| Who Supports the Trade Promotion Agreement
with Colombia?
American Farmers and Ranchers!
American farmers and ranchers support trade with Colombia!
- Over 40 of America's leading agricultural organizations - representing growers of everything from apples to zucchini - sent a letter to Congress on January 28, 2008, calling for approval of the U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement.
- The United States is the largest supplier of agricultural products to Colombia, with farm and ranch exports increasing 33% since 2000. Colombia is the largest export market for American farmers in South America, purchasing nearly $700 million in U.S. agricultural products in 2005.
Colombians love U.S. corn, wheat, soybeans, and cotton!
- Despite Colombia's 57% tariff on U.S. corn, the country is the sixth largest market in the world for U.S. corn exports.
- Colombia is also a top market for U.S. wheat, soybean cake and meal, and cotton despite its high tariffs (67%, 18%, and 11%, respectively).
- Because U.S. and Colombian farming conditions - from climate and soil to growing seasons - are so different, the two agricultural sectors are largely complementary.
The trade agreement will usher in dynamic growth for U.S. farm sales!
- Colombia has one of the highest tariff structures for agricultural goods in South America, while most Colombian agricultural goods enter the U.S. market duty free.
- Most key U.S. agricultural exports will enjoy immediate duty-free access to the Colombian market upon entry-into-force of the U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement. It will allow U.S. farmers and ranchers to access Colombia's market on terms equal to or better than South American suppliers, who currently face lower tariffs when they sell to Colombia.
- According to an analysis by the American Farm Bureau Federation, U.S. agricultural exports to Colombia are expected to grow by more than $690 million dollars a year upon full implementation of the U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement.
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|  | |  | | Did you know?
| | | Under the Colombia TPA, U.S. beef, cotton, wheat, soybeans, soybean meal, apples, pears,
peaches, cherries and many processed food products will receive immediate duty-free treatment, while corn,
poultry, fruits and vegetables and dairy products will benefit immediately from improved market access.
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| | | | Overheard
| | | ''Time is of the essence if we hope to retain a strong and economically vibrant textile and apparel industry in this country by ensuring a strong trade relationship with our partners in Colombia.''
From a letter sent to Congress on the behlaf of textile and apparel associations.
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