Did 'Following Trump' Work... Trump Says "Considering Argentina FTA Agreement"

Trump Considers Argentina FTA at White House
Calls Milei, the "Trump of Argentina," an "Excellent Leader"
Contrasting Stances Toward Mexico, Brazil, and Other South American Countries

Javier Milei, President of Argentina, is delivering his inaugural speech in front of a crowd at the Federal Congress in Buenos Aires on December 10, 2023 (local time). Donald Trump, President of the United States, announced on the 3rd (local time) that he is considering signing a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Argentina. / AFP News Agency · Yonhap News Agency

Amid President Donald Trump's global tariff wars, he announced on the 3rd (local time) that he is considering signing a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Argentina. The close relationship with President Javier Milei, known as the "Trump of Argentina," is seen as a factor strengthening the economic cooperation link between the two countries.

At the White House on the same day, during an event announcing the investment plans of Taiwan's TSMC, the world's largest foundry (semiconductor contract manufacturing) company, Trump was asked about the possibility of FTA negotiations between the U.S. and Argentina. He responded that he would consider signing an FTA with Argentina.

President Trump is turning his blade toward South American countries. He is in conflict with Panama over control of the Panama Canal, and from the 4th, he plans to impose an additional 25% tariff on Mexico and Canada. Brazil, a major steel importer for the U.S. along with Canada and Mexico, is expected to be hit hard by the 25% steel and aluminum tariff policy starting on the 12th.

In the midst of this, Trump publicly expressed seemingly preferential remarks toward Argentina. He praised President Milei as an "excellent leader."

The background of Trump's friendliness toward Argentina is believed to be President Milei's "close alignment" with Trump. Since taking office at the end of 2023, President Milei has advocated pro-American policies and, around the launch of Trump's second term, openly sided with the U.S. He showed no notable moves during the previous Biden administration but quickly shifted his stance starting with the Trump administration. In November last year, after the U.S. presidential election, Milei was among the first national leaders to meet then President-elect Trump.

Last month, President Milei visited the '2025 Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC)' held in National Harbor, Maryland, U.S., where he discussed economic reforms and bilateral cooperation with Trump. Both presidents share common policies focusing on federal budget cuts and downsizing the public sector. According to the U.S. Embassy in Argentina, Trump has agreed to invite President Milei to the White House within a few months.

Meanwhile, Argentina's unilateral moves have raised concerns about potential instability in the South American economic community, the Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR). According to Brazilian media outlet G1, MERCOSUR member countries have strict provisions limiting trade agreements with countries outside the bloc. In an interview with Bloomberg in January, President Milei stated that if MERCOSUR opposes an FTA with the U.S., Argentina might consider withdrawing from the bloc.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.