President Mauricio Macri's administration announced the end of restrictions on imports into Argentina, with the current controls of 'sworn statements' or DJAI, replaced by a system of automatic and semi-automatic licences.
The administration of president Cristina Fernandez confirmed to Argentine business leaders that customs restrictions on imports will stay in place, despite strong international pressure for barriers to be lifted.
The World Trade Organization (WTO) ruling against Argentina triggers no immediate modification of the country’s trade administration, Cabinet Chief Jorge Capitanich pointed out adding a “comprehensive and detailed analysis of the ruling’s terms” is needed.
A high level Brazilian government delegation is scheduled to arrive in Buenos Aires on Tuesday to discuss the 'urgent' re-opening of the Argentine market for Brazilian auto exports that have dropped 32% since the beginning of the year because of unilateral decisions from the administration of president Cristina Fernandez.
European Union member states agreed to impose punitive duties on imports of biodiesel from Argentina and Indonesia, which are accused of selling it into the bloc at unfairly low prices, according to diplomats. Argentina has anticipated it will take the case to the World Trade Organization.
Brazilian president Dilma Rousseff said it was ‘absurd’ that in the context of Mercosur the free circulation of goods was non existent and expressed disappointment with Argentina’s obstacles, but nevertheless insisted dialogue was the only valid instrument to overcome trade differences.
The first week of negotiations in years between the European Union and Mercosur to reach a political and trade association agreement that took place in Buenos Aires did not end well.