Doing Business In Argentina

Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela* joined the pact as associate members. By
1995, about 75 percent of tariff categories were included in the Common External Tariff
(CET) and the remaining categories will be phased-in by 2015. MERCOSUR represents
70 percent of the South American territory and 64 percent of its population. The Internet
address is as follows: www.mercosur.int.
*MERCOSUR-Venezuela
In July 2006, MERCOSUR members accepted Venezuela’s request to become a
MERCOSUR full member. Venezuela must adapt to MERCOSUR Common External
Tariff scheme within a four-year timeframe, and will gradually lose its benefits from being
part of the Andean Community of Nations. Final acceptance is still pending ratification
by the Brazilian and Paraguayan legislatures.
MERCOSUR negotiations with other economic blocs and countries:
MERCOSUR-European Union
The two blocs had made the commitment of reaching an agreement in the process of
integration by October 2004, but several differences between the blocs impeded final
negotiations. These are broad and include goods, services, investments, government
procurement, and intellectual property rights, among other issues.
MERCOSUR-Andean Community of Nations (Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru,
and Venezuela)
The agreement took place in October 2004 and contemplates the liberalization of 80
percent of trade between the blocs within the next ten years, beginning in 2005.
MERCOSUR-Mexico
In July 2004, Mexico was accepted by MERCOSUR as an “observer country” within the
bloc, toward its inclusion as associate member.
For additional information on trade regulations, customs and standards, visit the U.S.
Commercial Service in Buenos Aires (CSBA) web site at
http://www.buyusa.gov/argentina/en or contact CSBA at
Buenos.Aires.Office.Box@mail.doc.gov.
Web Resources Return to top
Ministry of Economy: www.mecon.gov.ar
Ministry of Foreing Affairs, International Trade and Worship: www.mrecic.gov.ar
Central Bank: http://www.bcra.gov.ar/. National self-governed institution, whose
primary and fundamental mission is to preserve the value of the Argentine currency.
It formulates and implements the monetary and financial policy and is officially not
3/4/2008