The Guatemalan Association of Exporters (Agexport) requested the Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR) to reestablish the zero tariff for Guatemalan products that currently pay a 10% taxstating that the measure would strengthen the policy America First promoted by President Donald Trump. The petition was presented through written technical comments and reinforced during a public hearing held in Washington DC
The organization maintained that Maintaining the 10% tariff does not strengthen US production, but increases costs for importers, distributors, supermarkets, processors, restaurants and consumers who depend on a close and competitive supply.
During the hearing, Agexport based its request on four main arguments:
- Guatemala complements US production The entity indicated that Guatemalan fruits, vegetables and aquaculture products enter the US market mainly in times when local production is limited, so they do not replace national producers, but rather contribute to maintaining the availability of food throughout the year.
- Contributes to US food security According to the association, Guatemalan exports help reduce risks of shortages, stabilize prices and expand the supply of fresh, healthy and quality products for American consumers.
- Strengthens regional supply chains aligned with America First. Agexport stated that the agricultural, manufacturing, aquaculture and fishing sectors maintain integration with US companies in transportation, logistics, storage, processing, distribution and marketing activities, which generates value and employment in both countries.
- Guatemala is a reliable and close supplier. The organization argued that geographic proximity, the CAFTA-DR framework, traceability, international certifications and compliance with health, environmental and labor standards make the country a strategic partner in the face of more distant and vulnerable supply chains.
Agexport argued before the USTR that reestablishing the zero tariff would not represent a unilateral benefit for Guatemala, but a decision that would strengthen US competitiveness., would protect consumers and consolidate reliable regional supply chains.
In this context, the entity’s Export Environment Advocacy Director, Claudia de Del Águila, stated that When Guatemala exports, U.S. employment, food security, and competitiveness are also strengthened.
The association also recognized the efforts made by the Government of Guatemala, through the Ministry of Economy, during the process carried out by the USTR, and reiterated its willingness to continue working with the US authorities. to ensure that Guatemalan products currently taxed recover zero tariff treatment.