Free Trade Agreements Open Doors. Since the U.S.-Chile FTA went into effect in 2004, two-way trade has surged to $20.3 billion in 2008, a 216% increase over pre-FTA levels, with U.S. exports showing a 345% increase. The U.S.-Peru FTA, in force as of February 2009, makes 80 percent of U.S. consumer and industrial products eligible for duty-free entry, with remaining tariffs phased-out over ten years.

Growth markets for U.S. exports. As Chile continues to pursue market-oriented strategies and participate in hemispheric free trade, it stands to become an increasingly important trading partner. It is currently our 25^th export destination, up from 35^th in pre-FTA years. In response to eased market access, U.S. exports to Peru reached an estimated $6 billion in 2008. The FTA is projected to boost annual U.S. exports to this market by $1.1 billion.

Demand for U.S. innovation. Excellent prospects in both Chile and Peru span the range of industries, including, but not limited to, construction, electric power generation, food processing and packaging, environmental protection, information technology, mining, oil and gas, safety and security, and telecommunications.

Date: June 1-5, 2009

Venue: Santiago, Chile, and Lima, Peru

Cost: $3,500 for small or medium- sized enterprises
$5,575 for large firms
$450 for each additional company representative
Expenses for travel, lodging, most meals, and incidentals will be the responsibility of each mission participant.

Deadline: Applications will be accepted first come first served through April 17, 2009, so interested U.S. companies should not delay.