The White House is urging Colombia to retract new auto safety regulations that may severely impact U.S. car exports worth $700 million. U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer warned that these regulations could trigger unfair trading practices leading to potential enforcement actions. Upcoming tariff negotiations between the two nations could further reshape trade dynamics, affecting agricultural exports from Colombia.

The White House has expressed strong concerns over Colombia’s proposed auto safety regulations, which may threaten American car exports. U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer warned in a recent letter to Colombia’s Ministry of Commerce that these new regulations could result in a “total cessation” of U.S. automotive exports, valued at approximately $700 million last year.

The letter, which was made public through Colombian media, emphasized that Colombia’s new certification requirements for vehicles and auto parts would lead to unfair trading practices, potentially prompting swift enforcement actions from the United States. While Colombian Minister of Commerce Cielo Rusinque has not commented on the correspondence, she noted that these regulations would be on the agenda during upcoming tariff discussions between both nations.

Since 2021, Colombia has been aligning its automotive safety standards with international protocols set by the United Nations, requiring third-party certifications for manufacturers exporting to Colombia. However, the U.S. trade representative has argued that U.S. vehicles already meet federal safety standards, stating that Colombia has not provided evidence indicating these are inadequate.

A report earlier this year highlighted manufacturers’ concerns regarding their ability to obtain the required third-party verification for their products. This dispute arises soon after a previous trade conflict between the two nations surrounding deportation flights, resolved within 24 hours when Colombian President Gustavo Petro agreed to the flights.

Recent tariffs of 10% imposed on Colombian exports to the U.S. have raised the stakes, threatening Colombia’s agricultural sector, given that the U.S. is its largest trading partner, purchasing around 30% of Colombian exports. Since the 2012 free trade agreement, trade relations have flourished, with the U.S. enjoying a $1.3 billion trade surplus with Colombia in 2024.

In conclusion, the ongoing negotiations between the United States and Colombia over auto safety regulations and tariffs are crucial for maintaining robust trade relations. The U.S. asserts that the proposed Colombian regulations threaten significant automotive exports, while Colombia seeks to align its standards with international protocols. As these nations prepare for discussions, the outcome will have profound implications for various sectors, particularly agriculture, in Colombia.

Original Source: triblive.com

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