Text Only
Search

 
New US-Colombia Free Trade Pact Applauded by Some, Feared by Others

28 February 2006

A major U.S. business group, the Chamber of Commerce, is applauding the new free trade pact between the United States and Colombia. But Colombian poultry farmers say greater market access for U.S. agricultural goods could hurt their businesses.

The deal was finished Monday after two years of talks.

If the agreement is ratified, Colombia will end tariffs on American beef, cotton, and on many grains and fruits. Eighty percent of U.S. exports of consumer and industrial products will gain tariff-free access to Colombia.

Colombia will retain barriers on imports of U.S. rice.

Under an existing pact, Colombia already has broad duty-free access to the U.S. market. U.S. quotas on Colombian sugar will increase each year.

The Bush administration plans to send the agreement to Congress in the next few months. Colombia's legislature must also ratify it.

Some information for this report was provided by AP.

emailme.gif E-mail This Article
printerfriendly.gif Print Version

  Related Stories
Suspected Colombian Rebels Kill At Least 7
Colombia Replaces Army Head Over Hazing Scandal
 
  Top Story
Honduras Refuses Plane with Ousted President Zelaya

  More Stories
Ethnic Violence in China's Xinjiang Region, 140 Dead
Obama En Route to Russia Summit  Audio Clip Available
Top Iran Religious Body Criticizes Election Results
Two British Soldiers Killed in Afghanistan
Netanyahu Calls for 'Two States for Two Peoples';  Audio Clip Available
Ghana Prepares for Obama Visit  Video clip available
Pakistani Airstrikes Kill 6 Militants in North Waziristan
Biden Celebrates US Independence Day with Troops in Iraq
Nigeria's Oil Communities Blame Oil Industry for Misery
Olympic Stars Phelps and Torres to Headline US National Swimming Championships