Generalized System of Preferences:
Background and Renewal Debate
Vivian C. Jones
Specialist in International Trade and Finance
August 17, 2015
Congressional Research Service
7-5700
www.crs.gov
RL33663
Generalized System of Preferences: Background and Renewal Debate
Summary
The U.S. Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) program provides non-reciprocal, duty-free
tariff treatment to certain products imported from designated beneficiary developing countries
(BDCs). The United States, the European Union, and other developed countries have
implemented similar programs since the 1970s. The U.S. program was first authorized in Title V
of the Trade Act of 1974, and is subject to periodic renewal by Congress. The GSP program was
most recently extended until December 31, 2017, in Title II of P.L. 114-27.The program was also
retroactively renewed for all GSP-eligible entries between July 31, 201,3 (the latest expiration
date) and the effective date of the current GSP renewal (July 29, 2015). Imports under the GSP
program in 2012 (last full year of GSP implementation) amounted to about $19.9 billion—about
6% of all imports from GSP countries, and about 1% of total U.S world imports. P.L. 114-27 also
designated new product categories as eligible for GSP status, including some cotton products (for
least-developed beneficiaries only) and certain luggage and travel goods.
In recent years, GSP renewal has been somewhat controversial. Some issues have included
whether or not to continue to include emerging developing countries (e.g., India, Brazil) as
beneficiaries or to open the program to least-developed countries only. Particular products given
duty-free access have also caused controversy, as well as the country practices of certain
beneficiaries. The most recent program lapse was due, in part, to GSP funding provisions.
The GSP program is one of several U.S. trade preference programs through which the United
States seeks to help developing countries expand their economies. Other U.S. trade preference
programs are regionally focused, and include the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA),
the Andean Trade Preference Act (ATPA, also expired in 2013 and may not be renewed), and the
Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI, includes preference programs for Haiti). The GSP program
provides duty-free entry for over 3,500 products (based on 8-digit U.S. Harmonized Tariff
Schedule tariff lines) from 122 BDCs, and duty-free status to an additional 1,500 products from
43 GSP beneficiaries additionally designated as least-developed beneficiary developing countries
(LDBDCs).
U.S. implementation of GSP requires that developing countries meet certain criteria to be eligible
for the program. For example, countries must not have seized ownership or control of the assets
of U.S. citizens or have harmed U.S. investors in other specified ways. Eligible countries must
also be taking steps to maintain internationally recognized worker rights among other things. GSP
rules of origin require that at least 35% of the appraised value of the product be the “growth,
product, or manufacture” of the BDC. Third, the GSP program includes certain curbs on product
eligibility intended to shield U.S. manufacturers and workers from potential adverse impact due
to the duty-free treatment. These include specific exclusion of certain “import sensitive” products
(e.g., textiles and apparel), and limits on the quantity or value of any one product imported from
any one country under the program (products from least-developed beneficiaries are not subject
to this restriction). Fourth, GSP country and product eligibility are subject to annual review.
This report presents, first, recent developments and a brief history, economic rationale, and legal
background leading to the establishment of the GSP. Second, the report presents a discussion of
U.S. GSP implementation. Third, the report presents an analysis of the U.S. program’s
effectiveness and the positions of various stakeholders. Fourth, implications of the expiration of
the U.S. program and possible options for Congress are discussed.
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Generalized System of Preferences: Background and Renewal Debate
Contents
Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 1
Recent Developments ...................................................................................................................... 1
114th Congress Legislation ........................................................................................................ 1
Procedures for Receiving Duty Refunds ................................................................................... 2
Products Added to GSP ............................................................................................................. 2
Countries Suspended from or Included in GSP ........................................................................ 3
History, Rationale, and Comparison of GSP Programs ................................................................... 3
Economic and Political Basis .................................................................................................... 3
GATT/WTO Framework ........................................................................................................... 4
Enabling Clause .................................................................................................................. 5
Additional Commitment to LDCs ....................................................................................... 5
Comparison of International GSP Programs ............................................................................. 6
EU GSP Changes ................................................................................................................ 7
Future Canada Changes ...................................................................................................... 8
United States GSP Implementation ................................................................................................. 8
Eligible Countries...................................................................................................................... 9
Reporting Requirements .................................................................................................... 11
Least-Developed Beneficiaries .......................................................................................... 11
Country Graduation from GSP .......................................................................................... 11
Countries Potentially Eligible for GSP ............................................................................. 12
Eligible Products ..................................................................................................................... 12
114th Congress Amendments to Eligible Products ............................................................ 13
Rules of Origin .................................................................................................................. 13
Competitive Need Limits and Waivers ............................................................................. 13
De Minimis CNL Waivers ................................................................................................. 14
Waivers for Articles not Produced in the United States on January 1, 1995 ..................... 14
Annual Reviews ...................................................................................................................... 14
Effectiveness of the U.S. GSP Program ........................................................................................ 15
Effects on Developing Countries ............................................................................................ 15
Economic Effects on the U.S. Market ..................................................................................... 17
Stakeholders’ Concerns ................................................................................................................. 18
“Special and Differential Treatment” ...................................................................................... 18
Erosion of Preferential Margins .............................................................................................. 19
Under-Utilization of GSP ........................................................................................................ 20
Trade as Foreign Assistance .................................................................................................... 21
Conditionality of Preferences .................................................................................................. 21
Lower Costs of Imports ........................................................................................................... 21
Options for Congress ..................................................................................................................... 22
Negotiate Trade Agreements with GSP Countries .................................................................. 22
Authorize GSP Only for Least-Developed Countries ............................................................. 23
Reform GSP ............................................................................................................................ 23
Expand Application of GSP .............................................................................................. 24
Restrict Application of Preferences .................................................................................. 24
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Figures
Figure 1. U.S. Imports from GSP Countries .................................................................................. 16
Tables
Table A-1. GSP-Eligible Cotton Products (Least-Developed Beneficiaries) ................................ 25
Table A-2. GSP-Eligible Luggage and Travel Products ................................................................ 25
Table B-1. Leading GSP Product Imports, 2012 ........................................................................... 28
Table B-2. Leading GSP Beneficiaries, 2012 ................................................................................ 29
Table C-1. GSP Implementation and Renewal, 1974-2013 ........................................................... 31
Table D-1. Beneficiary Developing Countries and Regions for Purposes of the
Generalized System of Preferences ............................................................................................ 33
Appendixes
Appendix A. GSP-Eligible Products Added in P.L. 104-27 .......................................................... 25
Appendix B. Leading U.S. GSP Product Imports and Beneficiaries ............................................. 28
Appendix C. GSP Implementation and Renewal .......................................................................... 31
Appendix D. GSP Beneficiary Countries ...................................................................................... 33
Contacts
Author Contact Information .......................................................................................................... 34
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Introduction
The Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) program gives unilateral, nonreciprocal,
preferential tariff treatment to certain products imported from designated beneficiary developing
countries (BDCs). The United States, the European Union, and other developed countries have
implemented such programs since the 1970s in order to promote economic growth in developing
countries by stimulating their exports.
GSP was recently renewed Title II of P.L. 114-27 . Prior to the recent GSP extension, the program
was extended until July 31, 2013, in Section 1 of P.L. 112-40, and lapsed for almost two years. In
the 113th Congress, controversy arose over the funding provisions in Senate bill S. 1331 seeking
to renew GSP.
This report presents, first, a brief summary of recent GSP developments and legislation
introduced in the 114th Congress. Second, it provides a brief history, economic rationale, legal
background, and comparison of GSP programs worldwide. Third, the report describes in more
detail the U.S. implementation of the GSP program. Fourth, the report analyzes the U.S.
program’s effectiveness and stakeholder positions. Fifth, possible options for Congress are
discussed.
