AmCham asks the government to begin negotiations with the United States to eliminate the 10% tariff on Colombian products.

The Colombian-American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham Colombia) called on the government to begin negotiations with the Office of the United States Trade Representative and the Department of Commerce as soon as possible to reduce or eliminate the current 10 percent tariff on Colombian products entering the country.

"President Donald Trump's new executive order is not just another formality. It is a unique opportunity to eliminate the 10 percent tariff surcharge on strategic products in Colombia's export basket and thus boost our competitiveness," said María Claudia Lacouture, president of AmCham Colombia.

According to the Executive Order, the exemption from reciprocal tariffs would apply to goods that "cannot be grown, mined, or produced in the United States" or whose domestic production is insufficient to meet demand. These goods range from aircraft to generic drugs, minerals, and agricultural products.

"If this agreement is reached, Colombia can achieve advantages for products such as flowers, bananas, coffee, avocados, lemons, and some pharmaceutical inputs , thus consolidating its position as a strategic country with the United States," he emphasized.

The Chamber emphasized that this opportunity is not exclusive to Colombia, nor is it automatic. Therefore, they indicated that the country must negotiate additional commitments in trade, mineral traceability, regulatory cooperation, and illicit control.

"It's essential that the government act quickly. Opening a direct channel with the Office is essential. Defining clear commitments and working hand in hand with the private sector to achieve progress," he emphasized.