Paula Estévez, Undersecretary for International Economic Relations, expressed optimism regarding the progress of technical talks with the United States aimed at strengthening bilateral trade relations. Currently, teams from Subrei and the Ministry of Finance are holding in-person meetings in Washington for the third round of negotiations.
Estévez noted that since taking office just over a month ago, dialogues have already resumed following the last session held in July. The official stated that there is a shared commitment to making progress at the negotiating table.
“I am optimistic because I met with Ambassador Jamieson Greer, my direct counterpart at the USTR, and we discussed things from a political standpoint. I see an interest in moving forward,” the Undersecretary told T13 Radio.
Focus on strategic products
The Chilean delegation's primary goal is to secure tariff exemptions for products that do not directly compete with U.S. industry. The strategy focuses on sectors within the country's export basket that serve as complements to the North American market.
“In these negotiations, we are seeking tariff exemptions for strategic products in our export basket, and we intend to be very direct about that,” Estévez said. Priority sectors include salmon, fruit, wine, beef, and poultry.
The Undersecretary clarified that Chile does not intend to interfere with global tariff policies, such as the 10% tariff affecting various countries, but rather to protect its own domestic interests. “The Chilean foreign policy under this administration is based on defending Chile's interests,” she emphasized.
Regarding foreign investment, Estévez noted that the U.S. side's requests focus on achieving legal certainty and tax stability. In this context, the Chilean government is studying the implementation of a new Decree Law 600 to guarantee long-term contracts between the State and large-scale projects.
Although negotiations are being held under a non-disclosure agreement, the Undersecretary indicated that they are in the final rounds and that she will be able to provide more details once the process concludes.