The Chile-US Free Trade Agreement
Chile is a promising market for a wide range of U.S. goods and services, and the new Chile-US Free Trade Agreement (FTA) will offer American companies even greater access to this growing market. The symbolic importance of the Chile-USA FTA far outweighs the economic size of Chile. This agreement establishes the first FTA negotiated in Latin America since the North America Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) in 1993. The approval of FTA emphasizes the U.S. commitment to free trade in the region and set the stage for future FTAA negotiations covering the Western Hemisphere.

As one of the most dynamic and promising markets in the region, Chile holds a commercial influence in South America due to the energy and professionalism of its entrepreneurs, the transparency of its regulation and the predictability of its decision makers. Chile’s market-led reforms and an increasingly diversified economy offer a viable option for U.S. exporters operating in a wide range of industries.

While the U.S.- Chile FTA Agreement does involve elimination of tariffs for US products to Chile, non-tariff provisions may have an even greater impact by further strengthening an already open business climate between the two countries. Specific obligations in areas such as intellectual property, services, investment, temporary entry of businesspersons, and telecommunications may serve as model for future trade agreements.

Learn more about the U.S.-Chile FTA and its implications for U.S. exporters:

Here you will find information on tariff elimination schedules, impacts of the FTA on your product or service, new opportunities for U.S. companies, frequently asked questions and more.

U.S.-Chile Links
United States-Chile Free Trade Agreement Information:
U.S. Trade Representative: U.S. Chile Free Trade Agreement:



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Market Briefs -- a combination of videoconference and streaming media technologies -- brings you real-time Commercial Service global market insights and opportunities from around the world. The Chile Market Brief interview, taped in January, 2004, is brought to you by the International Trade Administration, Commercial Service, U.S. Department of Commerce. The use of trade, firm, or corporation names within this Webcast or on the surrounding pages, or links to Web sites outside the U.S. Federal Government are for the convenience of the user. Such use does not constitute an official endorsement or approval of any private sector Web site, product or service by the U.S. Commercial Service, U.S. Commerce Department.