The Varela administration has applied a special agricultural safeguard to some porcine products imported from the United States, among which are hams, legs, shoulders and their pieces.

Arguing that up until July 16 of the current year, 3,506 metric tons of pork have entered the country, a volume that exceeds the 2,697 metric tons agreed for this year in the Trade Promotion Treaty, the Ministry of Commerce and Industries (Mici) resolved to increase the tariff on fifteen products imported from the USA.

See also “Increase in Pork Slaughter in Panama“

Among the products for which a higher tariff must be paid are pork ribs, whose tariff went from 62% to 70%, and hams, shoulders and pieces, without bones, which will now incur 70%, instead of 62%.

Economist Rolando Gordón, told Laestrella.com.pa that ” … this is a reflection of the Panamanian authorities having no control over the products that have to enter the country through the Trade Promotion Treaty.“

See “Central America Consumes More Pork Meat“

Gordón adds that “ … the measure of increasing the tariff seeks to protect domestic production. Complaints by producers have been constant during the last months, and the commercial treaty has come to light in these.“

See resolution by the Mici. (In Spanish)