Barriers to Latin American and Caribbean exports in the US market, 1998-1999

Introduction Barriers to Latin American and Caribbean Exports in the US Market, 1998-1999 is the sixth report released yearly by ECLAC Washington. Its aim is to provide information on trade inhibiting measures that Latin American and Caribbean exports encounter in the United States, updating that contained in previous reports. The classification of trade inhibiting measures follows that used by the US Trade Representative's yearly publication National Trade Estimate Report on Foreign Trade Barriers. Out of this classification, the report focuses on those three of greatest relevance for Latin America and the Caribbean: Import Policies (e.g., tariffs and other import charges, quantitative restrictions, import licensing, customs barriers) Standards, testing, labeling, and certification (e.g., unnecessarily restrictive application of phytosanitary standards) Export subsidies (e.g., export financing on preferential terms and agricultural export subsidies that displace other foreign exports in third country markets) The report needs to be placed in the context of a trade relationship between the United States and Latin America and the Caribbean, which has grown strongly over the years to the benefit of both economies. Moreover, it must be seen against the background of the commitment to achieve the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA), in which barriers to trade and investment will be progressively eliminated. In this regard, it is hoped that this report will further contribute to transparency and to the elimination of obstacles to the free flow of trade in the Americas.