What's Happening?
The U.S. ambassador to Chile, Brandon Judd, recently held a meeting with key figures in the Chilean agricultural sector, including Antonio Walker, president of the Chilean National Society of Agriculture (SNA), Iván Marambio, president of Frutas de Chile, and Víctor
Catán, president of Fedefruta. The discussions focused on enhancing the bilateral trade relationship between the U.S. and Chile, which is crucial for Chilean agriculture. The U.S. is Chile's primary export market for agricultural products, with exports valued at $7 billion in 2025, accounting for about 25% of Chile's total agricultural exports. The meeting addressed several critical issues, such as commercial tariffs, the Systems Approach for agricultural trade, and the implementation of UPOV-19. The Systems Approach, which facilitates the shipment of table grapes without fumigation, is currently suspended due to a judicial ruling, and its reinstatement was a significant topic of discussion.
Why It's Important?
The U.S.-Chile agricultural trade relationship is vital for both countries, with the U.S. being a significant market for Chilean agricultural exports. The discussions aim to resolve trade barriers and enhance competitiveness, which could lead to increased economic benefits for both nations. For Chile, maintaining and expanding access to the U.S. market is crucial for its agricultural sector, which relies heavily on exports. The resolution of issues like the Systems Approach suspension could significantly impact Chilean exporters, particularly in the table grape industry. For the U.S., strengthening this trade relationship supports its agricultural sector by ensuring a steady supply of Chilean produce, especially during the off-season, complementing local production.
What's Next?
The next steps involve addressing the judicial suspension of the Systems Approach protocol, which is critical for the shipment of Chilean table grapes to the U.S. without fumigation. Both countries are expected to continue dialogues to find solutions to existing trade barriers and enhance bilateral cooperation. The U.S. and Chilean governments, along with industry stakeholders, will likely work on implementing agreed-upon measures to improve trade conditions. The outcome of these discussions could set a precedent for future trade negotiations and agreements between the two countries.
