Argentine President Javier Milei surprised the conservative world by announcing a tariff-free trade agreement with the United States during his participation in the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC).
This deal, presented as a «milestone for free trade,» eliminates tariff barriers between both nations and fulfills Milei’s November 2024 promise to strengthen ties with Donald Trump’s incoming administration. For conservative Hispanics in the U.S., this step not only symbolizes a victory for the free market but also presents a tangible economic opportunity for Hispanic America.
🇦🇷🇺🇸#JustIn: Tariffs Zero.
President Milei is promoting a possible deal with tariffs 0% for the USA like President Trump announce early this month for every country.
Also the Argentinian want a Free Trade Commerce (TLC in spanish) to promote the markets between those countries. pic.twitter.com/JLBN5A7dxR
— zeroburocraciahub (@zeroburohub) February 22, 2025
Boosting Trade and the Economy.
The agreement has the potential to transform trade relations between the U.S. and Argentina. Currently, Argentina imposes an average tariff rate of 22% on imports, according to the U.S. International Trade Administration. By removing these barriers, sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and technology could experience significant growth.
This move aligns with Milei’s economic vision, as he has already cut 30,000 public sector jobs and is seeking U.S. support in negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), as highlighted in his interview with Radio Rivadavia.
Milei on the Global Stage: U.S. and China.
The CPAC announcement is not an isolated event. Milei plans to visit China in March 2025 to explore new trade opportunities, demonstrating a pragmatic approach that balances relations with global powers. This dual strategy underscores his commitment to maximizing Argentina’s benefits without adhering to rigid ideological alignments—a message that could inspire conservative leaders in the U.S.
A Bridge to American Conservatism.
CPAC, which held its first event in Argentina in December 2024, was no random choice. Milei has gained admiration from conservative figures such as Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, key advisors to Trump, who see his fiscal reforms as a model of bold leadership. This connection could pave the way for broader collaborations, ranging from monetary policies to reducing government size—issues that deeply resonate with conservative Hispanic values in the U.S.
What Does This Mean for Hispanics in the U.S.?
This agreement positions Argentina as a strategic ally of the U.S. in Hispanic America, especially under a Trump administration that prioritizes bilateral trade. For our community, it signals that free-market policies and less government intervention can generate prosperity. It is also a reminder of the global impact that bold leaders like Milei can have.
About The Author
Maria Herrera Mellado
María Herrera Mellado es una abogada y analista política muy respetada. Licenciada en Derecho en EE.UU. y España, también tiene un doctorado en Ciencias Jurídicas y varios títulos de la Universidad de Granada (España), de la Universidad de Arizona y de la Florida International University. Con amplia experiencia en derecho internacional, asesoría en inversiones, representación en inmigración, y protección de la privacidad y lucha anticorrupción, ha asesorado a organizaciones y políticos europeos, estadounidenses e hispanoamericanos. Ha escrito sobre seguridad nacional e inmigración, protección de datos, derecho constitucional, consumo financiero y derecho bancario en revistas internacionales y coescribió libros publicados en Perú y Colombia. Es reconocida por su servicio comunitario en EE.UU. y es considerada una de las mujeres más influyentes de Florida. Es experta en varios idiomas y participa frecuentemente en debates en canales como Univisión, Fox, France 24, Telemundo y es la Editora Jefe de Gateway Hispanic.
María Herrera Mellado is a highly respected lawyer and political analyst. She holds law degrees from both the United States and Spain, as well as a Ph.D. in Legal Sciences and several diplomas from the University of Granada (Spain), the University of Arizona, and Florida International University. With extensive experience in international law, investment advisory, immigration representation, privacy protection, and anti-corruption efforts, she has advised organizations and politicians across Europe, the United States, and Hispanic America. She has written about national security and immigration, data protection, constitutional law, financial consumer protection, and banking law in international journals and co-authored books published in Peru and Colombia. Recognized for her community service in the United States, she is considered one of the most influential women in Florida. A polyglot, she frequently participates in debates on channels such as Univisión, Fox, France 24, Telemundo, and serves as the Editor-in-Chief of Gateway Hispanic.
