ExecutiveOrdersEO
NoticeNoticeG.W. Bush · R

Presidential Notice

Notice of Intention to Enter Into a Free Trade Agreement with Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala, and Nicaragua (the "CAFTA Countries")

President George W. Bush formally notified Congress of his intention to enter into a free trade agreement with five Central American nations (Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala, and Nicaragua), as required by the Trade Act of 2002. This procedural notice triggers congressional consultation requirements and is published in the Federal Register, advancing the CAFTA negotiation process toward eventual treaty consideration.

Federal Register Open PDF 69 FR 8543

Impact dates

  1. Congressional notification and Federal Register publication

Key directives

  • Notify Congress of intention to enter into Free Trade Agreement with CAFTA countries
  • Publish notice in Federal Register

Timeline

Immediate

  • Congressional notification delivered
  • Federal Register publication

Near term (90d)

  • Congressional consultation period under Trade Act of 2002
  • Preparation for trade agreement text submission

Long term

  • Potential ratification and implementation of CAFTA
  • Restructuring of trade flows with Central America
  • Adjustment of tariffs and trade rules

Risks & tensions

  • Trade adjustment costs for U.S. industries competing with Central American imports
  • Labor and environmental standard concerns in partner countries
  • Fast-track authority timing constraints under Trade Act of 2002
Presidential Notice: Notice of Intention to Enter Into a Free Trade Agreement with Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala, and Nicaragua (the "CAFTA Countries") · Executive Orders