en.Wedoany.com Reported - The Chilean Salmon Industry Association (SalmonChile) announced that it will join a public-private delegation to the United States to push for the inclusion of farmed Chilean salmon in tariff exemptions and to uphold the conditions of the free trade agreement in effect since 2004. The association previously held meetings at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with Paula Estévez, Deputy Undersecretary of International Economic Relations (Subrei), as well as with the Chilean Industrial Federation (SOFOFA) and industry associations such as the Chilean Fruit Association (Frutas de Chile), the Chilean Food Association (Chilealimentos), the Chilean Wine Association (Vinos de Chile), and the Chilean Wood Association (Corma).

The association confirmed its participation in the hearing scheduled for July in Washington before the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), with its position strictly based on technical grounds to ensure that farmed Chilean salmon is included in the tariff exemption annex.

SalmonChile President Patricio Melero, commenting on the upcoming trip, stated that the association firmly joins this mission led by the Chilean Industrial Federation (SOFOFA) and major export industry associations to articulate the national position. The primary task in Washington is to explain from a technical perspective why farmed salmon should be exempted and not face a 12.5% tariff. It must be clearly stated that Chilean salmon does not compete with U.S. domestic production but rather supplements supply to ensure market availability. Imposing this tariff would be a strategic mistake, ultimately becoming a direct tax on American consumers, leading to price increases for a healthy, sustainable, and essential food in their diet.

The salmon industry has become a key player in U.S. food security, providing high-quality protein produced under world-class sustainability standards. If tariffs are ultimately imposed, it would not only affect producers in southern Chile but also impact the dynamics of the entire value chain, which creates thousands of indirect jobs in logistics and distribution within the United States. SalmonChile will continue to work closely with the Chilean Undersecretariat of International Economic Relations (Subrei) and the Chilean Embassy in Washington to ensure that the industry's arguments are fully communicated, reaffirming its commitment to operational excellence and the socio-economic development of the regions where it operates.