USTR Seeking Input on Request for WTO Settlement Proceeding Regarding Argentina

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative is seeking comments on its Aug. 21 request for a World Trade Organization dispute settlement proceeding with the government of Argentina regarding certain measures imposed by Argentina on importation of goods, it said in a Federal Register notice scheduled for Sept. 4. The U.S. intends to raise several issues. One is that Argentina subjects the importation of all goods to approval of a non-automatic import license, and importation of certain goods to other product-specific non-automatic import licenses. Issuance and approval are systematically delayed or denied by Argentine authorities on non-transparent grounds, it said. In addition, Argentina often requires imports to undertake certain commitments, including to limit imports; balance imports with exports; make or increase investments in production facilities in Argentina; increase the local content of products made in-country, refrain from transferring revenue or other funds abroad; and/or to control the price of imported goods. These measures appear to be inconsistent with the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, Import Licensing Agreement, Agreement on Trade-Related Investment Measures, and Agreement on Safeguards, the USTR said.