Chile and the US in talks to improve export access amid latest tariffs
Chile and the United States continue to advance in conversations aimed at improving access conditions for exports to the American market amid the latest set of 12.5 percent tariffs implemented by the White House.
In this context, Jeffrey Goettman, Deputy Assistant United States Trade Representative (USTR) visited Chile on Monday, August 24, when he met with the local Undersecretary of International Economic Relations, Paula Estévez.
Image courtesy of the Undersecretariat of International Economic Relations.
During the meeting, the authorities reviewed the priorities of the Chilean export basket and exchanged information on the products’ roles both for the domestic and American economies. The parties agreed to continue talks over the upcoming weeks to strengthen the trade relationship between the countries.
The local government said the encounter underscored the importance both countries assign to the process.
"This visit reflects that there is a willingness to continue working to find solutions. We are carrying out a serious negotiation, with a long-term perspective and with the objective of defending Chile's interests and improving access conditions for national products to the US market," Estévez stated.
Continuity of dialogue between Chile and the United States
The negotiation process includes different instances of political and technical work carried out since 2025.
In mid-April, a Chilean delegation traveled to Washington, D.C., where it held technical meetings with USTR representatives. Subsequently, in July, Foreign Minister Francisco Pérez Mackenna met with USTR Ambassador Jamieson Greer.
“We value the dialogue we have maintained with the United States, and we will continue working constructively, both politically and technically, to identify spaces that allow progress toward mutually beneficial solutions,” the undersecretary added.
Chilean and US authorities held a closing meeting on Tuesday, and the country's export sectors, particularly those facing higher access costs to the US market due to recent tariff measures, such as the fruit sector, are following the progress of these conversations closely.
*Main image is referential via Shutterstock.
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