Foreign Minister Alberto van Klaveren and Undersecretary for International Economic Relations, Claudia Sanhueza, highlighted the importance of the agreement in bilateral relations with the United States.
In its second constitutional procedure, the Senate of Chile today unanimously approved (34 votes in favor) the agreement by exchange of letters – dated June 21, 2024 – between the southern country and the United States, regarding the use of certain terms for cheeses and meat products marketed in both nations.
This agreement, which was previously approved by the Foreign Relations Committee, was essential for the publication of the Systems Approach for Chilean table grapes in the U.S. Federal Register.
Chilean Foreign Minister Alberto van Klaveren highlighted the importance of the country's relationship with the United States, "a strategic partner with whom we have celebrated 201 years of diplomatic relations and more than 20 years of successful implementation of our Free Trade Agreement." He added that, in order to achieve the agreement through the exchange of letters, "the coordinated work of the Executive, the embassies, the different technical teams, the private sector and also Chilean senators, all of whom dedicated their efforts to this end, was crucial."
Meanwhile, the Undersecretary of International Economic Relations, Claudia Sanhueza, added that this agreement “favors certainty and predictability in the commercial exchange of the products that fall within its coverage, which are relevant for local consumers, as demonstrated by a growing demand in our country. We will continue to promote sustainable, inclusive and environmentally friendly commercial integration that facilitates our exportable offer to different international markets, seeking the opening and consolidation of opportunities for local producers, thus contributing to the development of our regions and our economy.”
The agreement consists of an exchange of letters signed by the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Chile. The exchange essentially establishes the following:
- Both countries agree that they will not restrict the sale of dairy and meat products due to the use of names that include 29 terms related to cheese and 8 terms related to meat.
- The understanding regarding the concept of “previous users” is confirmed with respect to implementation consistent with the commitments acquired in the Advanced Framework Agreement between Chile and the European Union.
- Finally, it is agreed that the exchange will be constituted as an integral part of the Free Trade Agreement between both countries and will be subject to its provisions, including those that regulate the resolution of disputes.
With the approval of the Senate, together with that of the Chamber of Deputies, the agreement is ready to be promulgated by the Chilean government.
