Trump's new tariffs put Argentina's Milei in US-China crossfire

A fresh wave of US tariffs, driven largely by Washington's escalating trade war with Beijing, is putting Argentina's President Javier Milei in an increasingly difficult position, analysts say.

Milei has staked much of his foreign policy on closer ties with Washington, aligning Argentina with the United States on trade and security matters since taking office. At the same time, China remains a critical economic partner, buying Argentine soy exports and providing currency-swap lines that have helped shore up the country's depleted reserves.

Experts warn that Washington's latest tariff push, part of a broader trade confrontation with Beijing, could complicate that balancing act and potentially harm investment flows into Argentina. How Milei's government responds is expected to be closely watched as the US-China rivalry shows few signs of easing.