Business leaders are awaiting details of the trade deal with the US and are analyzing how it will affect their sectors.

For a decade, Argentina has sought to expand its international trade relations and strengthen its global presence in the value-added industry sector. In a context where the economy needs to strengthen stability, improve competitiveness and attract investment, the announcement of a framework agreement with the United States represented a signal in that direction.

Expectations in the business field are rising due to the possibility of entering large-scale markets, but there is also no revitalization. Alerts on how it will be implemented understanding and its implications for the field.

The formality of negotiations increased after the White House released an official statement on the “Framework for Trade and Mutual Investment Agreements” between the two countries. The document specifies that both countries will work to, among other things, eliminate tariff and non-tariff barriers, expand access to key markets and modernize the regulatory framework. Livestock, Agriculture, Mining, Technology, Pharmaceuticals.

Meanwhile, the Argentine government stressed that there are strategic natural resources, human resources and sectors with “huge potential” such as agribusiness, mining, technology and the knowledge economy.

The details of the deal are still unclear, as it hasn’t even been signed by either government, so business leaders were cautious in analyzing the possible impact, but generally they welcomed the deal and believed it represented a good opportunity for the country.

Hours before the news became known, the UIA, which held its 31st industrial conference last Thursday, praised the framework of the bilateral agreement, claiming that it will boost trade, investment and jobs. They also believe that integrating Argentina into a group of Western countries that respect the rules of international trade would be positive. And finally, he said he was awaiting sector-specific details to fully understand the scope.

The president of the organization is Martin Rapallini“We are in agreement and optimistic about reaching an agreement with the United States,” he said in a radio statement. Additionally, countries that have recently negotiated with the United States have significantly increased their exports, highlighting the potential for exports across all value chains. He also said sectors “need to consider how they enter the U.S. market.”

Recalling that Argentina lost many markets to Mexico and Chile many years ago, Rapallini said industrial policy needed to create “lower taxes and better conditions.” He also mentioned China, specifying that while the Asian giant’s expansion threatens many value chains, the United States can still buy manufactured goods from Argentina.

Several UIA representatives agreed that the United States is an “industrially less risky” partner for Argentina than China. “We don’t have a chance with China, but we do have a chance with the United States,” one of the people said.

The official emphasized that the United States can export machinery, capital goods, technology and medicine, while Argentina can sell aluminum, steel and regional products.

Regarding tariffs, industry estimated that some of the tariffs raised to 10% could return to the 2% to 3% level, while steel and aluminum, which currently pay 50% tariffs, could return to 0%. “It would be a complete success,” said an industry source. But they acknowledge that industries such as metallurgy and laboratories may be most at risk.

I am the Chairman of the Metallurgical Industrialists Association (Adimura). Elio Del Reemphasized that the US is a less price-competitive economy than China and does not expect an avalanche of imports. In any case, some companies could probably gain market share in the agricultural machinery sector, he said. He commented that metallurgy imports rose 70% year-on-year in October, confirming that the biggest threat is China.

As a consultant, Marcelo Elizondo (DNI) specified that the United States could export chemicals, machinery, pharmaceuticals, minerals, and energy to Argentina, while Argentina could sell cars and manufactured goods.

Elizondo believed that local industry needed to “invest and internationalize” and that lower tariffs on inputs, capital goods and technology would benefit local industry. He stressed that the majority of the country’s 500,000 companies will require an “adaptation process.” In his vision, commercial interaction with the United States and Europe means competing in a market “free of unfair competition.”

analyst Natasha Izquierdofrom consulting company Abeceb. He said local industry wants to restore quotas for steel and aluminum and analyze the patent and research chapters. He pointed to opportunities in the pickup market. Argentina is a global exporter, and the U.S. has a market for more than 3 million pickup trucks.

Izquierdo said many Argentine companies would be “much more competitive” if the 10% tariff were reduced. As for North American imports, there was no drama, as there was the potential to enter a “premium niche” market that reduced competitive risk. “Argentina has more to gain than to lose,” he said, pointing to higher standards for traceability with the opening.

Argentina American Chamber of Commerce (Amcham) saw this agreement as an opportunity for Argentina to move towards structural change. He stressed that after the recent elections, the country has new opportunities to strengthen macro stability, reduce regulation and create a more competitive business environment.

Amcham stressed that there is still room for improvement in infrastructure, taxation, labor standards and tax procedures so that the industry can create, innovate and create quality jobs.

The group also warned that while removing regulatory barriers is key, countries must accompany this step with transition policies that protect employability and limit the impact on vulnerable sectors and the middle class.

• Reduction or Elimination of Reciprocal Tariffs on Major Products: Argentina will grant preferential market access to U.S. exports, including pharmaceuticals, chemicals, machinery, information technology, medical devices, automobiles, and a wide range of agricultural products.
• The United States will eliminate reciprocal tariffs on certain natural resources not available domestically and on unpatented items for pharmaceutical use, given the national security implications.
• Cooperation to expand access for Argentine beef to the U.S. market and eliminate non-tariff barriers to bilateral agricultural trade.
• Cooperation on critical minerals (such as lithium) and stabilization of global soybean trade.
• Regulatory alignment: Argentina accepts products that meet U.S. or international standards without additional technical testing. Approvals for medical devices and drugs will be expedited, and vehicle safety and emissions standards will also be introduced.
• Commitment to Combating Market Distortions: Argentina agreed to address barriers arising from state-owned enterprises, industrial subsidies, export controls, tariff avoidance, and other non-market practices.
• Digital Commerce: Argentina committed to facilitating the cross-border transfer of data (including personal data), to non-discrimination against U.S.-originated digital services, and to recognizing valid electronic signatures under U.S. law.