Recent Developments
114th Congress Legislation
On June 29, 2015, the President signed the Trade Preferences Extension Act of 2015 (P.L. 114-
27). Title II of the Act extends GSP until December 31, 2017, and also extended the program
retroactively to the prior expiration date, July 31, 2013. The Act also provided the President with
authority to designate certain cotton textiles as duty-free under GSP for least-developed countries;
as well as to designate certain luggage and travel articles as eligible for GSP (See Appendix A).
Regarding retroactive refunds of duties paid on GSP-eligible products imported during the
expiration period (between August 1, 2013, and the effective date of the GSP extension, July 29,
2015), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has provided guidance on its website
regarding the steps necessary to ensure that a refund is received.1 A brief legislative history
follows:
Bills Introduced:
Title II of H.R. 1891, the AGOA Extension and Enhancement Act of 2015
(Ryan, introduced April 17, 2015), and of its companion bill, S. 1009 (Hatch,
introduced April 20, 2015), proposed to extend GSP until December 31,
2017, and to extend it retroactively to the prior expiration date, July 31, 2013.
The bill also proposed to give the President authority to designate certain
articles made of cotton yarn from least-developed countries eligible for GSP
status.
H.R. 681, the GSP UPDATE Act (Crenshaw, introduced February 3, 2015),
and its companion bill S. 340 (Blunt, introduced February 3, 2015) proposed
1 See http://www.cbp.gov/trade/trade-community/outreach-programs/trade-agreements/special-trade-programs/gsp/gsp-
renewal.
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to authorize the President to designate certain luggage and travel articles
eligible for duty-free status under the GSP.
Legislative Action:
On May 14, 2015, the Senate incorporated the text of S.1009 into H.R. 1295 and
passed the bill, as amended.
On June 11, the House passed H.R. 1295 with an amendment to the Senate
amendment.
On June 21, the Senate concurred with the House amendment to H.R. 1295 with an
additional amendment.
On June 25, the House passed the bill, as amended by the Senate.
The President signed the Trade Preferences Extension Act of 2015 on June 29, 2015
(P.L. 114-27).
The GSP renewal language in the Act also includes the provisions of H.R. 681, the
GSP Update Act (above).
Procedures for Receiving Duty Refunds
On July 28, 2015, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued a notice in the Federal
Register regarding refunds of duties paid during the period that the GSP program was lapsed
(August 1, 2013 – July 28, 2015). CBP announced that will process refunds automatically for all
import entries that were filed electronically using the Automated Broker Interface (ABI) and were
noted with the Special Program Indicator Code (SPI) “A” (indicator for GSP). CBP will not
automatically process GSP duty refunds for entries that were not filed electronically using ABI or
for entries not annotated with the “A” indicator. In order to receive a refund, these importers must
file a duty refund request with CBP by December 28, 2015.2
Products Added to GSP
P.L. 114-27also amended the list of eligible products by providing the President with authority to
designate certain cotton and cotton waste products as duty-free to eligible least-developed
countries. The President was also given authority to designate certain luggage and travel articles
(formerly deemed “import-sensitive”) as eligible for GSP, following product review and analysis
by the U.S. International Trade Commission, and the opportunity for public comment (see “114th
Congress Amendments to Eligible Products”). On August 11, 2015, the GSP Subcommittee of the
Trade Policy Staff Committee held a public hearing on the proposed GSP designation of the
cotton products.3 On July 16, 2015, the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) instituted
its 2014 investigation of the economic effects of certain modifications to the GSP, including the
possible GSP eligibility of the cotton products, and requested comments from the public.4
2 80 Federal Register 44986.
3 80 Federal Register 38501.
4 80 Federal Register 42120.
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Countries Suspended from or Included in GSP
Many in Congress were critical of Russia’s status as a GSP beneficiary following its invasion of
Crimea.5 On May 7, 2014, President Obama notified Congress that he intended to graduate
Russia from the GSP program because he had determined that “it is appropriate to withdraw
Russia’s designation as a beneficiary developing country under the GSP program because Russia
is sufficiently advanced in economic development and improved in trade competitiveness that
continued preferential treatment under the GSP is not warranted.”6
On October 3, 2014, the President officially terminated Russia’s GSP status, which became
effective on the same date.7 The President’s withdrawal of the preference was based on Section
502(f)(2) of the Trade Act of 1974 (19 U.S.C. 2462(f)(2)), which states that one of the factors
determining country eligibility is its level of economic development (see “Eligible Countries,”
below). A list of GSP-eligible countries appears in Appendix D.
History, Rationale, and Comparison of
GSP Programs
The basic principle behind each GSP program worldwide is to provide developing countries with
unilateral preferential market access to developed-country markets in order to spur economic
growth in poorer countries. The preferential access is in the form of lower tariff rates (or as in the
U.S. case, duty-free) for certain products that are determined not to be “import sensitive” in the
receiving country market. The program concept was first adopted internationally in 1968 by the
United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) at the UNCTAD II
Conference.8
Economic and Political Basis
The GSP concept and programs were established based on an economic theory that preferential
tariff rates in developed country markets could promote export-driven industry growth in
developing countries. It was believed that this, in turn, would help to free beneficiaries from
heavy dependence on trade in primary products (e.g., raw materials), and help diversify their
economies to promote stable growth.9
Some economists claim that GSP was established, in part, as a means of reconciling two widely
divergent economic perspectives of trade equity that arose during early negotiations on the
General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT).10 Industrialized, developed nations argued that
5 “Levin Says Efforts on GSP Renewal Hampered by Questions over Russia,” Inside U.S. Trade, April 10, 2014.
6 U.S. Congress, House Committee on Ways and Means, Withdrawal of Russia as a Beneficiary Developing Country
under the Generalized System of Preferences, Executive Communication from Obama, Barack H., 113th Cong., 2nd
sess., May 7, 2014, H.Doc.113-107.
7 Presidential Proclamation 9188 of October 3, 2014, “To Modify the List of Beneficiary Developing Countries Under
the Trade Act of 1974,” 79 Federal Register 60945, October 8, 2014.
8 U.N. Conference on Trade and Development, “About GSP,” at http://www.unctad.org. In addition to the United
States and the European Union, eight other developed countries—Australia, Bulgaria, Canada, Japan, New Zealand,
Norway, the Russian Federation, and Switzerland—currently have GSP programs.
9 OECD Secretary-General. The Generalized System of Preferences: Review of the First Decade. Organization of
Economic Cooperation and Development, 1983, p. 9 (hereinafter OECD GSP Review).
10 Sapir, A. and L. Lundberg, “The U.S. Generalized System of Preferences and its Impacts,” in R. Baldwin and A.
(continued...)
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the most-favored-nation principle11 (MFN) should be the fundamental and universal principle
governing multilateral trade, while less-developed countries believed that equal treatment of
economically unequal trading partners did not constitute equity in trade benefits, and called for
“special and differential treatment” for developing countries. These economists assert that GSP
schemes thus became one of the means of offering a form of special treatment that developing
nations sought, while allaying the fears of developed countries that tariff “disarmament” might
create serious disruptions among import-sensitive industries in their domestic markets.12
Due to differences in developed countries’ economic structures and tariff programs—as well as
differences in the types of domestic industries and products each country wanted to shield from
foreign competition—it proved difficult to create one unified system of tariff concessions on
additional products. Therefore, the GSP became a system of individual national schemes based on
common goals and principles—each with a view toward providing developing countries with
generally equivalent opportunities for export growth.13 As a result, the preference-granting
countries implemented various individual schemes of temporary, generalized, non-reciprocal,
non-discriminatory preferences under which tariffs were lowered or eliminated on some imports
from certain developing countries.
