U.S.-Colombia FTA News

The U.S. could suspend some benefits under its free trade agreement with Colombia if a truck-scrapping program is not terminated by the end of December, according to sources and documents.

Trade officials from Washington and Bogota met this week to review the implementation of the U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement, with the U.S flagging “issues of concern” similar to those it raised during Colombia’s accession to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.

“What I want is that we diversify products, bring more investment and improve the 'phytosanitary diplomacy.' We managed to get mango and avocado to the USA. but you have to open the door to more products.”

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, in its annual Special 301 report on the state of intellectual property protection and enforcement by U.S. trading partners, has elevated Canada and Colombia to its list of most egregious intellectual property violators and also spotlighted continued IP concerns it has with China.

“We think we’ve done everything that is necessary and that being said we are very optimistic that we can conclude the process.”

Levin: “So, by just saying 'we are going to keep talking' -- there needs to be solid action. It's as clear as that. It may not be as simple as that but it's as clear as that.”

The Labor Department on Tuesday issued a progress assessment calling on Colombia to more fully comply with obligations outlined in the U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement, a move that continues “contact point” consultations between the two governments.

Industry groups are calling on the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative to elevate Colombia to its list of most egregious intellectual property violators, claiming that Bogota's IP regime runs afoul of commitments it made in its trade agreement with the U.S. and violates World Trade Organization obligations.