Fruit association warns Trump’s latest move directly impacts the competitiveness of the Chilean industry in one of its main markets
Frutas de Chile has expressed its “deep concern” regarding the latest tariff increase announced by the US government, raising the rate from 10 per cent to 15 per cent for various products, including fresh fruit.
“This is a significant increase that directly impacts the competitiveness of the Chilean industry in one of its main markets, considering that the sector exports approximately US$2bn annually to the US and was already facing a tariff of 10 per cent,” the association said.
“In the case of fruit production, this measure also creates unequal conditions among exporting countries. While some neighbouring industries are already finalising their shipments to the US market, Chile is just beginning its table grape export season, one of the products most affected by this increase. This is compounded by the recent elimination of the Systems Approach protocol, which had already impacted this sector.”
Given the seriousness of this situation, Frutas de Chile has called upon the country’s president, Gabriel Boric, and the incoming government led by José Antonio Kast to address this critical issue.
“If possible, this should include making progress on outstanding matters in the bilateral relationship, such as commitments related to intellectual property (copyright and new plant varieties), which are part of the trade agenda between our two countries,” it said.
