Mercosur celebrates the signing of the agreement with the European Union: “It is a historic moment”.”
Green light to the pact that will create the largest free trade zone in the world, with more than 720 million consumers.
ENENExports increased by about 29% and reached USD 8,338 million, surpassing all previous records.
The export performance took place in a context of strengthening economic ties between the two countries. On Wednesday, February 5, the bilateral agreement, which had been announced in November 2025, was signed. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this is the first instrument of its kind in the region that incorporates specific investment commitments.
The latest available data, corresponding to the September 30, 2025, the United States consolidated its position as the main source of foreign direct investment (FDI) in Argentina. According to Central Bank figures, it accounts for 18% of total FDI stock, with a position above the USD 32 billion.
In parallel to the export record, total trade between the two countries was the highest in the world. second highest in the historical series, while the bilateral surplus reached record levels. During 2025, the U.S. remained the world's leading third destination of Argentine exports and as the third origin of imports, behind Brazil and China.
The main driver of U.S. export growth hacia United States was the oil-petrochemical complex. According to the BCR survey, the exports of fuels and energy recorded an increase of more about 68% in the comparison between 2025 and 2024. As a result, the item explained the 47% of total Argentine exports to the U.S. during the last year, a participation that has not been observed since 2005.
This change in the composition of external sales marked a turning point in the bilateral trade relationship, with a greater weight of energy products within the export flow. The sector's performance made it possible to compensate for other items with lower dynamism and consolidate the historical record in absolute values.
The signing of the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade and Investment is part of this scenario. As highlighted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in its official communiqué, the understanding contemplates the reciprocal tariff elimination for 1,675 products, This is aimed at improving access conditions to the U.S. market and increasing the volume of Argentine exports. Within the same framework, Argentina undertook the commitment of eliminating import licenses or applying automatic licenses for products originating in the United States.
The government pointed out that the agreement is not limited to the exchange of goods. “The understanding incorporates commitments covering trade in goods, investments and new disciplines linked to digital trade”, indicated from the Foreign Ministry when announcing the signing. In that sense, the text provides a framework for operations linked to startups, fintechs and technology companies, The aim is to facilitate transactions and investment in these sectors.
The signed understanding provides for the elimination of reciprocal tariffs for 1,675 products and commitments in investment and digital trade (Illustrative image by Infobae).
Another focus of the agreement is related to financing. Through organizations such as the Eximbank and the United States International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), In addition, it will seek to support U.S. investment projects in sectors considered strategic for Argentina, in coordination with the U.S. private sector.
In parallel to the trade agreement, the two countries signed the Strategic framework to strengthen critical minerals supply chains. This instrument establishes, among other things, the commitment to jointly identify priority projects and facilitate their financing within a six-month period.
Mining occupies a relevant place in the bilateral relationship. In 2025, the United States was the second largest trading partner of the Argentine mining sector, only behind Switzerland. According to the BCR, it explained about 18% of Argentina's total exports in mining, with a year-on-year growth higher than 25%.
Within this segment, the lithium complex played a leading role. Near the 10% of Argentine lithium exports The United States as a destination in 2025, which positioned it as the most important second largest market for this complex, according to data from the Mining Secretariat. In addition, among 2020 y 2023, Argentina supplied the 47% of lithium imports from the United States, according to information from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).
These data together show that the historical record of exports to the United States was not an isolated event, but took place within a framework of greater economic integration and strengthened trade and investment flows. Prior to the entry into force of the new bilateral agreement, the export performance in 2025 left maximum figures both in terms of value and sectoral participation, with energy and mining as the protagonists of the trade link between both countries.
Source
Infobae
