A base tariff of 10% came into effect as of April 5.
stated that Peru is seeking the elimination of the measure imposed by the United States Government.
"Peru's intention is for the 10% tariff imposed on us to be eliminated. That’s why we are seeking meetings with our counterparts," she said in remarks to Radio Nacional.
Mera indicated that
coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is underway to establish dialogue with the U.S. Department of State to justify the removal of the aforementioned measure.
"We want to demonstrate why Peru should not receive the 10% tariff and that the conditions established in the free trade agreement (FTA) signed between Lima and Washington, D.C., should be upheld," she stated.
The official stated that Peru has an agreement with the U.S., which allows almost all trade with that country to be subject to 0% tariff.
This is due to "the progressive tariff reduction that has taken place through the trade agreement," Mera explained.
"This supposed imbalance in reciprocity in bilateral treatment, which the American government has cited as justification —in Peru's case— does not apply. We aim to demonstrate that there is no justification for imposing this type of measure on our country," she emphasized.
Textile sector will not be affected
The official explained that, in the case of textile products, the amount Peru will pay will be applied over a zero tariff, unlike other countries whose contribution will be added to the already-established figure.
"For example, cotton t-shirts have an 8.1% global tariff, but under the agreement with the U.S., we will now pay 10%, unlike other countries, which will have to pay 18.1% or more," Mera said, explaining that there would be less competition.
"In the area of agricultural product exports, we do have concerns, because in Mexico’s case (on which a 25% tariff was initially applied), the measure was suspended; so, they continue selling their products without any extra cost," she noted.
Peru: Open-door policy
The Deputy Foreign Trade minister highlighted that Peru has 22 trade agreements in force, including free trade agreements and bilateral investment treaties.
In that regard, Mera stated that Peru continues working to establish more agreements with relevant countries to promote investment and improve the competitiveness of Peruvian products in new markets.
"Peru has a policy of openness to the world. These advancements have not stopped—we are negotiating with India, Indonesia, Guatemala, El Salvador, Saudi Arabia, among others," she detailed.
(END) NDP/JJN/JMP/MVB