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U.S. Investigation Results on Tariffs for Timber and Critical Minerals Could Be Known During August

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The Undersecretary of International Economic Relations (Subrei), Claudia Sanhueza, stated that the investigations being conducted by the United States regarding potential tariffs on products such as critical metals and timber could see updates this month.

During her presentation alongside Foreign Minister Alberto van Klaveren before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, the official noted that in last week's meeting with the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), it was reported that both investigations are set to conclude in November, but results could emerge earlier.

"We have already established this dialogue with them, this connection, so we will be following up on this," said the undersecretary.

In this regard, she emphasized that negotiations for trade agreements are underway, such as with India, and that they are evaluating giving greater importance to other agreements like the CPTPP and the European Union.

Regarding relations with the United States, van Klaveren stated, "We have not ruled out any recourse, but for now, we are focused on discussions. We believe this is the most appropriate and prudent approach in the current context."

However, he added that they are "analyzing agreements with third countries that are of special interest to Chile, and it is still difficult to make a concrete estimate because it is an ongoing process."

Visa Waiver

Concerning the Visa Waiver Program, the foreign minister described the situation as "completely normal" and highlighted last week's visit by U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, as well as the satisfaction with the cooperation between Chile and the U.S.

Nevertheless, he clarified that "there has been a certain reduction in the overstay rate of Chileans in the United States. We are still above the 2% limit, but as a country, we have managed to lower it from 2.9% one or two years ago to 2.3%, which is the current figure."

Meanwhile, he also noted that the number of 300,000 people using the Visa Waiver annually has been declining, partly due to a preference for traditional visas and a slight reduction in travel to the U.S.

"We know there are also rejections, some announced at the last minute. We have no control over that, and since it is a U.S. program, we do not have access to the reasons for those rejections," explained van Klaveren.

Source:Diario Financiero