Argentina Tariffs
Argentina’s tariff landscape in 2025 represents a rapidly evolving web of trade policies currently undergoing significant transformation through active bilateral negotiations with the United States. As of July 31, 2025, the South American nation maintains one of the highest average tariff rates globally at 22%, while facing a 10% universal US tariff implemented on April 5, 2025. However, these rates are expected to change dramatically as Argentina is close to finalizing a trade deal with the United States that could remove tariffs on about 100 key Argentine products, covering up to 80% of Argentina’s exports to the US market.
The current tariff framework reflects Argentina’s strategic pivot toward bilateral trade agreements while maintaining protective measures for domestic industries. Argentine President Javier Milei has announced ongoing negotiations with the Trump administration for a zero-tariff deal on approximately 50 export products, with discussions progressing toward a potential Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The Argentine government has offered to lower its tariffs for US products, with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer welcoming the move, indicating that the 22% average tariff rate may see substantial reductions as negotiations conclude. This dynamic environment creates both opportunities and uncertainties for businesses and policymakers navigating the evolving Argentina-US bilateral economic relationship in the second half of 2025.
Key Argentina Tariff Stats & Facts in 2025
| Tariff Category | Rate/Data | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Average National Tariff Rate | 22% | Since 2019, comprehensive average across all products |
| Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) Rate | 13.4% | Applied rate as of 2023, according to US Trade Representative |
| Agricultural Products Tariff | 10.3% | Average MFN applied rate for agricultural imports |
| Non-Agricultural Products Tariff | 13.8% | Average MFN applied rate for manufactured goods |
| Highest Tariff Categories | 35% | Apparel, furniture, toys, and sports equipment |
| Lowest Tariff Categories | 0-2% | Selected chemicals, printed materials, and glass products |
| US Universal Tariff on Argentina | 10% | Effective April 5, 2025, under national emergency declaration |
| Tariff Classification System | MERCOSUR NCM | Aligned with World Trade Organization standards |
Argentina’s tariff system in 2025 demonstrates the nation’s commitment to protecting domestic industries through strategic import duties. The 22% average tariff rate positions Argentina among the countries with the highest trade barriers globally, reflecting a deliberate policy choice to prioritize local manufacturing and agricultural sectors. This rate significantly exceeds the global average, indicating Argentina’s protectionist trade stance in the current economic climate.
The distinction between agricultural (10.3%) and non-agricultural products (13.8%) reveals Argentina’s nuanced approach to trade policy. The lower tariff rates on agricultural products acknowledge Argentina’s position as a major agricultural exporter, while higher rates on manufactured goods protect domestic industries from foreign competition. The Most-Favored-Nation rate of 13.4% provides insight into Argentina’s standard trading relationships, offering preferential treatment to established trading partners while maintaining protective barriers for sensitive sectors.
US Tariff Policy on Argentina Imports in 2025
| US Tariff Policy | Rate | Implementation Details |
|---|---|---|
| Universal Import Tariff | 10% | Applied to all countries, effective April 5, 2025 |
| National Emergency Authority | IEEPA | International Emergency Economic Powers Act |
| Implementation Date | April 5, 2025 | 12:01 AM Eastern Daylight Time |
| Coverage Scope | All Argentine Exports | Comprehensive application across product categories |
| Trade Deficit Response | Reciprocal Measures | Higher tariffs planned for largest deficit countries |
| Steel Tariffs | 25% | Continuation of previous administration policies |
| Aluminum Tariffs | 10% | Maintained from earlier trade measures |
| Negotiation Status | Active Discussions | Argentina pursuing tariff reduction agreements |
The United States implemented a comprehensive 10% universal tariff on all imports from Argentina, effective April 5, 2025, under President Trump’s national emergency declaration. This policy represents a significant shift in US-Argentina trade relations, moving from selective tariff applications to a broad-based import duty system. The tariff policy operates under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), providing the legal framework for these emergency trade measures.
Argentina’s status in US trade policy reflects the complex bilateral economic relationship between these nations. While Argentina does not appear among the countries subject to individualized reciprocal higher tariffs for the largest trade deficits, the universal 10% rate still represents a substantial increase in trade costs. The ongoing negotiations between Argentine and US officials suggest potential flexibility in the tariff structure, with Argentina actively pursuing tariff reduction agreements to maintain competitive access to US markets.
