Responsible for trade to address outstanding issues in the agreement; [9] However, during a visit by Colombian President Uribe in June 2009, Obama said he did not have a “strict timetable” for the deal, as the controversy over the safety of Colombian labor leaders continues. [11] The inability of the U.S. Congress to obtain approval of the Colombian Free Trade Agreement has had a negative impact on bilateral relations between the two nations. [12] U.S. agricultural exports that benefit from the agreement include beef and pork products, wheat, corn, soybeans, and cotton. [6] The agreement would provide immediate duty-free access to the main export categories of the U.S. beef industry, such as the USDA Prime and Choice, cuts of beef. [6] All other tariffs on beef would be abolished and definitive duties would be abolished within 15 years. [6] Colombian tariffs on pork products between 20 and 30% would be reduced to zero within 5 to 15 years. [6] The United States International Trade Commission estimates that the fully implemented agreement would increase U.S. beef exports to Colombia by 46% and pork exports by 72%.
[6] Colombian tariffs of 5 to 20% on wheat and soybeans would be immediately eliminated; with a 25% tariff on maize, which is expected to expire over a year. [6] The agreement would immediately remove the 10% duty on U.S. cotton upon entry into force[6] Colombia TPA Text: The full text of the agreement. Why Colombia? Colombia is already a strong trading partner for the United States and has the potential to be an even bigger place for business. Trade with Colombia provides increased economic opportunities for U.S. producers, workers and farmers. .