Economist Claudio Loser, former director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), analyzed the understanding announced between Argentina and the United States and stated that it is not formally a free trade agreement, as the country remains “tied to Mercosur”, but it is the “closest” thing that can be signed.
“It is the closest thing to a free trade agreement without being one,” he stated in an interview with the Noticias Argentinas program, which airs on Radio Splendid AM990.
Loser pointed out that the finer details of the understanding are still unknown because “the devil is in the details,” but he highlighted that the opening of exports was “what the United States wanted,” with the goal of selling more to the Argentine market.
Regarding the sectors involved, he listed that the agreement includes the agricultural sector, with the possibility —according to reports— that the United States may export live cattle to Argentina.
He also mentioned the opening in the matter of meat, certain medicines, and services related to intelligence and support for the development of Artificial Intelligence.
From an industrial perspective, Loser explained that the United States would benefit mainly in the agricultural segment and in heavy industry products, “though not in steel.”
Furthermore, he emphasized that some U.S. exports could compete with China in the Argentine market.
Finally, the economist dismissed the idea that the agreement implies unilateral exploitation:
“It is not a package to take advantage of Argentina, but something that can be convenient for both parties,” he affirmed.
