U.S. Announces Regional Trade Steps Affecting Agriculture

President Trump last week announced new trade frameworks with El Salvador, Guatemala, Argentina and Ecuador that the Administration says will expand market access and strengthen supply chains across the Western Hemisphere. The White House said the agreements aim to cut non-tariff barriers, streamline regulations and open additional opportunities for U.S. agricultural exports.

El Salvador agreed to ease regulatory requirements on U.S. goods and remove non-tariff barriers affecting agricultural products, including restrictions tied to certain cheese and meat terms. Guatemala committed to facilitating digital trade and strengthening labor protections, including prohibiting imports made with forced labor.

Argentina and Ecuador also agreed to broaden access for various U.S. goods, with Ecuador planning to reduce or eliminate tariffs on products such as tree nuts, fresh fruit, pulses, wheat, wine and distilled spirits.

The National Cotton Council said it “commends President Trump” for securing frameworks with Guatemala and El Salvador, noting that removing reciprocal tariffs on CAFTA-DR textile and apparel shipments benefits U.S. cotton. The group urged extending similar terms to the remaining CAFTA-DR countries.