Policy Issues

AACCLA is a strong advocate of policies that facilitate free trade and economic development in the United States, Latin America, and the Caribbean. The AACCLA Secretariat in Washington, DC serves as a liaison between the private sector and the U.S. Government and lobbies to improve trade relations within the hemisphere by:

  • meeting with U.S. Congress members and congressional staff, Administration officials, and foreign government representatives;
  • testifying before key U.S. congressional committees;
  • hosting business conferences featuring key players on international trade;
  • generating support from the U.S. business community; and
  • providing research and analysis for educational purposes.

AACCLA forms its policy objectives through constant dialogue with its network of 23 AmChams in almost every country in Latin America. These consultations enable AACCLA to identify the most important issues to U.S. investors and their trading partners and to lobby effectively for policies that will address these concerns. In this section you will find information on policy issues affecting trade and investment in the hemisphere.

North American Free Trade Agreement

Since the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) entered into
force in 1994, trade between the United States, Canada and Mexico has more than tripled. From 1993 to 2007, trade of goods between the three countries rose from $293 billion to $909 billion. Each day, the three North American countries conduct well over $2.5 billion in trade.
Rule of Law Initiative AACCLA works together with the AmChams to promote the rule of law as a critical factor in fostering a hemispheric investment climate that supports equality, economic growth, and shared prosperity for the citizens of Latin America and the Caribbean.

Trade Facilitation Initiative

Trade facilitation consists of measures to make the flow of international commerce faster, cheaper, and more efficient by streamlining the administration of ports and customs. Trade facilitation measures fall into four categories: port efficiency; customs procedures and requirements; the overall regulatory environment; and automation and e-business usage.
Trade Promotion Authority Formerly known as "Fast Track", Trade Promotion Authority allows the President to negotiate trade agreements and present them to Congress for approval (or rejection) without amendment. TPA expired on July 1, 2007.
U.S.-Chile Free Trade Agreement After an aggressive lobbying campaign led by AACCLA, the U.S.-Chile FTA was signed by President George W. Bush on September 3, 2003 and implemented on January 1, 2004. The FTA offers significant benefits to producers, consumers and workers in both countries. AACCLA and AmCham Chile are currently monitoring its implementation.
U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement On February 27, 2006, the United States and Colombia announced that they had concluded their negotiations for the Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement. AACCLA, the U.S. Chamber, and the Latin America Trade Coalition are actively pushing for a vote on the agreement in 2009.
U.S.-Dominican Republic-Central America Free Trade Agreement In terms of the flow of trade liberalized, DR-CAFTA created the largest new FTA market in a decade. Together, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua are now on par with France and Italy as a market for U.S. exports.
U.S.-Panama Trade Promotion Agreement The agreement between the United States and Panama will expand trade between the two countries, eliminate tariffs and other barriers to goods and services, and promote economic growth.
U.S.-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement The U.S.-Peru Trade Promotion A