Peru asks U.S. to suspend 10% tariffs and to negotiate matters of mutual interest

Photo: ANDINA/Jhonel Rodríguez Robles

Photo: ANDINA/Jhonel Rodríguez Robles

12:02 | Lima, Apr. 9.

Foreign Affairs Minister Elmer Schialer on Wednesday reported that Peru has requested the United States to suspend the 10% tariffs imposed by the North American country's government on Peruvian products and to negotiate matters of mutual interest for both nations.

"We have asked for this measure to be suspended and for us to begin negotiating other issues that are of mutual interest; for example, there are some non-tariff barriers," Schialer told Radio Nacional, where he reported on the outcomes of his meeting with U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau.

The Peruvian government official indicated that the U.S. considers there are 11 issues related to intellectual property, health, and government procurement that are allegedly preventing the entry or fair competition of U.S. interests, goods, and capital.

"I have asked that the 10% be suspended and that we discuss these and other matters," he reiterated.

Schialer explained that Peru has a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the U.S. which removed all tariffs on 98% of imported and exported goods; while the remaining 2% has an average tariff of 2.3% applied to U.S. goods.

Meanwhile, with the 10% tariffs imposed by the Trump administration, Peruvian goods would be charged 12.5%, as the previous average tariff with the U.S. was 2.5%, showing that it is not reciprocal.

The response from the U.S. administration to Peru's request, according to the minister, has been positive.

"They have said that it will be considered and that they view Peru as a strategic ally or partner of the U.S. in the region. I have mentioned that we have a strong team of qualified professionals who have been working since last year, evaluating the impact of the measures, how to mitigate them, and what we can do alongside the economic sector," he stated.

The minister specified that the deputy secretary committed to immediately bring the proposal to the committees and working groups in the White House, the Department of Commerce, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, and the U.S. Department of Defense.

On the economic and trade front, the Peruvian government official said that teams from various sectors are in contact with their U.S. counterparts to analyze this matter.

Similarly, he mentioned that some Cabinet members would travel to that country to address these concerns on a sectoral level.

"The Minister of Foreign Trade (Desilu Leon) has scheduled meetings with her counterpart, and they will also address the technical trade dimension of the issue; we are focusing on the political aspect, which encompasses and supports the other areas of the bilateral relationship," he pointed out.

Schialer considered that not only should a government delegation go, but that it should be accompanied by businesspeople as well.

(END) FHG/CVC/JMP/MVB

Published: 4/9/2025