Although not specifically allowed or codified in the GATT, the programs of most GSP-granting
countries place certain conditions on the non-reciprocal preferences by (1) excluding certain
countries; (2) determining specific product coverage; (3) determining rules of origin governing
the preference; (4) determining the duration of the scheme; (5) reducing any preferential margins
accruing to developing countries by continuing to lower or remove tariffs as a result of
multilateral negotiations; (6) preventing the concentration of benefits among a few countries; (7)
including safeguard mechanisms or “escape” clauses to protect import-sensitive industries; and
(8) place caps on the volume of duty-free trade entering under their programs.14
GATT/WTO Framework
Although GSP programs were intended to be temporary, an international framework under the
GATT was developed to allow the programs to continue. By its very nature as a trade preference,
the GSP program posed a problem under the GATT because granting preferences would be
inconsistent with the fundamental obligation placed on GATT Parties (GATT Article I:1) to grant
MFN tariff treatment to the products of all other GATT Parties. However, since preference
programs were viewed a means of transitioning developing countries to greater trade
liberalization and economic development, GATT Parties accommodated them in a series of joint
actions.
(...continued)
Krueger (eds.) The Structure and Evolution of Recent U.S. Trade Policy, Chicago: The University of Chicago Press,
1984.
11 The most-favored-nation principle means that countries must treat imports from other trading partners on the same
basis as that given to the most favored other nation. Therefore, with certain exceptions (including GSP, regional trading
arrangements, and free trade agreements), every country gets the lowest tariff that any country gets, and reductions in
tariffs to one country are provided also to others. The term “most-favored-nation” has been changed in U.S. law to
“normal trade relations.”
12 OECD GSP Review, p. 11.
13 Ibid., p. 10.
14 David Wall, “Problems with Preferences,” International Affairs, vol. 47, October 1971, p. 95.
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First, in 1965, the GATT Parties added Part IV to the General Agreement, an amendment that
recognizes the special economic needs of developing countries and asserts the principle of non-
reciprocity. Under this principle, developed countries may forego the receipt of reciprocal
benefits for their negotiated commitments to reduce or eliminate tariffs and restrictions on the
trade of less developed contracting parties.15 Second, because of the underlying MFN issue,
GATT Parties in 1971 adopted a waiver of Article I for GSP programs, which allowed developed
contracting parties to accord more favorable tariff treatment to the products of developing
countries for 10 years.16 The GSP was described in the decision as a “system of generalized, non-
reciprocal and non-discriminatory preferences beneficial to the developing countries.”
Enabling Clause
At the end of the Tokyo Round of Multilateral Trade Negotiations in 1979, developing countries
secured adoption of the so-called Enabling Clause, a permanent deviation from MFN by joint
decision of the GATT Contracting Parties.17 The clause states that notwithstanding GATT Article
I, “contracting parties may accord differential and more favorable treatment to developing
countries, without according such treatment to other contracting parties,” and applies this
exception to:
(a) Preferential tariff treatment accorded by developed contracting parties to products
originating in developing countries in accordance with the Generalized System of
Preferences;
(b) Differential and more favorable treatment with respect to the provisions of the
General Agreement concerning non-tariff measures governed by the provisions of
instruments multilaterally negotiated under the auspices of the GATT;
(c) Regional or global arrangements entered into amongst less-developed contracting
parties for the mutual reductions or elimination of tariffs and, in accordance with criteria
or conditions which may be prescribed by the CONTRACTING PARTIES for the mutual
reduction or elimination of non-tariff measures, on products imported from one another;
(d) Special treatment on the least developed among the developing countries in the
context of any general or specific measures in favour of developing countries.18
Additional Commitment to LDCs
When launching the Doha Development Agenda (DDA) negotiations in November 2001, World
Trade Organization (WTO, established in 1995) members committed themselves to provide “duty
free/quota free” (DFQF) access to the products of least-developed countries in keeping with the
shared objective of the international community as expressed in the Millennium Development
15 Edmond McGovern, International Trade Regulation ¶ 9.212 (updated 1999). Part IV is generally viewed as
nonbinding, though some have argued otherwise with regard to certain of its provisions. Id.; John H. Jackson, William
J. Davey & Alan O. Sykes, Jr., Legal Problems of International Economic Relations 1171 (4th ed. 2002).
16 GATT, Generalized System of Preferences; Decision of 25 June 1971, L/3545 (June 28, 1971), available at
http://www.wto.org/gatt_docs/English/SULPDF/90840258.pdf.
17 GATT, Differential and More Favourable Treatment, Reciprocity and Fuller Participation of Developing Countries;
Decision of 28 November 1979, L/4903 (December 3, 1979)(footnotes omitted), available at http://www.wto.org/
gatt_docs/English/SULPDF/90970166.pdf.
18 For more information on the treatment of GSP and other preference programs in the WTO, see CRS Report
RS22183, Trade Preferences for Developing Countries and the World Trade Organization (WTO), by Daniel T. Shedd,
Jane M. Smith, and Brandon J. Murrill.
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Goals.19 During DDA negotiations at the sixth WTO Ministerial Conference in Hong Kong in
December 2005, developed country WTO members and “developing country members declaring
themselves in a position to do so” agreed to deepen this commitment by providing DFQF access
to at least 97% of products originating from LDCs by 2008, or no later than the start of the
implementation period (i.e., of any multilateral WTO agreement that might be reached), “in a
manner that ensures stability, security and predictability.”20 As of 2011, 83.4% of all exports
(excluding oil and arms) from LDCs entered into developed countries duty-free.21 If the DDA,
currently at an impasse, were concluded, all developed country WTO members could be required
to take on the DFQF commitment.
Comparison of International GSP Programs
Other developed countries besides the United States that have GSP programs are Australia,
Bulgaria, Canada, the European Union (EU), Japan, New Zealand, Norway, the Russian
Federation, and Switzerland.22 One economist has referred to these programs as a non-
homogeneous set of national schemes sharing certain common characteristics.23 Generally, each
preference-granting country extends to qualifying developing countries (as determined by each
benefactor) an exemption from duties (reduced tariffs or duty-free access) on most manufactured
products and certain “non-sensitive” agricultural products. Product coverage and the type of
preferential treatment offered vary widely.24
Although most GSP schemes (including the U.S. program) admit all eligible products duty-free,
some countries provide tariff reductions, rather than complete exemption from duties.25 The
Australian System of Tariff Preferences (ASTP), for example, is based on a five percentage point
margin of preference. When the Australian General Tariff (GT) is higher than 5%, the ASTP tariff
rate is reduced by 5% (for example, if the GT rate is 20%, the ASTP rate is 15%). When the GT
rate is 5% or less, the ASTP rate is zero.26
In the WTO, the developing country status of members is generally based on self-determination.
However, with regard to GSP, each preference-granting country establishes particular criteria and
conditions for defining and identifying developing country beneficiaries. Consequently, the list of
beneficiaries and exceptions may vary greatly between countries. If political or economic changes
have taken place in a beneficiary country, it might be excluded from GSP programs in some
countries but not in others. Some countries, including the United States, also reserve the right to
exclude countries if they have entered into another kind of commercial arrangement (e.g., a free
19 World Trade Organization, “The WTO and the Millennium Development Goals,” http://www.wto.org/english/
thewto_e/coher_e/mdg_e/mdg_e.htm.
20 World Trade Organization, Ministerial Declaration, Annex F. December 18, 2005, WT/MIN(05)/DEC.
21 United Nations Integrated Implementation Framework, WTO Hong Kong DFQF Target, http://iif.un.org/content/
wto-hong-kong-dfqf-target.
