The Trump administration announced on Thursday that it has secured preliminary trade frameworks with four Latin American countries: Argentina, Ecuador, El Salvador, and Guatemala. This development marks a strategic move aimed at bolstering the sale of U.S. industrial and agricultural products in these markets.

According to a senior official from the administration, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, these frameworks are part of the administration’s broader strategy to reshape global trade dynamics. The White House has indicated that these agreements, while not yet finalized, are expected to be signed within the next two weeks. They represent a key component of President Donald Trump’s plan to overhaul international commerce standards through the application of broad tariffs.

The agreements encompass various areas, notably reducing nontariff barriers and eliminating tariffs on American-made goods. Additionally, they include commitments from these countries not to levy digital services taxes on U.S. companies. The frameworks also propose tariff relief on certain products imported from these nations, alongside the removal and streamlining of import licenses. Furthermore, the agreements aim to address and resolve issues related to intellectual property rights.

In a related context, the Trump administration previously announced tariffs at the end of July, imposing a 10% tax on goods imported from Argentina, El Salvador, and Guatemala, where the U.S. enjoys a trade surplus. However, products from Ecuador face a higher tariff rate of 15%, reflecting the trade deficit the U.S. has with this country.

Under the tariffs previously announced at the end of July by Trump, goods imported from Argentina, El Salvador and Guatemala are taxed at 10%, as the U.S. runs a trade surplus with each of those countries. Products from Ecuador, with which America runs a trade deficit, are taxed at 15%.

Guatemala President Bernardo Arévalo called the framework “good news” and said his country would be in a position to attract new investments.

He said that 70% of the products Guatemala exports to the U.S. will face zero tariffs under the framework, as exclusions are granted for goods the U.S. is unable to make. All other goods would still be subject to the 10% tariff.

The U.S. senior administration official said that tariffs in these nations could be reduced on coffee, cocoa and bananas.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Trump have each suggested that the tariffs are being relaxed as affordability issues are a key concern for U.S. voters.

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Pérez D. reported from Guatemala City, Guatemala.