Argentina Import Tariff Categories and Rates in 2025
| Product Category (HS Chapter) | Tariff Range | Average Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Live Animals & Animal Products | 4% | Fixed ad-valorem rate |
| Inorganic Chemicals | 2-10% | Variable based on specific products |
| Fertilizers | 6-10% | Agricultural input protection |
| Chemical Products | 8-14% | Manufacturing sector protection |
| Plastics & Articles | 2-14% | Wide range based on processing level |
| Paper & Paperboard | 6-16% | Publishing and packaging materials |
| Printed Materials | 0-16% | Educational and cultural considerations |
| Apparel (Knitted) | 35% | Maximum protection for textile industry |
| Apparel (Not Knitted) | 35% | Equivalent protection across clothing types |
| Glass & Glassware | 2-18% | Industrial vs. consumer product differentiation |
| Furniture & Bedding | 18-35% | High protection for domestic furniture industry |
| Toys & Sports Equipment | 18-35% | Consumer goods protection |
Argentina’s detailed tariff structure reveals a sophisticated approach to trade protection that prioritizes specific domestic industries. The textile and apparel sector receives the highest protection with 35% tariffs, reflecting the government’s commitment to preserving domestic manufacturing jobs in these labor-intensive industries. This rate structure demonstrates Argentina’s strategic use of tariffs to maintain industrial capacity in sectors vulnerable to international competition.
The variation in tariff rates across different product categories illustrates Argentina’s nuanced trade policy objectives. Chemical products and fertilizers face moderate tariffs of 6-14%, balancing the need for industrial inputs with protection for domestic chemical manufacturers. The lower tariffs on printed materials (0-16%) reflect cultural and educational policy considerations, ensuring access to books and educational resources while maintaining some protection for domestic publishing industries. This graduated approach enables Argentina to maintain trade relationships while protecting key economic sectors from excessive foreign competition.
MERCOSUR Trade Framework Impact on Argentina Tariffs in 2025
| MERCOSUR Element | Impact on Argentina | Trade Implications |
|---|---|---|
| Common Nomenclature (NCM) | Standardized Classification | Uniform tariff codes across member countries |
| Common External Tariff | Regional Coordination | Harmonized rates with Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay |
| Intra-MERCOSUR Trade | Preferential Access | Reduced or eliminated tariffs for member countries |
| US Trade Relations | Collective Bargaining | Regional approach to US trade negotiations |
| WTO Compliance | International Standards | Adherence to World Trade Organization rules |
| Customs Union Status | Shared Trade Policy | Coordinated external trade relationships |
The MERCOSUR Common Nomenclature (NCM) framework provides the foundation for Argentina’s tariff classification system in 2025, ensuring consistency with regional trading partners while maintaining compliance with World Trade Organization standards. This standardized approach facilitates trade administration and reduces bureaucratic barriers for businesses operating across MERCOSUR member countries. The alignment with international classification systems demonstrates Argentina’s commitment to transparent and predictable trade policies.
Argentina’s participation in the MERCOSUR customs union influences its bilateral trade relationship with the United States through coordinated external tariff policies. The common external tariff structure requires Argentina to consider regional economic impacts when implementing unilateral trade measures, creating a balance between national trade objectives and regional integration commitments. This framework provides Argentina with additional leverage in trade negotiations while ensuring that tariff policies support broader South American economic development goals.
Argentina Agricultural Sector Tariffs and Trade Patterns in 2025
| Agricultural Category | Argentina Tariff Rate | Export/Import Balance |
|---|---|---|
| Beef & Livestock | 4% | Major export sector, minimal import protection |
| Soybeans & Derivatives | Low/Exempt | World’s third-largest soybean exporter |
| Wheat & Grains | Variable | Export-oriented with seasonal import needs |
| Dairy Products | 8-12% | Domestic market protection |
| Fruits & Vegetables | 5-15% | Regional competitive positioning |
| Agricultural Machinery | 14-18% | Support for domestic manufacturing |
| Fertilizers & Inputs | 6-10% | Balance between farmer costs and production |
Argentina’s agricultural tariff policy in 2025 reflects the country’s position as a major global food exporter while maintaining protection for specific domestic agricultural sectors. The 4% tariff on live animals and animal products provides minimal protection, acknowledging Argentina’s competitive advantages in beef production and livestock management. This low rate facilitates trade in agricultural inputs while maintaining revenue generation for government programs supporting rural development.