22 U.N. Conference on Trade and Development, “About GSP,” at http://www.unctad.org.
23 Sanchez Arnau, Juan C. The Generalized System of Preferences and the World Trade Organization. London:
Cameron May, Ltd., 2002, p. 187.
24 Ibid.
25 World Trade Organization, Committee on Trade and Development. The Generalized System of Preferences: A
Preliminary Analysis of the GSP Schemes in the Quad. WTO Document WT/COMTD/W/93, October 5, 2001.
26 United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, Generalized System of Preferences on the Scheme of
Australia. UNCTAD Technical Cooperation Project on Market Access, Trade Laws and Preferences, June 2000
(INT/97/A06), p. 5. http://www.unctad.org/en/docs/itcdtsbmisc56_en.pdf.
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trade agreement) with any other GSP-granting developed country (i.e., in the U.S. case, “if it has,
or is likely to have, a significant adverse effect on United States commerce”).27
In terms of additional GSP product coverage for LDCs, the EU’s program, which offers duty-free
access for “everything but arms,”28 is currently perhaps the most inclusive in terms of GSP-
eligible products. GSP-granting countries may also have incentive-based programs that provide
enhanced benefits for beneficiary countries that meet certain additional criteria. For example, in
2007, the European Community implemented a regulation that grants additional GSP benefits to
those countries that have demonstrated their commitment to sustainable development and
internationally recognized worker rights.29
Each preference-granting nation also has safeguards in place to ensure that any significant
increases in imports of a certain product do not adversely affect the receiving country’s domestic
market. Generally, these restrictions take the form of quantitative limits on goods entering under
GSP. Under Japan’s system, for example, imports of certain products under the preference are
limited by quantity or value (whichever is applicable) on a first-come, first-served basis as
administered on a monthly (or daily, as indicated) basis. For other products, import ceilings and
maximum country amounts are set by prior allotment.30 The United States quantitatively limits
imports under the GSP program by placing “competitive need limit” (CNL) thresholds on the
quantity or value of commodities entering duty-free, as discussed in more detail below.
Each GSP benefactor also has criteria for graduation—the point at which beneficiaries no longer
qualify for benefits because they have reached a certain level of development. Most preference-
granting countries require mandatory graduation based on a certain level of income per capita
based on World Bank calculations. Some programs, such as the EU’s, also specifically provide for
graduation of certain GSP recipients with respect to specific product sectors.
EU GSP Changes
On January 1, 2014, the EU implemented substantial changes to its GSP program that are
intended to (1) better focus on countries in need; (2) further promote core principles of
sustainable development and good governance; and (3) enhance stability and predictability.31 As
part of a long-term overhaul of the EU’s relationship of its trade arrangements with developing
countries, including its GSP beneficiaries, negotiations have been ongoing since 2000 to establish
reciprocal, WTO-compliant “Economic Partnership Agreements” (EPAs) with developing country
trading partners in the African, Caribbean, and Pacific regions. For example, in July 2014, the EU
27 19 U.S.C. 2462(b)(2)(c)
28 European Communities, GSP Council Regulation (EC) No. 2501/2001. See also Council Regulation (EC) No
732/2008 of 22 July 2008 applying a scheme of generalised tariff preferences for the period from 1 January 2009 to 31
December 2011 and amending Regulations (EC) No 552/97, (EC) No 1933/2006 and Commission Regulations (EC)
No 1100/2006 and (EC) No 964/2007. Published in Official Journal of the European Communities, (OJ) OJ L 211 of 6
August 2008. The “Everything but Arms” provision applies to all goods except arms and munitions and white sugar
(from October 1, 2009 to September 2012, sugar importers “shall undertake to purchase such products at a minimum
price not lower than 90% of the reference price.”). See Council Regulation (EC) No 2501/2001.
29 Ibid.
30 World Trade Organization, Committee on Trade and Development. Notification by Japan, June 21, 2000,
WT/COMTD/N/2/Add.9.
31 Regulation (EU) No. 978/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 October 2012 Applying a
Scheme of Generalized Tariff Preferences and repealing Council Regulation (EC) No. 732/2008, OJ L 303/1, October
31, 2012. See also European Commission, “Revised EU Trade Scheme to Help Developing Countries Applies on 1
January 2014,” Memo, December 19, 2013, http://trade.ec.europa.eu/doclib/docs/2013/december/tradoc_152015.pdf.
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initialed an agreement with members of the Economic Community of West African States
(ECOWAS). As of October 2014, both sides were preparing for the signature and subsequent
ratification of the agreement.32
The EU’s revisions reduced GSP-eligible countries to 90, down from 176. The other 86 countries
previously eligible were excluded because they (1) had alternative trade arrangements for
accessing the EU market; (2) had become high or upper-middle income countries; or (3) had
other preferential arrangements with the EU.33
The EU also added additional tariff lines (mostly chemicals, fertilizers, and base metals) to the
list of duty-free products eligible for GSP, narrowed certain countries’ benefits to fewer products
(e.g., China may only receive benefits for vegetable products; animal and vegetable fats and
waxes; meat products; tobacco, and mineral products), and graduated certain competitive sectors
in some GSP-eligible countries (e.g., Ukraine will not receive GSP benefits for railway and
tramway vehicles and products).34
In order to add a measure of stability to the program, the EU extended GSP benefits for 10 years,
and provided transition periods of at least one year for those countries that will lose GSP
eligibility.
Future Canada Changes
Canada announced that, effective January 1, 2015, Canada’s General Preferential Tariff (GPT)
benefits were to be withdrawn from 72 countries.35 GPT will continue to be available to 103
beneficiaries. Canada will continue to review the list of beneficiary countries biannually, and will
automatically graduate countries that are either classified for two consecutive years as high or
upper middle income countries; or have a 1% or greater share of world exports for two
consecutive years.36
United States GSP Implementation
Congress first authorized the U.S. Generalized System of Preferences scheme in Title V of the
Trade Act of 1974 (P.L. 93-618), as amended.37 P.L. 93-618 authorized the President to grant
duty-free treatment under the GSP for any eligible product from any beneficiary developing
country (BDC) or least-developed beneficiary developing country (LDBDC), provides the
President with economic criteria in deciding whether to take any such action, and also specifies
certain other criteria for designating eligible countries and products.38
32European Commission, “Overview of EPAs – State of Play,” accessed at http://ec.europa.eu/trade/policy/countries-
and-regions/development/economic-partnerships/.
33 Ibid.
34 Ibid.
35 Canada Gazette, “General Preferential Tariff Withdrawal Order (2013 GPT Review), Volume 147, No. 21, October
9, 2013.
36 Ibid.
37 Trade Act of 1974, P.L. 93-618, Title V, as amended, 19 U.S.C. §2461-2467. The GSP Program was reauthorized
and amended by the Trade and Tariff Act of 1984 (P.L. 98-573), and again by Subtitle J (the GSP Renewal Act of
1996) of P.L. 104-188. Twelve laws have authorized GSP with relatively minor modifications, most recently through
July 31, 2013, (P.L. 112-40). See Table C-1.
38 19 U.S.C. §2461.
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Changes to GSP country eligibility or product coverage are made at the discretion of the
President, drawing on the advice of the United States Trade Representative (USTR). The Trade
Policy Staff Committee (TPSC), an executive branch interagency body chaired by the office of
the USTR, serves as the interagency policy coordination mechanism for matters involving GSP.39
The GSP Subcommittee40 conducts an annual GSP review in which petitions related to GSP
country and product eligibility are assessed and makes recommendations to the full TPSC, which,
in turn, passes these recommendations to the USTR.
