Top US trade official voices concern over Peru logging

The top U.S. trade official is expressing concern that Peru may not be living up to its promises to combat illegal logging under a free trade agreement.

In a letter sent in December, U.S. Trade Rep. Robert Lighthizer wrote that he considered “unacceptable” a recent decision in Peru to put an independent agency that monitors the logging trade under the Ministry of Environment.

The letter to U.S. Rep. Richard Neal came after House Democrats sent a letter requesting the U.S. trade representative take action.

Lighthizer wrote that the U.S. position had been “forcefully communicated” to Peru and that he would request consultations if the decision was not reversed.

Environmental activists consider Peru’s decision to make the forest inspection service a subordinate agency a blow in efforts to strengthen enforcement.