PANAMA United States – Panama Trade Promotion Agreement:  The Northwest Horticultural Council supports the U.S.-Panama Trade Promotion Agreement. On March 30, 2007, the President notified Congress of his intent to enter into a free trade agreement with the Government of Panama.  Prior to the agreement entering into effect, the U.S. Congress and the Government of Panama must first ratify it. Panama , a country of 3.2 million people agreed to reduce its tariffs on apples, pears and cherries to zero immediately upon enactment of the agreement.  Currently tariffs are 1 percent for cherries, 2 percent for apples and 5 percent for pears.  There are currently no phytosanitary barriers preventing the export of our products to this Central American nation.  Panama does not pose an import threat since it does not grow deciduous tree fruits.  During the 2005 shipping season our region exported approximately 146,000 cartons of apples and 40,000 cartons of pears to Panama valued at approximately $3 million. Those wishing to gain more information on this free trade agreement may go to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative’s website page at – United States-Panama Trade Promotion Agreement. 5/8/07 Northwest Horticultural Council 105 South 18th Street, Suite 105 Yakima, Washington 98901, USA Voice: (509) 453-3193, Fax: (509) 457-7615 E-mail general@nwhort.org