Eligible Countries
When designating BDCs and LDBDCs, the President is directed to take into account certain
mandatory and discretionary criteria. The law prohibits (with certain exceptions) the President
from extending GSP treatment to certain countries, as follows:41
other industrialized countries (Australia, Canada, EU member states, Iceland,
Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, Norway, and Switzerland are specifically
excluded);
communist countries, unless they are a WTO member, a member of the
International Monetary Fund, and receive Normal Trade Relations (NTR)
treatment from the United States; must also not be “dominated or controlled by
international communism”;
countries that collude with other countries to withhold supplies or resources
from international trade or raise the price of goods in a way that could cause
serious disruption to the world economy;
countries that provide preferential treatment to the products of another
developed country in a manner likely to have a significant adverse impact on
U.S. commerce;
countries that have nationalized or expropriated the property of U.S. citizens, or
otherwise infringe on U.S. citizens’ property rights, including patents,
trademarks, or copyrights; countries that have taken steps to repudiate or nullify
existing contracts or agreements of U.S. citizens (or corporations, partnerships,
or associations that are 50% or more owned by U.S. citizens) in a way that
would nationalize or seize ownership or control of the property; or
countries that have imposed or enforced taxes or other restrictive conditions or
measures on the property of U.S. citizens; unless the President determines that
compensation is being made, good faith negotiations are in progress, or a dispute
has been handed over to arbitration in the Convention for the Settlement of
Investment Disputes or another forum;
39 According to 15 C.F.R. §2002.2, “The [Trade Policy Staff] Committee consists of a chairman designated by the
Special Representative from his Office, and of senior trade policy staff officials designated from their respective
agencies or offices by the Secretaries of Agriculture, Commerce, Defense, Interior, Labor, State, and Treasury, by the
Executive Director of the Council on International Economic Policy, and by the Chairman of the International Trade
Commission.” GSP regulations are found at 15 C.F.R. §2007.
40 The GSP Subcommittee includes officials from these agencies, except Interior and Defense, and also includes the
U.S. Agency for International Development.
41 19 U.S.C. §2462.
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countries that have failed to act in good faith in recognizing as binding or in
enforcing arbitral awards in favor of U.S. citizens (or corporations, partnerships,
or associations that are 50% or more owned by U.S. citizens); and
countries that grant sanctuary from prosecution to any individual or group that
has committed an act of international terrorism, or have not taken steps to
support U.S. efforts against terrorism.
Mandatory criteria also require that beneficiary countries:
have taken or are taking steps to grant internationally recognized worker rights
(including collective bargaining, freedom from compulsory labor, minimum age
for employment of children, and acceptable working conditions with respect to
minimum wages, hours of work, occupational safety and health); and
implement their commitments to eliminate the worst forms of child labor.42
The President has the authority to waive certain mandatory criteria if he determines that GSP
designation of any country is in the national economic interest of the United States and reports
this determination to Congress.43
The President is also directed to consider certain criteria as “factors affecting country
designation”:
the country’s expressed desire to be designated a beneficiary developing country
for purposes of the U.S. program;
the level of economic development of the country;
whether or not other developed countries are extending similar preferential tariff
treatment to the country;
its commitment to provide reasonable and equitable access to its market and
basic commodity resources, and the extent to which the country has assured the
United States that it will not engage in unreasonable export practices;
the extent to which the country provides adequate protection of IPR;
the extent to which it has taken action to reduce trade-distorting investment
policies and practices, and to reduce or eliminate barriers to trade in services;
and
whether or not it has taken steps to grant internationally recognized worker
rights.44
The law further authorizes the President, based on the required and discretionary factors
mentioned above, to withdraw, suspend, or limit GSP treatment for any beneficiary developing
country at any time.45
42 19 U.S.C. §2462(b). The most recent amendments required the support of U.S. efforts against terrorism and
expanded the definition of internationally recognized worker rights (Section 4102 of P.L. 107-210). See also United
States Trade Representative. U.S. Generalized System of Preferences Guidebook, December 2011, p. 19 (hereinafter
USTR Guidebook).
43 19 U.S.C. §2462(b)(2).
44 19 U.S.C. §2462(c). op cit., p. 20.
45 19 U.S.C. §2462(d).
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Reporting Requirements
The President must advise Congress of any changes in beneficiary developing country status, as
necessary.46 The President must also submit an annual report to Congress on the status of
internationally recognized worker rights within each BDC, including findings of the Secretary of
Labor with respect to the beneficiary country’s implementation of its international commitments
to eliminate the worst forms of child labor.47
Least-Developed Beneficiaries
The President is also authorized by statute to designate any BDC as a LDBDC, based on an
assessment of the conditions and factors previously mentioned.48 Although the United Nations
designation of LDCs plays a large factor in GSP least-developed beneficiary determinations,49
U.S. officials may also assesses the level of compliance with GSP statutory requirements and
comments from the public (as requested in the Federal Register) before identifying a country as
“least-developed” for purposes of the GSP.50
Country Graduation from GSP
The President may withdraw, suspend, or limit the GSP status of a BDC if he determines that the
country is determined to be sufficiently competitive or developed, just as President Obama
removed Russia’s GSP eligibility.51 Mandatory country graduation occurs when the BDC is
determined to be a “high income country” as defined by official World Bank statistics.52 On
December 20, 2012, the President determined that St. Kitts and Nevis had become a “high income
country” and terminated its GSP beneficiary status as of January 1, 2014.53 The President made
the same determination on June 29, 2012, with respect to Gibraltar and the Turks and Caicos (also
effective January 1, 2014).54
If a country becomes part of an association of countries specifically excluded from GSP, they are
mandatorily withdrawn from GSP. Bulgaria and Romania were the last countries to lose GSP
eligibility for this reason, effective when they became EU Member States as of January 1, 2007.55
Although not specifically required by the GSP statute, developing countries that enter into a free
trade agreement (FTA) with the United States, at the discretion of Congress, generally lose GSP
46 19 U.S.C. §2462(d)(3).
47 19 U.S.C. §2464.
48 19 U.S.C. §2462(a)(2).
49 19 U.S.C. §2462(c)(2).
50 For example, see “Generalized System of Preferences (GSP): Initiation of a Review to Consider the Designation of
East Timor as a Least Developed Beneficiary Country under the GSP,” 71 Federal Register 43543, August 1, 2006. In
practice, the Administration designations are based, in large measure on the United Nations designations of LDCs.
51 Presidential Proclamation 9188 of October 3, 2014, “To Modify the List of Beneficiary Developing Countries Under
the Trade Act of 1974,” 79 Federal Register 60945, October 8, 2014.
52 19 U.S.C. §2462(e).
53 Proclamation 8921 of December 20, 2012, “To Take Certain Actions Under the African Growth and Opportunity Act
and for Other Purposes, 77 Federal Register 76799, December 28, 2012.
54 Proclamation 8840 of June 29, 2012, 77 Federal Register 39885, July 5, 2012.
55 Presidential Proclamation 8098, December 29, 2007, 72 Federal Register 460. European Union member states are
specifically identified as ineligible for designation as GSP countries in 19 U.S.C. §2462 (b)(1)(C).
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eligibility in favor of the reciprocal concessions granted by the FTA. Specific language to this
effect would appear in FTA implementing legislation.56
Countries Potentially Eligible for GSP
Now that the GSP program has been extended, the United States Trade Representative (USTR)
could possibly consider the GSP eligibility of additional countries. On April 16, 2013, the USTR
requested public comments and announced a public hearing on whether to add Burma (Myanmar)
and Laos to the list of beneficiary countries under the GSP program.57 Burma’s GSP eligibility
has been suspended since April 1989 because it had not been meeting GSP criteria related to
worker rights.58 Laos was removed from GSP eligibility in August 1976, apparently on the basis
of its having become a communist country several months earlier.59 A hearing was held on June 4,
2013. Shortly thereafter, the GSP program expired, thus no action regarding their eligibility was
taken.