The agricultural sector’s tariff structure demonstrates Argentina’s strategic approach to maintaining export competitiveness while protecting vulnerable domestic markets. Fertilizer tariffs of 6-10% balance the need for affordable agricultural inputs with support for domestic fertilizer production, ensuring that farmers have access to necessary materials while maintaining industrial capacity. The variable tariff structure for wheat and grains allows for flexible policy responses to seasonal market conditions and international price fluctuations, providing stability for both producers and consumers in Argentina’s crucial agricultural economy.
US-Argentina Bilateral Trade Volume and Tariff Revenue in 2025
| Trade Metric | 2025 Data | Tariff Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Total Bilateral Trade | $12.8 Billion | Estimated annual trade volume |
| US Exports to Argentina | $4.2 Billion | Subject to Argentine import tariffs |
| Argentine Exports to US | $8.6 Billion | Subject to 10% US universal tariff |
| Argentine Tariff Revenue | $924 Million | Estimated from US imports (22% average) |
| US Tariff Revenue | $860 Million | Estimated from Argentine imports (10%) |
| Trade Balance | $4.4 Billion | Argentine surplus with United States |
The bilateral trade relationship between Argentina and the United States generates substantial tariff revenue of approximately $1.784 billion combined for both governments in 2025. Argentina’s higher average tariff rate of 22% produces an estimated $924 million in revenue from US imports, while the US universal tariff of 10% generates approximately $860 million from Argentine imports. This revenue represents a significant source of government funding for both countries, supporting various domestic programs and trade administration costs.
The $4.4 billion trade surplus that Argentina maintains with the United States influences the bilateral tariff relationship by providing Argentina with economic leverage in trade negotiations. The substantial trade volume of $12.8 billion annually demonstrates the importance of the economic relationship despite existing tariff barriers. Both countries recognize the mutual benefits of trade while using tariffs as tools for protecting domestic industries and generating government revenue, creating a complex but economically significant partnership that continues to evolve through ongoing policy discussions and negotiations.
Manufacturing Sector Protection Through Argentina Tariffs in 2025
| Manufacturing Category | Tariff Rate | Protection Level |
|---|---|---|
| Textiles & Apparel | 35% | Maximum protection for domestic industry |
| Automotive Parts | 14-20% | Supporting domestic auto manufacturing |
| Electronics & Technology | 12-18% | Balancing consumer access with production |
| Pharmaceuticals | 8-15% | Public health considerations with industry support |
| Steel & Metals | 10-25% | Infrastructure and construction industry support |
| Chemicals & Petrochemicals | 8-14% | Industrial input protection |
| Furniture & Home Goods | 18-35% | Consumer goods manufacturing protection |
| Machinery & Equipment | 12-22% | Industrial capacity maintenance |
Argentina’s manufacturing sector receives comprehensive protection through the 2025 tariff structure, with textiles and apparel receiving the highest protection at 35% to maintain domestic employment in these labor-intensive industries. This level of protection reflects Argentina’s commitment to preserving manufacturing jobs and maintaining industrial capacity in sectors that face intense international competition. The furniture and home goods sector also benefits from 18-35% tariffs, supporting domestic production of consumer durables and maintaining local manufacturing capabilities.
The graduated tariff structure for manufacturing goods demonstrates Argentina’s strategic approach to industrial policy, with automotive parts (14-20%) and electronics (12-18%) receiving moderate protection that balances consumer access with domestic production capabilities. Pharmaceutical tariffs of 8-15% reflect public health considerations while supporting domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing, ensuring that essential medicines remain accessible while maintaining local production capacity. This comprehensive protection system enables Argentina to maintain diverse manufacturing capabilities while participating in global trade networks and supply chains.
Argentina Import Trade Tariff Structure in 2025
| Import Category | Tariff Rate | Revenue Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Total Import Value | $73.7 Billion | Annual import volume 2024 |
| Average Import Tariff | 22% | Comprehensive rate across all products |
| Import Tariff Revenue | $16.2 Billion | Estimated government revenue from imports |
| Machinery & Equipment | 12-22% | Industrial equipment protection |
| Consumer Goods | 18-35% | Highest protection for domestic manufacturing |
| Raw Materials | 2-10% | Lower rates for industrial inputs |
| Energy Products | 5-15% | Strategic sector protection |
| Food Products | 4-16% | Agricultural product protection |
Argentina’s import tariff system generates substantial government revenue of approximately $16.2 billion annually, representing a crucial source of funding for public programs and infrastructure development. The 22% average import tariff rate positions Argentina among the highest tariff regimes globally, reflecting the government’s commitment to protecting domestic industries and maintaining fiscal stability through trade policy. This comprehensive tariff structure affects virtually all imported goods, with variations based on strategic economic priorities and domestic production capabilities.
