BUENOS AIRES, Feb 6 (Reuters) – A key minerals deal signed this week between Argentina and the United States does not exclude Chinese investment in the country’s mining industry, Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno said on Friday.
“As of today, this does not mean that China cannot or will not participate in investments in Argentina. In fact, China has mineral investments in Argentina,” Quirno said at a news conference.
The deal was announced after a meeting of more than 50 countries in Washington this week, with US Vice President J.D. Vance proposing a trade union for critical minerals and a system for the US to set price floors for commodities.
The two countries also finalized a reciprocal trade and investment agreement on Thursday, with Argentina pledging to prioritize the United States as a trading partner for its copper, lithium and other critical minerals over “economies or companies manipulating markets” – a reference to China.
“Argentina’s agreement with the United States provides greater predictability so that U.S. companies, already major investors in Argentina, can increase their investments,” Quirno said.
Quirno said Argentina was also seeking more “flexibility” within the Mercosur trade bloc, which also includes Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay, with Bolivia poised to become a full member.
(Reporting by Leila Miller; Writing by Brendan O’Boyle; Editing by Cassandra Garrison)
