Andean Trade Preference Act


Andean Trade Preference Act

United States legislation, enacted in 1991 and expanded in 2002, that reduces or eliminates tariffs and provides other preferential treatment to most imports coming from Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. The 2002 expansion likewise provides duty free treatment of some products. The Act is meant to encourage production of goods other than narcotics, for which the Andean area is known. The Act has encouraged Andean countries to reduce their own tariffs on American exports. The structure that implements the Act is called the Andean Trade Initiative (ATI). See also: Caribbean Basin Initiative.