The import tariff framework demonstrates Argentina’s sophisticated approach to balancing revenue generation with economic protection objectives. Consumer goods face the highest tariffs at 18-35%, providing maximum protection for domestic manufacturing sectors while generating significant revenue from luxury and non-essential imports. Raw materials and industrial inputs receive lower tariffs of 2-10%, ensuring that domestic manufacturers have access to necessary production materials while maintaining some protection for local suppliers and contributing to overall government revenue streams.
Argentina Export Trade Tariff and Duties in 2025
| Export Category | Export Duty Rate | Trade Volume |
|---|---|---|
| Total Export Value | $66.8 Billion | Annual export volume 2024 |
| New Export Duties | 15% | Implemented under recent economic reforms |
| Agricultural Products | 10-15% | Soybeans, wheat, beef exports |
| Mineral Resources | 5-12% | Mining sector contributions |
| Manufacturing Exports | 3-8% | Value-added product incentives |
| Energy Exports | 8-15% | Oil and gas sector duties |
| Export Tax Revenue | $8.4 Billion | Estimated annual government revenue |
Argentina implements a comprehensive export duty system that generates approximately $8.4 billion in annual government revenue while influencing the competitiveness of different export sectors. The recent implementation of 15% export duties on major commodities represents a significant policy shift designed to increase government revenues during economic restructuring. This export taxation system affects Argentina’s position in global markets by adding costs to exported goods while providing essential funding for domestic programs and economic development initiatives.
The export duty structure reflects Argentina’s strategic approach to balancing international competitiveness with domestic revenue needs. Agricultural products face 10-15% export duties, affecting Argentina’s position as a major global food exporter while generating substantial government revenue from the country’s comparative advantages in agricultural production. Manufacturing exports receive lower duties of 3-8%, encouraging value-added production and industrial development while maintaining revenue generation from Argentina’s growing manufacturing sector exports to regional and global markets.
Product-Specific Tariff Analysis for Argentina in 2025
| Product Code (HS) | Product Description | Import Tariff | Export Duty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chapter 02 | Meat and Edible Meat Offal | 4% | 15% |
| Chapter 10 | Cereals (Wheat, Corn, Soybeans) | 0-5% | 12-15% |
| Chapter 27 | Mineral Fuels, Oils | 5-15% | 8-12% |
| Chapter 84 | Machinery, Mechanical Appliances | 14-22% | 5% |
| Chapter 85 | Electrical Equipment | 12-18% | 3-8% |
| Chapter 87 | Vehicles, Automotive Parts | 14-35% | 5-10% |
| Chapter 72 | Iron and Steel | 10-25% | 8% |
| Chapter 29 | Organic Chemicals | 8-14% | 5-8% |
Argentina’s product-specific tariff system demonstrates the government’s detailed approach to trade policy, with significant variations across different sectors based on strategic economic objectives. Meat and edible meat products face low 4% import tariffs but high 15% export duties, reflecting Argentina’s position as a major beef exporter while capturing revenue from this valuable export sector. This dual approach ensures domestic food security while maximizing government revenue from Argentina’s competitive advantages in livestock production.
The contrasting treatment of machinery and automotive products illustrates Argentina’s industrial protection strategy, with import tariffs of 14-35% protecting domestic manufacturing while export duties of 5-10% encourage value-added production for international markets. Cereals and agricultural products receive minimal import protection but face substantial 12-15% export duties, acknowledging Argentina’s global competitiveness in agricultural production while generating significant government revenue from the country’s natural resource advantages in food production and distribution.
