Following Donald Trump's return to the U.S. presidency and renewed threats of tariffs on countries like Argentina and Brazil, global trade strategies are rapidly evolving. In this shifting landscape, AmCham Argentina (the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Argentina) has identified substantial opportunities for Argentina's agroindustrial sector - if the country can navigate key policy and economic reforms.

A recent AmCham report highlights the implications of Executive Order 14257, which established a universal 10% tariff on all U.S. imports, up from the previous 2.5%. While some countries have negotiated temporary suspensions, the baseline tariff remains in effect for Argentina.

According to AmCham, Argentina has a rare chance to capitalize on emerging trade dynamics, particularly the U.S. push for nearshoring and friendshoring. The Chamber notes a break in traditional trade logic, suggesting that Argentina's competitive advantages in agriculture, renewable energy, and biotechnology could make it a strategic player in reconfigured global supply chains.

Argentina must address structural challenges to seize this moment. AmCham stresses the need to build dynamic export ecosystems and align institutionalworks with international standards. They emphasize the strategic importance of sectors like agriculture, mining, oil & gas, and digital innovation in transforming the national export profile.

The agroindustry, in particular, stands out. Agtech and foodtech are expected to help Argentina boost agricultural exports to over $43 billion by 2033, surpassing even the oil & gas sector. This would represent a sevenfold increase in export value, positioning ag as the leading force in Argentina's economic transformation.

Other projections include $33 billion from digital and biotech services and $16 billion from copper and lithium mining. However, AmCham cautions that realizing this potential requires macroeconomic stability, judicial security, market access, and tax reform.

AmCham urges removal of structural barriers, including restricted access to foreign exchange, excessive tax burdens, and inconsistent policy cycles. Loterm competitiveness depends on clear rules, institutional credibility, and labor reform, the report concludes.

"In a fragmented and competitive world, Argentina has the assets to become a global player - but only with a clear and stable investment environment," AmCham stated.