Lamelas: US support beyond 2027 depends on Argentina’s move ‘to the right’
US Ambassador Peter Lamelas says Washington was looking to mobilise up to US$20 billion in investment and financing by the end of 2027, with Vaca Muerta a key destination, but says continued support is conditional on Argentina’s political direction. Leer más
US ambassador Peter Lamelas stated on Tuesday that the Trump administration will continue to provide financial backing for investment projects in Argentina, specifically under President Javier Milei's government, if the country continues its "rightward" political trajectory. At a meeting in Neuquén, part of the Argentina Oil & Gas Patagonia 2026 forum, Lamelas disclosed that the US is assessing additional projects in Argentina's energy, mining, and infrastructure sectors, with potential funding up to $20 billion.
This is nearly three times the $7 billion infrastructure package previously agreed upon for the US-Argentina "Andes-Atlantic Corridor" initiative, focusing on the Vaca Muerta oil and gas formation. The funds are earmarked until 2027, which coincides with the presidential election in the second half of next year. Lamelas emphasized that the US will support Milei's government and the Argentine people as long as the country moves "to the right" and not "to the left."
The US institutions involved include the Export-Import Bank (EXIM), the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), and the State Department. The ambassador also mentioned working with the DFC to finance five strategic projects worth nearly $10 billion, though he did not specify if these were part of the $20 billion package.
Milei, who has become a close ally of Trump in Latin America, secured significant influence in Congress after winning the previous election, bolstering his ability to implement reforms.
Written by urgent.news from Buenos Aires Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
