He warns of a cost of 615 million euros for implementing a new automotive safety regulation that he considers "unfair."
U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer has sent a letter to Colombian Minister of Commerce, Industry, and Tourism Cielo Rusinque, urging her to find a solution that would avoid creating a barrier to U.S. automobile exports.
Specifically, Greer refers to a series of automotive safety regulations that Colombia is preparing to implement, which will jeopardize nearly US$700 million in annual U.S. auto exports.
This measure, which would take effect on May 2, would put an end to Colombia's longstanding acceptance of U.S. standards for motor vehicles and certification procedures for vehicles and their components.
"If Colombia does not correct this situation, it could result in a complete cessation of automobile imports from the United States starting May 2, the date the first of the regulations is scheduled to take effect," the Trade Representative warned.
According to the White House, Colombia is seeking to change certification requirements for vehicles and their components that comply with U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS), without providing any evidence that the current method for demonstrating compliance with the U.S. FMVSS does not meet Colombia's safety and performance objectives.
In his view, Colombia's insistence constitutes "an unfair trade practice" that could lead to swift US enforcement.
Although the United States supports Colombia's goals of improving vehicle and road safety, the United States government has pointed out that Colombian regulations will obstruct trade with Colombia and disrupt the Colombian national economy "without any reasonable expectation of improvements in public safety."
Such disruption could also negatively impact automobile sales and service jobs in Colombia, unnecessarily increase costs for Colombian consumers, and limit their access to newer, safer products.
"There is a solution that will achieve Colombia's objectives and avoid creating a barrier to U.S. exports. I urge the Colombian government to immediately delay these regulations so our teams can find a permanent solution," the letter concludes.
