U.S. – Colombia free trade agreement back on the front burner?

November 13, 2008 by SwizStick  
Filed under Education, QuickNews

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Supposedly it was brought up during a “private” discussion between President Bush and President-elect Obama that was promptly leaked to the press, depending on who you believe. It’s up to Congress to pass the deal and it’s a no-brainer as to why it should pass – most Colombian goods already arrive the country duty-free: it’s U.S. exports to Colombia that would be granted similarly duty-free status, thereby leveling the playing field between Colombian and U.S. products. But the Democratically led Congress has stalled things so far and as I highlighted in a featured post on Obama and free trade he is on the record for opposing the agreement. Regardless, ShopFloor.org points to not one, but four editorials urging the passing of the free trade deal: The Washington Post, the LA Times, Diario Las Americas, and the Wall Street Journal. So will the do-nothing Congress bring this back to the front-burner and pass it? I’m not holding my breath.

Bi-Partisan support for the U.S. – Colombia Free Trade Agreement

Failure to pass Colombia FTA has already cost U.S. exporters $1 billion

Interview with Susan Schwab on the U.S. – Colombia Trade Deal

Canada and Colombia agree on free trade agreement