Peru urges U.S. to suspend 10 pct tariff on its exports

LIMA, April 9 (Xinhua) -- Peru has formally requested that the United States suspend a recently approved 10 percent tariff on Peruvian goods, Foreign Minister Elmer Schialer said Wednesday.

"I've asked for the 10 percent tariff to be suspended," Schialer told state-run Radio Nacional, referring to a recent meeting with U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau.

"The response was very positive. They said they would consider the request seriously, recognizing Peru as a strategic partner of the United States in the region," he added.

Schialer also raised concerns about non-tariff barriers that affect Peruvian exports, including issues related to intellectual property, sanitary regulations, and government procurement policies. He said there were at least 11 specific obstacles that prevent fair competition.

According to the minister, the new tariff violates the spirit of the U.S.-Peru Free Trade Agreement, under which 98 percent of Peruvian exports to the United States are supposed to enter duty-free.

"This measure is not reciprocal," Schialer said. "I've asked that we reopen talks, not only on the tariff, but on broader trade issues." ■