The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has laid out a compelling case for the U.S. – Columbia Free Trade Agreement. Today, almost all of Colombia's exports enter the United States duty-free, while both agricultural and non-agricultural American products exported to Colombia face tariffs.  USTR noted that the agreement with Columbia would 1.  Open a significant new export market for the U.S.; 2.  Level the playing field for American businesses, farmers, ranchers and workers; 3.  Strengthen peace, democracy, freedom and reform in Columbia; 4.  Promote economic growth and poverty reduction; and 5.  Anchor our longstanding ties with a vital regional ally. 

“The case for passage of this agreement is clear and compelling, and opportunistic politicians in Washington should not play cynical election year games with this critical legislation,” continued Bass.  “The United States is the world’s largest exporter and free trade agreements like the Columbia agreement keep America’s economy strong by providing a level playing field for American businesses to compete on.” 

“In light of the growing concerns about the health of the American economy, now is the time for our elected leaders in Washington to act to strengthen our economy by passing the U.S. – Columbia Free Trade Agreement,” concluded Bass.