As you assess the upside of expanding into Argentina, you research its existing trade agreements with other countries. Of which economic community is Argentina a part? a.USMCA   b.Mercosur   c.BRIC   d.EU

Economics Today and Tomorrow, Student Edition
1st Edition
ISBN:9780078747663
Author:McGraw-Hill
Publisher:McGraw-Hill
Chapter20: The Global Economy
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 22AA
icon
Related questions
Question
As international businesses look to emerging markets for growth opportunities and access to resources, they will evaluate the business environments of the countries under consideration. Argentina is the largest country in South America, and its terrain includes mountains, lakes, glaciers, and grasslands. It is resource rich—producing soybeans, wheat, wine, and beef. It has more arable land per person than all but five nations in the world. Argentina has the world’s third largest shale-oil and gas fields. With a population of more than 45 million and rich natural resources, Argentina might seem to be a desirable market for international businesses. Despite this, Argentina is known as a rich country made poor. Consider these points of interest about Argentina.
In 1913, Argentina was the 10th wealthiest country in the world, ahead of Norway, France, Germany, and Japan. Today, it is in 85th place, behind Russia and China, with a per-capita income of $10,000.
Demographically, Argentina feels familiar to Americans—most Argentines are descended from European immigrants who came during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Still, in terms of time, Argentines operate with a slower pace of life. Overall its population is considered upper middle income. Argentines are avid when it comes to football (known as soccer to Americans). Its capital city, Buenos Aires, could easily be mistaken for Paris or Madrid. Wealthy Argentines live in opulent apartment buildings or in gated communities, wear designer clothes, and drink espresso out of tiny cups.
Although Argentina talks and walks like a European country, its style of doing business is distinctly that of a developing country. Because businesses face taxes, prohibitions, exemptions, and delays, the country ranks 115th on the World Bank's Doing Business index and 149th on the Heritage Foundation's Index of Economic Freedom. Transparency International ranks Argentina 66 out of 179 countries ranked in terms of corruption.
Argentina does not have a modern financial system. Only businesses with many years of operating history can qualify for things such as lines of credit or overdraft privileges. Credit cards are not a good option due to low limits and interest rates of up to 45%. The inflation rate is about 40%. Compare that to the inflation rate in the United States which hovers near zero. The unemployment rate is around 10%. Labor is inexpensive with even skilled workers earning relatively low wages.
Compared to other markets in Latin America, its infrastructure is reasonably well-developed but is need of repairs and improvements. Its economic system makes room for private enterprise while using centralized economic planning and government regulation of business. Incentives are offered to encourage businesses to invest in production facilities either through joint ventures or direct investment. As part of Mercosur, Argentina has signed Free Trade Agreements with Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Peru, Egypt, and Israel. Argentina continues to face political instability and property rights are insecure. For instance, YPF, an Argentine oil company, was nationalized in 2012. An ongoing government debt crisis and populist administrations create economic uncertainty. This could suggest a trend towards public ownership of manufacturing facilities. Despite the need for foreign capital, Argentina has largely closed itself from global trade. With so much to offer and yet so many challenges, Argentina’s future in the global economy remains unpredictable.
As you assess the upside of expanding into Argentina, you research its existing trade agreements with other countries. Of which economic community is Argentina a part?
a.USMCA
 
b.Mercosur
 
c.BRIC
 
d.EU
 
Expert Solution
Step 1

An economic community is a community that is formed by a group of countries to involve themselves for a common purpose or to achieve a common goal to regulate international trading. Forming an economic community can help the member nations to move the goods and services among themselves without any hurdles by having a commonly established economic policy. There are many economic communities like the EU and others formed for a purpose.

trending now

Trending now

This is a popular solution!

steps

Step by step

Solved in 2 steps

Blurred answer
Knowledge Booster
Comparative Advantage
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, economics and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Similar questions
  • SEE MORE QUESTIONS
Recommended textbooks for you
Economics Today and Tomorrow, Student Edition
Economics Today and Tomorrow, Student Edition
Economics
ISBN:
9780078747663
Author:
McGraw-Hill
Publisher:
Glencoe/McGraw-Hill School Pub Co