WTO Rules and Argentina's Import Controls

摘要

During the last decade Argentina has developed a broad import control system, adopting multiple measures that have stacked up on top of each other. As a result, Argentina has become one of the most protectionist countries in the world according to Global Trade Alert. Is there a pattern in the evolution of these measures? Were all of them WTO compliant? What is the purpose of this import control system? Why is it that no WTO consultations or disputes were initiated in connection with this matter? Is it possible to do business in Argentina in this context? This article aims at introducing this case to scholars and practitioners in the international community by describing the evolution of Argentina's current import control system - including the reactions of importers and other nations - providing preliminary answers to the questions raised above, and providing a forecast of Argentina's international trade policy for the near future.