Joint Statement on Framework for United States–Guatemala Agreement on Reciprocal Trade

Joint Statement on Framework for United States–Guatemala Agreement on Reciprocal TradeThe United States and Guatemala announce a Framework for an Agreement on Reciprocal Trade that strengthens and builds upon their long-standing economic relationship, including CAFTA–DR (Dominican Republic–Central America–United States Free Trade Agreement), which entered into force in 2006.1. Non-Tariff BarriersStreamline regulatory requirements and approvals for U.S. exports, including pharmaceuticals and medical devices.Remove import restrictions on remanufactured goods.Accept U.S. auto standards.Streamline certificate of free sale requirements, accept electronic certificates, remove apostille requirements, and expedite product registration for U.S. exports.2. Agricultural ProductsAddress and prevent barriers to U.S. agricultural products.Accept U.S. regulatory oversight and certificates issued by U.S. authorities.Maintain science- and risk-based regulatory frameworks and efficient authorization processes for agricultural products.3. Intellectual Property (IP)Commit to robust IP protection and enforcement.Fully implement certain international IP treaties.Resolve many long-standing IP issues identified in USTR's Special 301 Report.4. Geographical IndicationsProvide transparency and fairness regarding geographical indications.Ensure market access is not restricted due to the mere use of certain cheese and meat terms.5. Digital TradeRefrain from imposing digital services taxes or measures that discriminate against U.S. digital services or products.Ensure free transfer of data across trusted borders.Support a permanent multilateral moratorium on customs duties on electronic transmissions at the WTO.6. Services Domestic RegulationTake effective actions to implement the Joint Initiative on Services Domestic Regulation.7. Trade Facilitation and Regulatory PracticesContinue facilitating trade by following best practices in customs.Adopt and implement good regulatory practices.8. LaborProtect internationally recognized labor rights.Prohibit importation of goods produced by forced or compulsory labor.Strengthen labor laws and their enforcement.9. EnvironmentAdopt and maintain high levels of environmental protection and effectively enforce environmental laws.Improve forest sector governance and combat illegal logging.Strengthen enforcement of fisheries-related measures.Combat illegal wildlife trade and illegal mining.Fully implement the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies.10. State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) and SubsidiesAddress potential distortionary actions of SOEs.Address industrial subsidies that may impact the bilateral trading relationship.11. Economic and National Security CooperationStrengthen cooperation to enhance supply chain resilience and innovation.Address non-market policies of other countries.Cooperate on duty evasion, investment security, and export controls.12. Government ProcurementRestrict access to central-level procurement covered by free trade agreement commitments for suppliers from non–FTA partners, in a manner comparable to U.S. procurement restrictions (with necessary exemptions).In the coming weeks, both countries will:Finalize the Agreement.Prepare for signature.Undertake domestic formalities before the Agreement enters into force.Given Guatemala's commitment to advance a stronger and more reciprocal trade relationship, the U.S. will remove reciprocal tariffs on Guatemala's exports for:Certain qualifying exports that cannot be grown, mined, or naturally produced in the U.S. in sufficient quantities.Certain products, such as textiles and apparel, originating under CAFTA–DR.Both countries look forward to closing the Agreement soon.