US senator Marco Rubio along with US representatives sent a joint letter late last week asking the US to exclude Colombia from Section 232 tariffs. The letter was addressed to US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross.
Rubio asked the US to accelerate negotiations for additional steel exemption agreements with US allies, including Colombia, as a way to “isolate” China and “other bad actors.”
“We appreciate your successful efforts to negotiate steel and aluminum quotas for imports from Brazil and Argentina,” the letter said. “Therefore, we respectfully request that you expedite negotiations of additional exemption agreements with our allies and partners, both in South America and around the world, to isolate China and other bad actors to fully address this global problem.”
Rubio and the other lawmakers said negotiations with Colombia should be a “priority.”
“Efforts to secure mutually-beneficial trade in steel and aluminum can provide a new opportunity to facilitate and secure US trade goals with our vital Colombian partners,” the letter said.
“We urge you to engage in negotiations with the Colombian government on country exemptions related to steel and aluminum that include effective and enforceable controls on transshipments,” the letter said.
Colombia has long asked for an exemption from Section 232 tariffs, sending its first request on March 13. Colombia’s major steel exporters to the US include Acesco, Corpacero and Terniumowned Siderurgica de Caldas.