USTR Seeking Comments on Ecuador Eligibility for Andean Trade Preference Act

The U.S. Trade Representative is asking for comments on whether Ecuador, the only remaining beneficiary country under the Andean Trade Preference Act, meets the eligibility criteria. The comments will contribute to a June 30 report USTR must submit to Congress about the free trade agreement, which will expire this July unless renewed by Congress. ATPA allows Bolivia, Ecuador, Colombia and Peru to be considered beneficiary countries, providing they meet certain eligibility requirements. In November 2008, Bolivia's status as a beneficiary country was suspended due to counternarcotics concerns. Colombia became ineligible for beneficiary status last year, when the U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement entered into force. And Peru's status was terminated in Dec. 2010, though the country now has a bilateral free trade agreement with the U.S. Unless ATPA is renewed, it will expire on July 31. Comments are due May 8 and can be submitted to www.regulations.gov.