US signs agreements to improve meat trade with four Latin American countries
Framework deals aim to improve market access for US meat, poultry, and dairy products. Countries involved include Argentina, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Ecuador.
USA – President Donald Trump has signed preliminary agreements with Argentina, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Ecuador aimed at easing trade restrictions on US meat and agricultural exports.
The White House stated that these deals are intended to provide US farmers, ranchers, fishermen, and small manufacturers greater access to these markets and expand commercial opportunities.
Under the framework with Argentina, the country will simplify product registration for US beef, beef products, beef offal, and pork products, as well as open its market to US live cattle.
Argentina has also agreed to provide market access for US poultry within a year and will not restrict trade for products that use specific cheese or meat descriptors.
Both governments plan to collaborate on addressing non-tariff barriers that have previously complicated trade in food and agricultural products.
The initial framework maintains a reciprocal tariff of 10% on imports from Argentina, Guatemala, and El Salvador, while Ecuador’s goods entering the US remain subject to a 15% tariff.
A senior administration official told Politico that US beef is expected to be exempted from the 10% tariff on Argentine imports, emphasizing that market forces will determine immediate supply needs.
Ecuador has committed to revising its import licensing and facility registration procedures for food and agricultural goods to improve transparency and predictability, reducing unnecessary trade obstacles for US exports.
The country has additionally promised that market access will not be limited solely due to the use of particular cheese or meat terms.
Guatemala agreed to address obstacles affecting US agricultural products, including recognizing existing certificates issued by US regulatory authorities and respecting US regulatory oversight.
El Salvador similarly pledged to prevent barriers to US agricultural goods, ensuring the acceptance of certificates currently agreed upon by US regulators.
The White House said it aims to finalize the agreements with all four countries in the coming weeks, moving from provisional frameworks toward formal trade arrangements.
These preliminary deals represent ongoing efforts to adjust US trade relationships in the region while providing legal clarity and operational predictability for exporters.
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