According to pre-hearing comments, some U.S. nongovernmental organizations (NGOs),
including the U.S. Campaign for Burma, EarthRights International, and the AFL-CIO, asserted
that Burma, although it has recently instituted new labor laws, has not sufficiently demonstrated
its willingness to address forced labor and worst forms of child labor issues, or to grant freedom
of assembly or collective bargaining. The lack of adequate workplace protections was also
mentioned.60 Organizations and individuals representing the retail industry were strongly in favor
of Burma and Laos being granted GSP eligibility, saying that it would “help Myanmar and Laos
to reach their full economic potentials by diversifying their markets and becoming more globally
integrated.”61 The International Intellectual Property Alliance (IIPA), a private sector coalition of
trade associations representing copyright-based industries, did not oppose the granting of GSP
benefits for either Burma or Laos, but pointed out several areas where these countries may not
fully qualify for GSP eligibility based on IPR protection criteria. The IIPA requested a review of
Burma and Laos’s progress in meeting these criteria one year after the President designates them
as GSP beneficiaries.62
Eligible Products
The Trade Act of 1974 authorizes the President to designate certain imports as eligible for duty-
free treatment under the GSP after receiving advice from the United States International Trade
Commission (USITC).63 “Import sensitive” products specifically excluded from preferential
treatment include most textiles and apparel goods; watches; footwear and other accessories; most
electronics, steel, and glass products; and certain agricultural products that are subject to tariff-
56 Colombia and Panama were the latest countries to lose GSP status for this reason. See Section 201(a)(2) of the
United States-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement (P.L. 112-42) and Section 201(a)(2) of the United States-Panama
Trade Promotion Implementation Act (P.L. 112-43). One country, Jordan, continues to be eligible for GSP benefits
even though it entered into an FTA with the United States in 2001.
57 78 Federal Register 22593, April 16, 2003.
58 Presidential Proclamation 5955 of April 13, 1989, 54 Federal Register 15357.
59 Executive Order 11934, “Amending the Generalized System of Preferences,” 41 Federal Register 37804, August 30,
1976.
60 GSP Country Eligibility Review – Burma, Docket ID: USTR-2013-0020. http://www.regulations.gov.
61 Ibid. Statement of the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA).
62 Ibid. Statement of the International Intellectual Property Alliance (IIPA).
63 19 U.S.C. §2463(a)(1).
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rate quotas.64 The lists of eligible products are reviewed and revised by the GSP Subcommittee
annually, generally on the basis of petitions received from beneficiary countries or interested
parties.65 Any modifications to these lists usually take effect on July 1 of the following calendar
year.66
In terms of product coverage, more than 3,500 products are currently eligible for duty-free
treatment, and about 1,500 additional articles originating in LDBDCs may receive similar
treatment. Leading GSP imports in 2012 included petroleum products, especially crude oil; car
and truck tires; ferrosilicon; aluminum alloy plates, sheet, and strip; and car and truck tires.67 See
Appendix B for a list of leading GSP imports.
114th Congress Amendments to Eligible Products
P.L. 114-27 amended the list of eligible products by (sec. 202), providing the President with
authority to designate certain cotton and cotton waste products as duty-free to eligible least-
developed beneficiaries. According to the Senate report accompanying H.R. 1295, the section is
intended to implement commitments made at the WTO to provide duty-free, quota-free treatment
for certain cotton products originating from least-developed countries.68
Sec. 204 of P.L. 114-27 also removed the statutory exclusion of travel goods (as “import-
sensitive”) and gave the President authority to designate certain luggage and travel articles as
eligible for GSP following product review and analysis by the USITC and the opportunity for
public comment.
Rules of Origin
Eligible goods under the U.S. GSP program must meet certain rules of origin (ROO)
requirements in order to qualify for duty-free treatment. First, duty-free entry is only allowed if
the article is imported directly from the beneficiary country into the United States without
entering the commerce of a third country. Second, at least 35% of the appraised value of the
product must be the “growth, product or manufacture” of a beneficiary developing country, as
defined by the sum of (1) the cost or value of materials produced in the BDC (or any two or more
BDCs that are members of the same association or countries and are treated as one country for
purposes of the U.S. law, see Table D-1), plus (2) the direct costs of processing in the country.69
Competitive Need Limits and Waivers
The GSP statute also established “competitive need limit” (CNL) requirements for the President
to suspend GSP treatment for BDCs if (1) imports of a product from a single country reach a
specified threshold value (increases by $5 million each calendar year; i.e., $170 million in 2015
64 19 U.S.C. §2463(b).
65 The GSP Subcommittee is a sub-group of the Trade Policy Staff Committee (TPSC). The TPSC, through the USTR,
is charged with advising the President on GSP beneficiary country designations and covered products (see Section 8 of
Executive Order 11846, 40 Federal Register 14291, as amended).
66 USTR Guidebook, p. 8.
67 See USTR Guidebook.
68 114th Congress, House, Committee on Ways and Means, Report (to accompany S. 1267), An Original Bill To Extend
the African Growth and Opportunity Act, the Generalized System of Preferences, the Preferential Duty Treatment
Program for Haiti, and for Other Purposes, S.Rept. 114-43, May 12, 2015.
69 19 U.S.C. §2463(a).
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and $175 million in 2016); or (2) 50% or more of total U.S. imports of a product entering under
GSP come from a single country.70 By statute, GSP treatment for a product exceeding either
competitive need limit threshold ends on July 1 of the next calendar year.71
BDCs may petition for CNL waivers, which are individually reviewed and granted or denied on a
case-by-case basis. In deciding whether to grant a waiver, the President must (1) receive advice
from the USITC as to whether a U.S. domestic industry could be adversely affected by the
waiver; (2) determine that the waiver is in the U.S. economic interest; and (3) publish the
determination in the Federal Register.72 The President is also required to give “great weight” to
the extent to which the BDC opens its markets to the United States and protects intellectual
property rights (IPR).73
In 2006, Congress amended the GSP law to provide that the President should revoke any CNL
waiver that had been in effect for five years or more if (1) the exports of the product were in
excess of 1.5 times of the specified dollar amount reflected in the CNL provision; or (2) imports
of the product exceeded 75% of the appraised value of total imports of the product into the United
States in a calendar year.74
De Minimis CNL Waivers
De minimis CNL waivers may also be provided if the total imported into the United States of a
particular product from all countries is small. The de minimis level is adjusted each year, in
increments of $500,000; for example, $22.5 million in 2015 and $23 million in 2016.75
Waivers for Articles not Produced in the United States on January 1, 1995
Specific products that the President determined were not produced in the United States on
January 1, 1995, are also eligible for waivers (a “504(d)” waiver). Imports of these products from
BDCs may enter the United States duty-free.76
Annual Reviews
The GSP Subcommittee also reviews issues regarding BDCs’ and LDBDCs’ observance of
country practices (such as worker rights or IPR protection); investigates petitions to add or
remove items from the list of eligible products; and considers which products should be removed
on the basis that they are “sufficiently competitive” or “import sensitive” relative to U.S.
domestic firms. The USTR must also seek an investigation by the USITC assessing the impact of
any proposed addition to the GSP product list or any proposed waiver of CNLs.77
70 LDBDCs and sub-Saharan African beneficiaries of AGOA are exempt from competitive need limits. 19 U.S.C.
§2463(c)(2)(A). See also USTR Guidebook, p. 11.
71 Ibid.
72 19 U.S.C. §2463(d).
73 19 U.S.C. §2463(d)(2).
