In a global context marked by complexity and uncertainty, Argentina faces the challenge of redefining its international insertion strategy. The World Trade Organization (WTO) is weakened and Mercosur requires an update to respond to new economic and political realities.
Martin Pineirodirector of the CARI Agriculture Committee; Agustín Tejeda RodríguezUndersecretary of Agri-Food Markets and International Insertion of the Bioeconomy Secretariat, and Marcelo CimaSecretary of Economic Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Worship, analyze the perspectives and proposals for competitive participation.
“One of the factors that impact the international marketing map is the political and economic fragmentation between the West, with the United States as the standard bearer, and Asia, with China as the reference, complicates the terms of trade negotiations,” says Martín Piñeiro.
According to IMF data, global foreign trade fell 2% in the last three years, and exchange between countries in specific blocs decreased 5%. This division forces reconsider traditional international trade strategies.
“Argentine agricultural exports demand a change in strategy”says the specialist. Its relevance is crucial and indisputable, representing 70% of the country’s total sales, but Piñeiro warns about concentration in terms of products and destinations: Five trade nomenclatures represent 80% of exports, and ten countries comprise 65% of the total. The geopolitics of food adds an additional layer of complexity to negotiations, especially with the weakening of the WTO.
For his part, the Undersecretary of Agri-Food Markets and International Insertion of the Bioeconomy Secretariat, presents a strategy based on bioeconomy and proposes position Argentina as a leading supplier of food and other goods, taking advantage of the country’s strengths and competitive advantages.
The key, according to Tejeda Rodríguez, is a diversified international insertion based on trust and sustainability. “In international trade there is a reconfiguration of demand, a new geopolitical scenario and new environmental requirements that impose barriers outside the WTO. Argentina has to take advantage of this emerging scenario to carry out an insertion based on the bioeconomy chains”.
To implement this strategy, Tejeda Rodríguez emphasizes the need to macroeconomic stabilization and deregulation at the sectoral level. This includes the elimination of equilibrium volumes in corn, the elimination of trusts and maximum prices for grains, and the reduction of tariffs on fertilizers and herbicides. The goal is the elimination of distorting taxes that affect the competitiveness of Argentine products.
The political agenda for international insertion includes the elimination of restrictions, the opening of new markets and product differentiation. Asia and Africa emerge as dynamic markets, while Latin America and the Caribbean present significant opportunities for corn. In a world with 700 million people facing famine, Argentina can play a crucial role in solving these global problems.
Marcelo Cima highlights the role of Chancellery in pushing trade negotiations, underscoring the need to play by the rules of developed countries and adjust Argentine legislation accordingly. Although he acknowledges the current difficulties, Cima is optimistic about the possibility of closing trade agreements, especially with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA).
The Argentine Government also seeks to advance agreements together with Mercosur, proposing updates to the operation of the customs union. Top mentions three areas of modernization: financialto avoid excessive expenses; institutionalto streamline processes, and in the decision makingso that the position of a single member country cannot block the positions of the other three.
Argentina’s international insertion faces multiple challenges in a changing world. With strategies based on diversification, sustainability and elimination of trade barriers, the country seeks to consolidate its position in the global market. The modernization of Mercosur and the opening of new markets are crucial steps on this path, reflecting the need to adapt to an increasingly complex and competitive international environment.
