U.S. delegation arrives in Chile to negotiate Trump-era tariffs

A U.S. trade delegation from the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has arrived in Chile to begin bilateral negotiations aimed at exempting Chilean exports from tariffs imposed by the Trump administration. The tariffs, announced in late July, range from 10% to 12.5% on imports from 60 economies, cited as a measure against "insufficient efforts to combat forced labor."

Chile is specifically seeking to exclude key export products such as salmon, fresh and frozen fruits, wines, and wood products from these new duties. Copper, Chile's primary export to the U.S., was initially exempted, but the government aims to secure similar relief for other sectors.

Paula Estévez, Chile's Undersecretary of International Economic Relations, met with U.S. Commercial Representative Jeffrey Goettman for a two-day agenda in the capital. The arrival of Goettman, announced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in late July, has generated significant expectations among Chilean business associations and economic sectors affected by the tariffs.

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the concern is maximum

Industry leaders have expressed deep concern. Rodrigo O’Ryan, president of the Chilean Timber Corporation, stated that "the concern is maximum" and that "any reduction in demand or exports has a substantial impact." Loreto Seguel, president of the Salmon Council, emphasized the importance of these talks, saying, "It is important that these conversations allow us to move towards a favorable resolution for Chile and continue building on a long-term commercial relationship with the United States."

Last year, Chilean exports to the U.S. totaled $17.741 billion, with mining products accounting for $9.412 billion. U.S. is the main destination for Chilean salmon, with exports to the North American country exceeding $2 billion last year. The outcome of these negotiations is critical for the Chilean economy, which relies heavily on its trade relationship with the United States.

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It is important that these conversations allow us to move towards a favorable resolution for Chile and continue building on a long-term commercial relationship with the United States.