Argentina

Argentina is among the largest economies in South America and a member of the G-20 and the regional trading group Mercosur. It is an upper-middle-income country with a human capital index above the Latin American average and the average for its income group. It has high levels of literacy, education and health. It is rich in natural resources, including arable land, gas, oil, lithium, and gold. Increases in shale oil and gas production from Vaca Muerta promise to make the country a net energy exporter by 2020. It also has great potential for solar and wind energy. Agriculture is export orientated and accounted for 51 percent of exports in 2017. The main agricultural exports are soybeans and related products, cereals, and beef. It also has a diversified industrial sector, with strong links to agriculture: agricultural machinery, beverages, and food processing. It also has a large automotive and automotive parts sector. ICT services accounted for 9.5 percent of exports in 2017. In recent years there has been increased investment to expand the broadband and fibre-optic networks. Argentina's politics and economy have been volatile over the last 140 years, with periods of high economic growth followed by severe recessions. Democracy was restored in 1983 and marked a turn towards greater economic liberalisation. Inflation remained a problem, but this was addressed by pegging the peso to the dollar in 1991. Privatisation, deregulation, and trade liberalisation then led to a period of strong growth, but by 2001 recession, high unemployment, and decades of excessive public borrowing led Argentina to default on its debt. In 2002, a floating exchange rate was adopted which led to an export led recovery and strong growth in tourism. The 2008 global recession led to a slowdown and the government responded by tightening capital controls and protectionism. These were somewhat reversed in 2015, and strong growth returned. The government also passed important pension, tax, and fiscal reforms. In 2018, external shocks put pressure on the economy and the government asked the IMF for help to stabilise the economy. Growth is expected to return over the next few years.

What free trade areas or economic unions is it a member of?

Member of the Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR) since 26/03/1991

Other members:

Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay

What trade deals are there between Southern Common Market and other countries and economic unions?

MERCOSUR - Egypt free trade agreement (from 26/04/2024)

MERCOSUR - Israel free trade agreement (from 26/04/2024)

MERCOSUR - Lebanon free trade agreement (from 26/04/2024)

MERCOSUR - State of Palestine free trade agreement (from 26/04/2024)

MERCOSUR - CAN free trade area (from 31/12/2003)

MERCOSUR - India partial scope agreement (from 01/06/2009)

MERCOSUR - SACU partial scope agreement (from 01/04/2016)

MERCOSUR - Mexico partial scope agreement (from 28/12/2016)

MERCOSUR - Chile partial scope agreement (from 10/03/2017)

What trade deals are there with other countries and economic unions?

Argentina - Mexico partial scope agreement (from 01/01/1987)