. Special Envoy for Latin America, Mauricio Claver-Carone, suggesting noAmerican interest in such an agreement. This statement was made during a press conference at the White House after Trump met with attendees of the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC).
Argentine President Javier Milei suggested that his country may need to alter its participation in Mercosur, potentially even leaving the trade bloc, to pursue this trade deal with the United States. The initiative aims to enhance exports, attract U.S. investments, and enable technology transfers. However, Mercosur regulations mandate that member nations negotiate trade deals collectively, presenting challenges for Milei’s aspirations.
Milei has openly expressed a preference for Washington over his neighboring countries, claiming that Mercosur primarily benefits Brazil’s robust industries while being less advantageous for Argentina and other member states. In his speech to Congress on March 1, Milei stated, “Our first objective will be to push during the next year for a free trade agreement with the US, the agreement that should have happened 19 years ago.” He emphasized the potential growth Argentina could have experienced if it had established trade ties with the U.S. decades earlier.
Milei further stated, “Imagine what we would have grown in those two decades if we had traded with the first world power.” He expressed his desire for Argentina to be the first country to enter into a reciprocal trade agreement with the United States. Furthermore, he argued that Mercosur limitations hinder Argentina’s ability to develop a feasible trade arrangement with the U.S.
Trump praised Milei’s leadership, declaring, “I would consider anything. I think he is a great leader. He is doing a great job, he is doing a fantastic job. He resurrected the country from oblivion.” Last year, the trade figures between Argentina and the U.S. revealed exports of approximately $6.454 billion against imports of $6.226 billion, resulting in a modest trade surplus of $228 million.
In summary, President Trump has expressed openness to discussing a Free Trade Agreement with Argentina, aligning with President Milei’s goals despite existing challenges within Mercosur. Both leaders acknowledge the potential benefits such an agreement could bring to Argentina’s economy. The situation remains dynamic as Milei navigates regional trade relations and seeks greater economic partnerships with the United States.
Original Source: en.mercopress.com
