Bush Offers Argentina Greater Access to the U.S. Import Market

WASHINGTON — Reluctant to support a new bailout for Argentina, President Bush granted trade benefits to the crisis-hit country Wednesday giving its exporters greater access to the U.S. market.

The White House said the benefits, approved by presidential proclamation, could help ease Argentina’s economic crisis. They could also improve the administration’s standing in the region. Bush and his top advisors have been wary of pledging U.S. tax dollars to bail out Argentina, which is suffering a four-year recession.

The White House said the proclamation provides duty-free access for 57 types of imports, from leather products and dried apples to gold and silver jewelry. These imports totaled $126 million in 2001. Argentina had previously lost the benefits because it exceeded export limits.

Additional products could receive similar privileges once the United States and Argentina settle a long-running dispute over Argentine patent laws on pharmaceuticals, U.S. trade officials said.

Latin America has been frustrated by the Bush administration’s slow response to the Argentine crisis, which has dragged down the economies of Brazil and Uruguay and threatens others in the region.