As with other negotiating groups, the expectation is that FTAA participants will agree on a bracketed text at the next Ministerial. The NAM endorses early implementation of a number of concessions in specific market access areas. These measures should go beyond the customs facilitation measures already identified for early implementation. In fact, this package should expand and deepen the initial package of customs measures by going beyond customs procedures, including some measures that require legislative approval and replacing the current best efforts endeavor with a specified deadline for implementation. While some tariff eliminations must be phased in at slower rates than others, to provide more adjustment time in certain circumstance, in general the goal should be the elimination of tariffs as quickly as possible.
Tariffs raise production costs, distort trade flows, and hold back economic growth.
In today s economy, manufacturers throughout the hemisphere need to operate as efficiently as possible and need to be able to obtain equipment, components, and supplies without having to face the costs of tariffs. We strongly urge the Trade Ministerial to instruct the negotiating groups to agree by the next Ministerial on modalities for carrying out negotiations. We also strongly urge Ministers to instruct the negotiating group to agree on an early package of sectors for duty elimination or reduction and a schedule for implementation. Most hemispheric nations have not yet adopted the ITA and their economies would stand to gain impressively in terms of competitiveness and consumer gains. The ITA is also important as an early demonstration of the interest and ability of FTAA nations in successful negotiations.