U.S. Unveils New Trade Deals With Four Latin Nations
The United States has announced new framework trade agreements with Argentina, Ecuador, El Salvador and Guatemala, aiming to boost market access and selectively reduce tariffs on key goods. The proposals are designed to open these countries further to U.S. agricultural and industrial exports while offering tariff relief on products such as natural-resource items, textiles and agricultural commodities exported to the U.S. The agreements are not yet final and will undergo detailed negotiations.
What Each Country Will Offer
Under the proposed terms, Argentina will open sectors including pharmaceuticals, machinery and agricultural goods to U.S. exporters, while the U.S. will lower tariffs on some Argentine natural-resource products. Ecuador is set to cut tariffs on U.S. farm and industrial imports, with the U.S. reducing duties on items like coffee and bananas. El Salvador and Guatemala will streamline regulatory processes, strengthen intellectual-property rules and drop tariffs on certain categories such as textiles, in exchange for broader access to the U.S. market.
Strategic Goals And Implications
U.S. officials described the move as part of a wider push for more balanced trade partnerships that lower import costs and expand export opportunities for American companies. Base tariffs will remain at 10 % for Argentina, Guatemala and El Salvador, and 15 % for Ecuador, but selected products will shift to zero duty once agreements are finalised. Full details of the frameworks are expected to be completed in the coming weeks.
