Amid the turbulence facing the world in commercial matters for tariffs imposed by the United States and that enter into force on the next of August, Colombia, which is no stranger to the situation, It is advancing in negotiations with the American giant to eliminate or reduce the 10% applied in April, although under a confidentiality agreement, according to the Mincomercio.
(Read: Are companies prepared for new US tariffs?)
The head of the portfolio, Diana Morales, in recent days said that Colombia already had a “strategic, technical and structured” letter arranged to initiate a negotiation with the United States, with review in some of the commercial irritants. This letter was sent on July 16.
Portfolio in consultation of the portfolio knew that between both countries the technical dialogue and permanent communication predominates. “There is an important advance and we have talked about a road map”, They say. However, the Mincomercio clarified that there is a confidentiality agreement between the parties on the negotiations.
“That is why what can be mentioned is that the parties have all the will and from the Government we bet on the defense of our national production and our business fabric”, They affirm. Along the same lines, the president of the Colombian Chamber of Commerce (Amcham Colombia), María Claudia Lacouture, assured this means that there are pending issues and active bilateral work channels, which could be feeding an implicit negotiation.
“It should be noted that no country has achieved a complete exemption from the new tariff scheme, which establishes a 10%floor. Therefore, Colombia must be prepared to act quickly, technical support and institutional unit”He explained.
(See more: They publish zero tariff project to supplies to make shoes)
There are pending issues and active bilateral work channels, which could be feeding an implicit negotiation.
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Another point to consider has to do with the negotiations that the United States is prioritizing. According to Lacouture, despite the fact that Colombia sent the letter on July 16, the US administration has decided to expedite applications according to the order of arrival and the size of the commercial deficit, “What has located Colombia in a kind of technical waiting list”
“Therefore, from Amcham Colombia we believe that, although the process left with a certain lag, there are still opportunities if the country moves with strategic approach and diplomatic clarity,” he said.
From another point of view, one of the high points of the commercial theme has to do with The letters that the US government has been sending to each of its commercial partners with the decision of the taxes that will be applied to them and that will govern since August.
(See also: The European Union enlista gradual tariff response)
The US administration has decided to expedite applications according to the order of arrival and the size of the commercial deficit.
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On that front, the president of Amcham explained that although there is an absence of a formal response by the USA. UU. It should not be interpreted as a closure, but as a window of opportunity.
“Unlike countries that have already received official notifications, in some unfavorable cases, Colombia keeps open technical and political interlocution channels“, said.
He added that the key is now to strengthen the joint work with the US government., Both at the executive and legislative level, and support this strategy with the contest of the productive sectors. “Preferential access to the US market has been one of the great promoters of Colombian development, and today more than ever we must protect it with long -term vision”He said.
For its part, The trade portfolio reiterated that the approach with the United States is a dialogue with procedures and guidelines that must be followed under conditions of discretion. “For that reason, and as already mentioned, there is a confidentiality agreement,” they say.
(See: Concern in the coffee industry of A. Latina for Donald Trump tariffs)
Preferential access to the US market has been one of the great promoters of Colombian development.
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What worries
The United States business manager in Colombia, John McNamara, has been reiterating Washington’s concern for certain business practices and Non -tariff barriers imposed by Colombia in sectors such as automotive and agricultural.
One of the biggest points of concern is about a possible increase in tariffs. The United States, until today, assigned a 10% rate for the country. However, In his movements the American has shown the intention of changing them or increasing them with those commercial partners who do not show the will to negotiate.
In that sense, McNamara has been emphatic in ensuring that the American government has maintained continuous contact with the Colombian private sector, Through channels such as Andi or Amcham Colombia.
(Read more: US tariffs. UU. Again)
The 10%tariff, so far it has not been a problem, as this rate is generalized for most countries.
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But, the official warned that if “pragmatic” agreements, Washington would be in the willingness to apply new tariffs to Colombian products.
From another point of view, Lacouture reiterated that although the 10%tariff, so far it has not been a problem, since this rate is generalized, not all Colombian products compete in equivalent conditions. “In sectors where Colombia directly faces countries such as Mexico, which do enjoy preferential access with 0%tariff. The impact has been negative, affecting Colombian competitiveness”He said.
“Therefore, negotiation is key. It is not only about seeking equal treatment, but to prevent competitors from achieving bilateral agreements that place them in a better relative position, leaving Colombia lagging behind. This would directly affect employment, investment and national productive chains”, He concluded.
(Read: Japan and the United States reach an agreement with 15%tariffs: what is it?)
Colombia has managed to maintain its competitiveness in several strategic sectors.
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‘The 10% tariff is the new 0%’: Amcham Colombia
According to what was said by Maria Claudia Lacouture, the 10 % tariff imposed by the United States has become practice, the “new 0 %”, since most countries face similar conditions under the new tariff scheme.
“In this context, Colombia has managed to maintain its competitiveness in several strategic sectors. Between January and May, coffee exports grew more than 100%, flowers increased 6.4%and 54%fruits, according to data from the US Census Bureau”He said.
Likewise, the directive added that these results show that, despite the new environment, The country continues to keep relating advantages thanks to the NAFTA, to its geographical proximity and its logistics capacity.
(Read: Trump asks countries to open their markets’ to give up with their tariffs)
Diana K. Rodríguez T.
Portfolio journalist
