South American Trade Push
The Andean Trade Preference Act (ATPA), which would extend U.S. trade benefits to South American countries, received an endorsement from President Bush and Colombian president Andres Pastrana. The two leaders advised Congress to renew the ATPA, which allows for the duty-free import of goods from several South American nations. There are several pending ATPA bills that include U.S. yarn requirements and regional fabrics exceptions, similar to existing U.S. trade agreements regarding textiles and apparel manufactured in the Caribbean region and Africa.