Argentina’s Top 10 Trading Partner Countries and Revenue in 2025
| Rank | Country | Trade Volume | Export Value | Import Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brazil | $18.2 Billion | $12.8 Billion | $5.4 Billion |
| 2 | China | $16.9 Billion | $8.1 Billion | $8.8 Billion |
| 3 | United States | $12.8 Billion | $8.6 Billion | $4.2 Billion |
| 4 | Chile | $4.7 Billion | $3.2 Billion | $1.5 Billion |
| 5 | Germany | $4.1 Billion | $1.8 Billion | $2.3 Billion |
| 6 | India | $3.8 Billion | $2.9 Billion | $0.9 Billion |
| 7 | Paraguay | $2.9 Billion | $1.7 Billion | $1.2 Billion |
| 8 | Uruguay | $2.6 Billion | $1.4 Billion | $1.2 Billion |
| 9 | Bolivia | $2.2 Billion | $0.8 Billion | $1.4 Billion |
| 10 | Netherlands | $2.1 Billion | $1.6 Billion | $0.5 Billion |
Argentina’s major trading partner countries for exports were Brazil, China, United States, Chile and India and for imports they were China, Brazil, United States, Germany and Bolivia in the most recent data. Brazil leads as Argentina’s top trading partner with $18.2 billion in total trade volume, reflecting the strong economic integration within the MERCOSUR framework and geographical proximity. The $12.8 billion in exports to Brazil generates substantial revenue for Argentina while the $5.4 billion in imports provides essential goods and services for Argentine consumers and businesses, creating a beneficial trade surplus that supports Argentina’s economic stability.
China represents Argentina’s second-largest trading partner with $16.9 billion in bilateral trade, demonstrating the growing importance of Asian markets for Argentine exports, particularly agricultural commodities and raw materials. The relatively balanced trade relationship with China, featuring $8.1 billion in exports and $8.8 billion in imports, reflects Argentina’s role as a supplier of agricultural products and natural resources while importing manufactured goods and technology. The United States ranks third with $12.8 billion in trade volume, maintaining its position as a crucial market for Argentine exports while serving as a key source of advanced technology, machinery, and high-value manufactured products for the Argentine economy.
Tariff Revenue Generation Analysis for Argentina in 2025
| Revenue Source | Annual Revenue | Percentage of Total |
|---|---|---|
| Import Tariff Revenue | $16.2 Billion | 65.8% |
| Export Duty Revenue | $8.4 Billion | 34.2% |
| Total Trade Tax Revenue | $24.6 Billion | 100% |
| Manufacturing Sector Tariffs | $8.9 Billion | 36.2% |
| Agricultural Sector Duties | $6.7 Billion | 27.2% |
| Energy Sector Tariffs | $4.1 Billion | 16.7% |
| Consumer Goods Tariffs | $3.8 Billion | 15.4% |
| Raw Materials Tariffs | $1.1 Billion | 4.5% |
Argentina’s comprehensive tariff system generates approximately $24.6 billion in annual revenue for the government, representing a substantial portion of total fiscal income and demonstrating the crucial role of trade policy in public finance. Import tariffs contribute $16.2 billion (65.8%) of total trade tax revenue, while export duties generate $8.4 billion (34.2%), creating a balanced approach to revenue generation that captures value from both inbound and outbound trade flows. This dual revenue system provides fiscal stability while influencing trade patterns and domestic economic development priorities.
The sectoral breakdown of tariff revenue reveals the strategic importance of different economic sectors in Argentina’s trade policy framework. Manufacturing sector tariffs generate $8.9 billion (36.2%) of total revenue, reflecting the high protection levels for domestic industrial production and the substantial volume of manufactured imports. Agricultural sector duties contribute $6.7 billion (27.2%), demonstrating the revenue potential from Argentina’s competitive export advantages in food production, while energy sector tariffs provide $4.1 billion (16.7%), highlighting the growing importance of energy trade in Argentina’s overall economic strategy and government revenue generation system.
Future Outlook for Argentina-US Tariff Relations in 2025
The trajectory of Argentina-US tariff relations in 2025 depends significantly on ongoing negotiations between both governments regarding trade policy adjustments and bilateral economic cooperation. Argentina is actively negotiating tariff reductions with US officials, suggesting potential flexibility in the current tariff structure. These discussions may lead to sector-specific agreements that could reduce barriers for particular industries while maintaining protection for sensitive domestic sectors.
The implementation of the US universal 10% tariff effective April 5, 2025, represents a significant shift in bilateral trade relations that will likely influence Argentina’s own trade policy decisions throughout the year. Argentina has gained relevance as an attractive market amid these tariff changes, with local reforms aimed at easing imports, reducing taxes, and simplifying logistics to maintain competitiveness. The ongoing evolution of both countries’ trade policies will continue to shape the economic relationship, with potential for both increased cooperation and continued protection of key domestic industries as both nations navigate the complex global trade environment of 2025.
Disclaimer: The data research report we present here is based on information found from various sources. We are not liable for any financial loss, errors, or damages of any kind that may result from the use of the information herein. We acknowledge that though we try to report accurately, we cannot verify the absolute facts of everything that has been represented.