74 Ibid.
75 19 U.S.C. §2463(c)(2)(F). These waivers are automatically reviewed by the GSP Subcommittee (see below), but are
granted at the discretion of the President.
76 19 U.S.C. §2463(c)(2)(E). The TPSC GSP Subcommittee automatically considers de minimis waivers each year.
Granting waivers is a discretionary decision of the President. See USTR Guidebook, p. 12.
77 19 U.S.C. §2463(d)(1)(A).
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Effectiveness of the U.S. GSP Program
The statutory goals of the U.S. GSP program are to (1) promote the development of developing
countries; (2) promote trade, rather than aid, as a more efficient way of promoting economic
development; (3) stimulate U.S. exports in developing country markets; and (4) promote trade
liberalization in developing countries.78 It is difficult to assess whether or not the program alone
has achieved these goals, however, because the GSP is only one of many such foreign aid
initiatives used by the United States to assist poorer countries. Economic success within countries
is also related to internal factors, such as governance, stability, wise policy decisions, availability
of infrastructure to foster industry, and legal/financial frameworks that encourage foreign
investment. External macroeconomic factors, including global economic growth, worldwide
economic shocks, and exchange rates, may also influence the growth of developing countries.
What follows, therefore, are general comments, rather than hard data, about the impact of GSP on
developing countries, and possible economic effects on the U.S. market. The positions of various
stakeholders regarding the value of the program are also discussed.
Effects on Developing Countries
From 1996 to 2008, total U.S. imports from GSP-eligible developing countries increased
dramatically, from $82 billion in 1996 to a peak of $384 billion in 2008 (see Figure 1). Total
imports from GSP countries decreased by 36% (to $246 billion) in 2009, largely due to the effects
of the global economic downturn. Imports increased to $367 billion in 2011, but decreased
gradually to $238 billion (estimated) in 2014.79 The general growth trend in total imports from
GSP countries over time could indicate, in very broad terms, that GSP, and perhaps other
preferential programs, may have helped generate some export-driven growth in developing
countries.
78 P.L. 98-573, Section 501(b), 19 U.S.C. §2461 note. Additional factors are to allow for differences in developing
countries; help developing countries generate foreign exchange reserves, further integrate developing countries into the
international trading system; and encourage developing countries to eliminate trade barriers, guard intellectual property
rights, provide worker rights; and address concerns of the United States with regard to adverse effects on U.S.
producers and workers and compliance with GATT obligations.
79 GSP trade data are estimated for 2013 and 2014 are based on U.S. entries of goods filed electronically with a Special
Program Indicator (SPI) designating them as eligible for GSP benefits. Countries receiving benefits under the African
Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) continued to receive GSP benefits under AGOA despite GSP expiration.
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Figure 1. U.S. Imports from GSP Countries
1989-2014
450
s
n
oilli 400
B
350
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
Imports Under GSP program
Total Imports from GSP Countries
Source: United States International Trade Commission Trade Dataweb.
Notes: The GSP program expired as of July 31, 2013; thus August 2013 through December 2014 imports under
GSP are estimated based on entries that were filed electronically and appropriately labeled as eligible for GSP.
In contrast to this general growth trend, imported goods entering under the GSP program have
been relatively static, averaging about 11% of all imports from GSP-eligible countries. A number
of factors could cause this difference, including uncertainty based on short-term GSP program
renewal; long pauses between program authorization periods (despite assurances of automatic
refunds once the program is retroactively renewed); suspension, termination, or graduation of
countries from GSP eligibility; and exclusion of certain products from eligibility through CNLs or
by petition. In addition, some products from developing countries may receive more favorable
treatment under other trade preference programs, such as the African Growth and Opportunity
Act (AGOA) or the Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI). The fact that countries that enter into free
trade agreements (FTAs) with the United States (many of which were GSP beneficiaries) are
disqualified from GSP eligibility could also be a reason that the amount of trade imported under
the GSP has remained about the same over time.
Another indicator of the GSP’s impact on developing countries is the utilization rate of the
preference. At first glance, it seems that only a few beneficiary developing countries use GSP to a
great extent. However, as one study pointed out, the apparent lack of utilization masks the fact
that many GSP-eligible goods may also be imported duty-free under other U.S. preference
schemes, such as the (AGOA).80 The study also illustrated that, for certain industries in BDCs, the
80 Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). Agriculture and Food. Preferential Trading
Arrangements in Agricultural and Food Markets: The Case of the European Union and the United States: United States
Preference Schemes. Volume 2005, No. 1, p. 81. See also U.S. Government Accountability Office. U.S. Trade
(continued...)
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positive impact of GSP is quite significant. For example, for all agricultural commodities eligible
for GSP treatment, the GSP utilization rate was approximately 58%.81
Many developing countries with a natural competitive advantage in certain products use trade
preferences such as the GSP to gain a foothold in the international market. For example, India and
Thailand, two countries with well-established jewelry industries, were able to expand their
international reach through GSP programs and become competitive in the international market.
However, some countries could also be encouraged by preferential programs to develop industry
sectors in which they might not otherwise ever be able to compete, thus diverting resources from
other industries that might actually become competitive over time (trade diversion).82
Some economists assert that the lack of reciprocity in the GSP program could actually result in
long-term costs for beneficiary countries. In multilateral trade negotiations, such as in the WTO
Doha Development Agenda (DDA), countries may engage in reciprocal tariff reductions,
meaning that all parties would agree to reduce their tariffs. By avoiding such reciprocal
concessions, these economists say that developing countries are keeping in place protectionist
trade policies that could actually impede their long-term growth. Moreover, these unilateral
preferences could become an impediment to multilateral trade negotiations because developing
country beneficiaries may prefer to seek ways of maintaining their unilateral preferences rather
than exchanging them for reciprocal benefits.83
For this reason, some economists prefer multilateral, nondiscriminatory tariff cuts because
preferential tariff programs, such as the GSP, can lead to inefficient production and trade patterns
in developing countries.84 When tariffs are reduced across-the-board, rather than in a preferential
manner, countries tend to produce and export on the basis of their comparative advantage—thus
exporting products that they produce relatively efficiently and importing products that others
produce relatively efficiently. However, while some developing country producers (especially
those whose products do not qualify under GSP) may benefit from multilateral tariff reductions,
other industries may be hurt because their margin of preference under GSP is reduced.
Economic Effects on the U.S. Market
U.S. imports under the GSP program in 2012 were about $19.9 billion (see Appendix B) in
comparison to total imports of about $2.3 trillion. This might indicate that the overall effects of
GSP on the U.S. economy are quite small. In addition, most U.S. producers of import-competing
products are largely protected from severe economic impact. First, certain products, such as most
textile and apparel products, are designated “import sensitive” and therefore ineligible for duty-
free treatment. Second, CNLs are triggered when imports of a product from a single country
reach a specified threshold value, or when 50% of total U.S. imports of a product come from a
(...continued)
Preference Programs Provide Important Benefits, but a More Integrated Approach Would Better Ensure Programs
Meet Shared Goals, March 2008, p. 19.
81 Ibid.
82 OECD, “Making Open Markets Work for Development,” Policy Brief, October 2005, p. 2.
83 Patrick Low, Roberta Piermartini, and Jurgen Richtering, Multilateral Solutions to the Erosion of Non-Reciprocal
Preferences in NAMA, World Trade Organization, Economic Research and Statistics Division, Working Paper ERSD-
2005-05, October 2005. R. E. Baldwin and T. Murray, “MFN Tariff Reductions and Developing Country Trade
Benefits Under the GSP,” The Economic Journal, vol. 87, no. 345 (March 1977), pp. 30-46.
84 Bernard Herz and Marco Wagner, The Dark Side of the Generalized System of Preferences, German Council of
Economic Experts, Working Paper 02/2010, February 2010, p. 27.
