🇳🇮 Nicaragua vs 🇦🇷 Argentina Tariffs — Import Duty Comparison (2026)

Nicaragua and Argentina are both significant US trading partners, but their tariff profiles differ in important ways that affect import costs.

Both countries face the same base tariff rate of 10% on most goods entering the United States.

Both countries export Beef, Gold to the United States, creating direct competition in these sectors.

In terms of trade volume, Nicaragua accounts for approximately $4.5B in bilateral trade with the US, compared to Argentina's $14B.

Both countries are subject to the 10% Section 122 tariff imposed on February 24, 2026, following the Supreme Court's ruling striking down IEEPA tariffs. This rate expires approximately July 24, 2026 unless Congress extends it.

Nicaragua's advantages include: Trade agreement: CAFTA-DR (duty-free on qualifying goods); Unique export categories: Textiles, Coffee, Sugar. Argentina's advantages include: Higher US trade volume ($14B vs $4.5B); Unique export categories: Soybean oil, Crude oil, Wine.

With equivalent base tariff rates, the choice between Nicaragua and Argentina depends primarily on product-specific duties, shipping costs, lead times, and supply chain considerations rather than the base tariff rate.