U.S.-Argentina Trade Deal Reshapes Agricultural Market Access

The U.S. trade deal with Argentina creates new export opportunities for U.S. livestock and crop producers but also raises competitive concerns.

ARGENTINIAN CATTLE_PHOTO BY FOTO4440 VIA AdobeStock_256925881.jpg

Steers in a pasture in Pampas, Argentina.

Photo by foto4440 via Adobe Stock

NASHVILLE, TENN. (RFD NEWS) — A newly signed U.S.–Argentina trade agreement is set to reshape agricultural trade flows while deepening broader economic ties between the two countries. The deal, backed by President Donald Trump and Argentine President Javier Milei, lowers tariffs and expands market access, with implications for both farm exports and domestic supply dynamics.

The agreement signed on Thursday reduces or eliminates tariffs on a wide range of goods, including agricultural products, as part of a broader effort to increase bilateral trade and investment. U.S. officials say the framework is designed to open new markets for American producers while lowering costs for consumers.

For agriculture, key provisions include improved access for U.S. exports and expanded duty-reduced quotas for Argentine beef entering the U.S. market. Argentina also agreed to streamline regulatory requirements for U.S. beef and pork shipments, which could increase trade volumes.

Impacts will vary by sector: grain and oilseed markets will monitor competitive dynamics in South America, while U.S. cattle producers will monitor potential pressure from increased beef imports.

The agreement now moves into implementation, with details and timelines expected to guide marketing and production decisions in the months ahead.

Farm-Level Takeaway: The trade deal creates new export opportunities but also raises competitive considerations for U.S. livestock and crop producers.
Tony St. James, RFD NEWS Markets Specialist

Related Stories
Shrinking slaughter capacity may delay heifer retention, complicating herd rebuilding plans.
Securing Critical Water Resources for South Texas Agriculture
RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney says farmers there are already sounding the alarm about what this could mean for the future of ag research.
Clearer 45Z rules favor U.S. oilseeds, but final RFS volumes remain critical to locking in demand.
Clear right-to-repair guidance reduces downtime, repair costs, and operational risk.
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller discusses the state’s latest efforts to prevent the New World screwworm from reaching Texas.
Economists are also closely watching how policy decisions in Washington could influence markets moving forward. Analysts say deferred futures for corn, soybeans, and wheat suggest markets are operating near break-even levels, not at prices that would encourage expanded production.
The biggest development of 2025 in agricultural law and taxation was the signing into law on July 4 of the Trump Administration’s landmark legislation, the “One Big Beautiful Bill” Act (OBBBA)
House Agriculture Committee Chairman “GT” Thompson is pushing a “Farm Bill 2.0.”

Tony St. James joined the RFD-TV talent team in August 2024, bringing a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to RFD-TV and Rural Radio Channel 147 Sirius XM. In addition to his role as Market Specialist (collaborating with Scott “The Cow Guy” Shellady to provide radio and TV audiences with the latest updates on ag commodity markets), he hosts “Rural America Live” and serves as talent for trade shows.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Winter Weather And Markets Reshape Agriculture Nationwide This Week
Shrinking sheep numbers contrast with gradual goat expansion, signaling tighter lamb supplies but steadier growth potential for meat goats.
Falling livestock prices, combined with higher input costs, continue to squeeze farm profitability heading into 2026.
Smaller cow numbers and a declining calf crop point to prolonged tight cattle supplies, limiting near-term herd rebuilding potential.
Strong rail demand and higher fuel costs raise transportation risk even as barge and export flows stabilize.
Record milk output looks strong today, but shrinking replacement numbers mean future supply adjustments could be faster and more volatile.