The Ecuadorian tuna sector is waiting for the United States to grant its tuna with duty free benefits, or heavily reduced duty rates, during the last round of negotiations for the signing of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between both countries.

The Ecuadorian negotiators have manifested their interest to include Ecuadorian canned tuna as well as tuna pouches as part of the agreement due to their added value. However, the American Team has kept an inflexible position since the beginning of the negotiations in May 2004.

The President of Ecuadorian Chamber of Fisheries Mr. Cesar Rohon Tuesday indicated that “tuna issue is essential because it is a product that provides the Ecuadorian economy with more than US 400 million, as well as thousands of jobs, a.o.”

Mr. Rohon also explained that the Ecuadorian tuna sector will remain confident until the last round of negotiations waiting for an answer from US to provide market entrance to the Ecuadorian canned tuna.

The last round of negotiation between Ecuador and the US will commence the first week of February, while negotiations with Colombia will start next week.