Press Release

U.S. Commerce Deputy Secretary Sampson and Delaware Congressman Castle Help Poultry Producers Export to DR-CAFTA Countries
Central America Poultry Export Quota, Inc. Receives Export Trade Certificate of Review

WASHINGTON—Commerce Deputy Secretary David A. Sampson and Congressman Mike Castle today issued an Export Trade Certificate of Review that will help improve market access to Central America for the U.S. poultry industry and agricultural exporters.

The Certificate was presented to the Central America Poultry Export Quota, Inc. (CA-PEQ) at a signing ceremony on Capitol Hill.

"This new tool will positively affect the bottom line for poultry producers in Delaware and across America," said Deputy Secretary Sampson. "CA-PEQ is a great example of how countries are working together under the CAFTA-DR to benefit their local economies. As the Bush Administration works toward full implementation of this historic agreement, it is our charge at Commerce to maximize its benefits for U.S. farmers and businesses."

"In 2003, over 100 companies in Delaware exported $29 million worth of goods to Central American countries. This represents my state's 15th-largest export market, and it is my hope that CAFTA will level the playing field, while at the same time providing economic, political, and strategic benefits to all parties," Congressman Castle said.

The Export Trade Certificate of Review issued by the Department of Commerce Office of Export Trading Company Affairs provides small- and medium-sized U.S. businesses with antitrust law exemptions to undertake certain joint exporting activities. The Commerce Department works with the Justice Department in reviewing applications and issuing Export Trade Certificates.

CA-PEQ was created to administer a Tariff Rate Quota established under the DR-CAFTA that allow duty free shipments of a predetermined quantity of U.S. chicken leg quarters to Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua. The Tariff Rate Quota is the first mechanism designed specifically to benefit the industry of each participating country. CA-PEQ's board of directors is composed of representatives from the United States, Guatemalan, Honduran, El Salvadorian, and Nicaraguan poultry industries.