United States Trade Representative Updates Trade Agreement Negotiation Status

June 3, 2003

The Office of the United States Trade Representative ("USTR") recently updated the status of the negotiations toward free trade agreements with Chile and Singapore. In addition, the USTR indicated that negotiations are to begin soon for free trade agreements with five Central American countries and Morocco.

In letters to the United States Senate and House of Representatives, the USTR indicated that a free trade agreement with Chile is "nearing completion." The USTR letter also noted that Canada and Mexico already have free trade agreements with Chile. In addition, the letter set forth a series of negotiating goals for the United States. These include: the elimination of tariffs to the broadest extent possible, liberalization of trade for United States vegetable oils and wheat to Chile, the establishment of reasonable rules of origin, and the preservation of United States antidumping law in its current form.

In letters to the United States Senate and House, the USTR noted that pursuing a free trade agreement with Singapore is appropriate because of Singapore's importance in the Asia-Pacific region, Singapore's history as an advocate of trade liberalization, and the size of its trade with the United States. The USTR also indicated that this agreement is "nearing completion." Finally, the letter sets forth a series of negotiating goals for the United States, including: the elimination of tariffs to the broadest extent possible, appropriate provisions for Singapore to allow temporary entry to United States business persons, and the preservation of United States antidumping law in its current form.