Donald Trump's recent endorsement of Javier Milei reignited the possibility of a trade agreement between Argentina and the United States, prompting the Casa Rosada to activate its diplomacy to advance in that direction.
"I'll consider anything. I think he's a great, great leader. He's doing a fantastic job. He's rescued that country from oblivion. Yes, we'll look into the possibilities", stated the former U.S. president when referring to Milei and the possibility of a bilateral agreement.
From the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, headed by Gerardo Werthein, they confirmed that exploratory work has already begun. Although they acknowledge that it is still premature to talk about a free trade agreement, the initial meetings aim to define work lines for an agreement with more limited but feasible goals.
"We are beginning to study the guidelines and work lines to advance in a trade agreement with the U.S.," diplomatic sources explained to Infobae.
The Mercosur obstacle
For Argentina to advance in a trade agreement with the U.S., it must first solve its position within Mercosur. Milei has been critical of the bloc and considers that, far from promoting development, it has become an obstacle to economic openness.
As the pro tempore president of Mercosur, Milei faces resistance from Brazil and its leader, Lula da Silva, who opposes loosening the bloc's rules that prevent countries from signing individual trade agreements.
From the Argentine government, they maintain that Mercosur needs to update to allow greater freedom in signing bilateral agreements. "Economic blocs should promote progress, not become barriers against it," official sources stated.
