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
According to November’s Cattle on Feed Report, Nebraska now leads the nation in cattle feeding as tighter supplies continue to reshape regional market power and long-term price dynamics.
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) estimates that the move will save farmers and ranchers $2.5 billion each year. The group warns that new methods for calculating the adverse-effect wage rate would result in lower pay for foreign workers.
Higher rail tariffs and tighter Canadian supplies will keep oat transportation costs firm into 2026.
Lower U.S. and Mexican production means tighter sugar supplies and greater reliance on imports headed into 2026.
Tyson’s closure reflects deep supply shortages in the U.S. cattle industry, tightening packing capacity, weakening competition, and signaling more volatility ahead for cow-calf producers and feedyards.
Mike Steenhoek of the Soy Transportation Coalition discusses industry reactions to the proposed Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern merger, the Surface Transportation Board’s review process, and current conditions on the Mississippi River.
Richard Gupton of the Agricultural Retailers Association explains a new resource designed to help farmers comply with ESA-related pesticide label requirements.
Sen. Roger Marshall discusses the Senate’s unanimous passage of the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act and what expanded milk options could mean for students and dairy farmers. Industry groups say it is a win for student nutrition and dairy producers.
Lower tariff rates and new rail-service proposals may improve corn movement efficiency during early-season marketing.

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:

SDRP Stage 2 now helps producers recover shallow, uninsured losses from major 2023–2024 disasters, with streamlined sign-ups open through April 30.
Tyson’s capacity cuts weaken local basis, tighten kill space, and heighten dependence on imports, signaling more volatility for producers.
Low farmer shares reflect deep consolidation across the food chain, keeping producer returns thin even as retail food prices remain high.
Strong yields and higher cattle prices helped stabilize conditions, but weak crop prices and rising carryover debt remain major challenges for Eleventh District farmers.
Corn exports remain strong, while soybeans and wheat shift week to week on river conditions and global demand.
A regional snapshot of harvest pace, crop conditions, logistics, and livestock economics across U.S. agriculture, prepared by RFD-TV Markets Specialist Tony St. James, for the week of Monday, November 24, 2025.