The author discusses the main characteristics and implications of the Free Trade Agreement with the United States by pointing out, as the most outstanding arguments of this process, the following: the relation with and the historical importance of the US in terms of trade and politics, the need to maintain tariff preferences and a long-term ATPDEA* *, and particularly the need to face the competitiveness of other countries that have reached agreements with that country before. Nevertheless, the author suggests to consider productivity and competitiveness policies as an essential factor to diversify exportations and to make good use of Colombia’s competitive advantages concerning this agreement, vis-a-vis the internationalization of its economy.