**Santiago**: The Chilean government is collaborating with various sectors to prepare for possible tariffs from the United States affecting exports, particularly copper and agricultural goods, while maintaining optimism in their agricultural relations with the US, according to officials.
The government of Chile is actively preparing for potential tariffs that the United States may impose on its exports, particularly focusing on products such as copper and various agricultural goods. This initiative involves collaboration between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Minrel) and the Undersecretary of International Economic Relations (Subrei).
During a recent statement, Esteban Valenzuela, the Chilean Minister of Agriculture, expressed optimism regarding the current state of agricultural relations with the United States. He remarked, “we are in a very good season of agricultural relations with the United States. The contribution of high-quality wheat to our milling industry has been incredible.” Valenzuela emphasised the significance of the Chilean meat industry for the American market, asserting that the government’s priority remains to maintain and enhance this collaboration, stating, “Chile complies exactly with all agreements and we will continue to work together in that direction.”
Claudia Sanhueza, the Undersecretary of International Economic Relations, highlighted the ongoing efforts to address potential tariffs on copper and the agro-food sector. She described the approach as one involving public-private collaboration, stating that there are regular meetings that include “international experts on the subject and the public sector, in addition to sectoral groups where we are addressing specific issues.” Sanhueza reiterated the importance of maintaining a coordinated public-private strategy, saying, “the United States is very important for Chile in general, and we are maintaining a smooth exchange relationship at the technical level, as always.”
Antonio Walker, president of the National Society of Agriculture, conveyed confidence in Chile’s readiness to handle a possible increase in tariffs. However, he cautioned against the implications of such measures, expressing, “we hope it does not happen, because it is a very bad measure; the main affected party here is the American consumer.” Walker noted the role of the SNA in monitoring the situation regarding U.S. tariffs and indicated that he would accompany President Boric on a trip to India. He remarked on the necessity for this public-private alliance to promote market openness and counter protectionist policies, concluding that “this alliance is to put on the red Chile jersey, to go out as a State to conquer new markets and to oppose anything that relates to affecting free trade.”
As the situation evolves, the Chilean government remains focused on mitigating any potential impacts of tariffs on its key export sectors, particularly as they relate to international relations with the United States.
Source: Noah Wire Services
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