Santo Domingo – The National Federation of Merchants and Entrepreneurs of the Dominican Republic (Fenacerd) announced on Tuesday that it supports the government’s negotiations with the United States regarding the removal of tariffs on U.S. rice imports. Fenacerd said it is in direct dialogue with government authorities to help develop contingency plans and necessary subsidies, and it rejected claims that the issue is being used opportunistically for publicity. The Dominican Republic is negotiating with the United States over the termination of the tariffs that the U.S. rice sector pays under the Dominican Republic–Central America Free Trade Agreement (DR‑CAFTA). The agreement, signed by both countries and other Central American nations, stipulates that the 20‑year tariff‑elimination period for U.S. rice has elapsed, allowing U.S. rice to enter the Dominican market duty‑free, just as Dominican rice is allowed to enter the United States. Domestic rice producers, a key food source for the country, have expressed concern that the removal of tariffs could disadvantage them, as U.S. rice imports are supported by U.S. government subsidies. President Luis Abinader has stated that the government will not leave Dominican rice growers “alone” and has reiterated this position during negotiations with the United States.
Article source: El Nuevo Diario | Image credit: El Nuevo Diario