US slam Argentine 'protectionism'

"Argentina's protectionist measures adversely affect a broad segment of US industry, which exports billions of dollars in goods each year to Argentina. These exports support jobs and businesses here at home," US Trade Representative Ron Kirk said in an emailed statement.

"The Obama Administration insists that all of our trading partners play by the rules and uphold their WTO obligations so that American workers receive the benefits negotiated in our agreements."

The two complaints follow similar litigation brought by the European Union in May.

More than 20 WTO members have voiced criticisms of Argentina's rules. The US and Japanese complaints both allege that Argentina's rules are unjustified by the WTO rulebook.

EU and US officials say Argentina's rules have effectively restricted all imports since its procedures were tightened in February 2012.

"Argentina may claim that companies enter into these arrangements voluntarily, but many of the (WTO) members supporting this statement share concerns that it may be operating otherwise," US Ambassador to the WTO Michael Punke said in March, in a statement backed by 13 WTO members.