Published yesterday in the official newspaper, the resolution in favor of Arrocera San Francisco argues that preferential treatment is being given to a group of grain importers from the U.S.

These companies, classified as "historical importers" by the Ministry, received the majority of import quotas structured as duty free under the FTA with the North American nation.

The term "historical importers" prevents other parties from participating in the quota", reported Prensalibre.com.

"The Directorate of Foreign Trade Administration (Dace) of the Ministry of Economy (Mineco) must redistribute the paddy rice quota, according to a publication in the judgment of the Constitutional Court published yesterday in Diario de Centro América."

Dace will now have to redistribute 72,800 metric tons of rice authorized for this year, 2013, which had already been allocated to importers.

Additionally, the move could set a precedent for the import of other products, which also use the concept of "historical importers".

Source: prensalibre.com

More on this topic

Guatemala Court Suspends Rice Quota

December 2013

The Constitutional Court has temporarily suspended Article 19 of Governmental Decree 441-2013, which contains Regulations for the Administration of Tariff Quotas for Rice.

This regulation was established in the FTA between Central America, the Dominican Republic and the United States.

Possible Opening of Import Quotas

August 2013

A ruling by the Constitutional Court of Guatemala on imports of paddy rice could set a precedent for other products.

On July 31 last, the Constitutional Court of Guatemala hosted a constitutional motion filed by the Arrocera San Francisco, in relation to the distribution of import quotas of 72,800 tons of paddy rice, duty free, under the trade agreement with the United States.

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FTA drives growth in Guatemala

September 2008

The free trade agreements with the United States have contributed to the economic growth of partner countries, said the American ambassador to Guatemala, Stephen McFarland.

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