Representatives of the U.S. and Colombia signed the U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement (CTPA). The comprehensive agreement eliminates tariffs and other barriers to trade in goods and services.

According to the U.S. Trade Representative, U.S. farm exports receiving immediate duty-free treatment include high-quality beef, cotton, wheat, soybeans, soybean meal, key fruits and vegetables including apples, pears, peaches, and cherries; and many processed food products including frozen french fries and cookies. U.S. ag products that will benefit from improved market access include pork, beef, corn, poultry, rice, fruits and vegetables, processed products and dairy products.

The U.S. and Colombia have worked to resolve sanitary and phytosanitary barriers, including food safety inspection procedures for beef, pork and poultry.
-- P. Scott Shearer, Washington, D.C., correspondent