Duties on Processed Artichokes from Chile
Several members have been told of possible changes to the duty rate for processed artichokes from Chile. A representative from the U.S. Trade Representative’s office gave AFI the following update.
It’s usual practice for countries to negotiate accelerated duty reductions on items within a free trade agreement. Such negotiations are currently taking place between the U.S. and Chile. Canned artichokes are among the items being discussed. The USTR is preparing to submit to Congress a report outlining the proposed changes. Congress will then have 60 days to review the proposed changes. If Congress approves of the duty change, letters are then exchanged between the two countries to formalize the change.
The representative from the USTR’s office said he expects a Federal Register notice will be published in mid-December regarding the changes. He said the goal is to have the changes take place Jan. 1, 2009. Though Chilean suppliers have told some importers the duty would be eliminated, the USTR representative said he could not tell me what the proposed duty change would be. He also said he didn’t feel comfortable saying whether or not he thinks the change request will be granted.
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