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single country.85 Third, U.S. manufacturers or producers may petition the USTR to withdraw GSP
benefits from a product if they are injured by the preference.86
In federal budgetary terms, according to the Congressional Budget Office cost estimate included
in the Senate report accompanying H.R. 1295 (became P.L. 114-27), the GSP program was
projected to cost the United States about $1 billion in 2015 (including retroactive refunds of
duties collected during the 2013-2015 program lapse), $627 million in 2016, $665 million in
2017, and $127 million in 2018, in foregone tariff revenues.87
Many U.S. manufacturers and importers benefit from the lower cost of consumer goods and raw
materials imported under the GSP program.88 U.S. demand for certain individual products, such
as jewelry, leather, and aluminum, is quite significant.89 The Coalition for GSP, a group of U.S.
companies and associations that benefit from the GSP program, asserts that companies in 40
states paid at least $1 million in higher tariffs due to GSP expiration, with California firms paying
an estimated $100 million in tariffs.90 They assert that small and medium enterprises (SMEs) bear
a disproportionate share of the burden, resulting in lower sales and lost jobs.91 It is also possible,
however, that other factors, including slower growth and reduced demand in the U.S. market,
have contributed to the adverse economic impact.
Stakeholders’ Concerns
Supporters of the GSP program include beneficiary developing country governments and
exporters, U.S. importers, and some U.S. manufacturers who use inputs entering under GSP in
downstream products. Some Members favor GSP renewal because they believe it is an important
development and foreign policy tool. Those who oppose the program include some U.S.
producers who manufacture competing products and some in Congress who favor more reciprocal
approaches to trade policy. What follows is a thematic approach to the major topics of discussion
in the GSP renewal debate.
“Special and Differential Treatment”
Developing countries have long maintained that “special and differential treatment,” such as that
provided by the GSP, is an important assurance of access to U.S. and other developed country
85 19 U.S.C. §2463(c).
86 15 C.F.R. 2007.0(b).
87 U.S. Congress, Senate Committee on Finance, Full Committee, An Original Bill to Extend the African Growth and
Opportunity Act, the Generalized System of Preferences, the Preferential Duty Treatment Program for Haiti, and for
Other Purposes, To accompanyS. 1267, 114th Cong., 1st sess., May 12, 2015, S.Rept. 114-43 (Washington: GPO,
2015), p. 15.
88 Coalition for GSP, Lost Sales, Investments, and Jobs: Impact of GSP Expiration After One Year, September 16,
2014.The Coalition for GSP, a coalition of more than 600 U.S. companies and organizations in support of GSP
renewal, makes the case that non-renewal of GSP costs U.S. businesses an estimated $2 million per day in additional
tariffs, see http://renewgsptoday.com.
89 In some product categories, imports under GSP account for 25% or more of total U.S. imports. For example, in 2013,
94% of copper stranded wire in HTS 7413.00.10; 76% of ferrochromium in HTS 7272.41.00; 72% of cocoa paste in
HTS 1803.20.00; and 70% of plywood sheets of 6mm thick and under in HTS 4412.31.40 were imported under the
GSP program. GSP expired on July 31, 2013.
90 Coalition for GSP, Lost Sales, Investments, and Jobs: Impact of GSP Expiration After One Year, September 16,
2014.
91 Ibid.
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markets in the midst of increasing globalization.92 Many of these countries have built industries
(or segments of industries) based on receiving certain tariff preferences.
Some in Congress and the Administration have expressed the desire to see reciprocal trade
relationships with some emerging market economies that continue to be beneficiaries of non-
reciprocal U.S. preference programs.93 At the same time, there is continued broad support for
preference programs in general, including GSP and the African Growth and Opportunity Act
(AGOA).94
Some GSP supporters indicate that the program could serve as an incentive for beneficiaries to
participate in multilateral trade negotiations. Historically, some developing nations have
perceived the United States as generally unwilling to accept multilateral efforts to grant additional
“special and differential treatment” for developing country WTO members, instead favoring
reciprocal concessions for improved market access for U.S. products.95 Thus, absence of GSP
renewal could cause the negotiating positions of some developing countries to harden, rather than
soften.96 Others argue that the preferential margins afforded through trade preference programs
such as GSP discourage developing countries from trade negotiations, as presented below.
Erosion of Preferential Margins
Developing countries have expressed concern about the overall progressive erosion97 of
preferential margins as a result of across-the-board tariff negotiations within the context of
multilateral trade negotiations such as the Doha Round. In 1997, a study prepared by the
Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) found that the degree of
erosion of preferences resulting from Uruguay Round (1986-1994) tariff concessions by the Quad
countries (Canada, European Union, Japan, United States) was indeed significant.98 Some
economists point out that if multilateral rounds of tariff reductions continue, combined with the
92 For example, see World Trade Organization, Committee on Trade and Development, Special and Differential
Treatment Provisions in WTO Agreements and Decisions, Note by the Secretariat, WT/COMTD/W/196, June 14, 2013,
accessed at http://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/devel_e/dev_special_differential_provisions_e.htm.
93 U.S. Congress, Senate Committee on Finance, The African Growth and Opportunity Act at 14: The Road Ahead,
113th Cong., 2nd sess., July 30, 2014. Although USTR Froman specifically referred to South Africa in this context, a
reference was made by Chairman Wyden that appeared to be applicable to all beneficiary countries: “with respect to
how to improve reciprocity with developing countries, you talked about the need to move toward more reciprocal and
make—more reciprocal arrangements with emerging market countries rather than remaining satisfied just handing out
these tariff preferences. And I strongly agree with that. And certainly, there are legitimate questions about whether
South Africa is ready to graduate from the program given the size of its economy. Is it time for Congress and the
Administration to consider whether countries like India, Thailand, Brazil and Turkey are also ready to graduate from
the Generalized System of Preferences program?”
94 Inside U.S. Trade, “Congress Working on Advancing GSP Renewal; Senate Pushing GSP-Only,” June 20, 2014.
95 OECD GSP Review, p. 11.
96 Ibid.
97 While overall multilateral preferences may be eroding, tariff benefits for individual items is still quite significant. For
example, the U.S. tariff on flashlights (eligible for duty-free access for all BDCs) is 12.5% ad valorem. Some GSP-
eligible jewelry items have tariffs as high as 13.5%.
98 Organization for International Cooperation and Development, Market Access for the Least-Developed Countries:
Where are the Obstacles? Published by World Trade Organization, WT/LDC/HL/19, October 21, 1997, Table 12,
p. 47. The study estimated that in 1997, the loss in the Canadian market was approximately 71%, in the EU 26%, in
Japan 34%, and in the United States, 50% (hereinafter OECD study).
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proliferation of bilateral and regional trade agreement, the preference may disappear completely
unless GSP tariff headings are expanded to include more “import-sensitive” products.99
One example of present concern of preference erosion could be the WTO efforts to provide duty-
free, quota-free (DFQF) U.S. market access for all products to all least-developed countries.
However, many sub-Saharan African countries have expressed concern that an approach like this
could place them in direct competition for U.S. market share with other developing countries,
thus diluting the value of the preferential treatment that they receive through AGOA.100
Other economists say that preference erosion could be more than outweighed by the benefits of
increased market access, even for developing countries, brought about by multilateral trade
liberalization.101 These economists say that, rather than continuing GSP and other preferential
programs (either through inertia or concern that removing them would be seen as “acting against”
the world’s poorest populations), a better approach might be to “assist them in addressing the
constraints that really underlie their sluggish trade and growth performance.”102
Under-Utilization of GSP
Some academic literature on preference programs, including GSP and free trade agreements,
suggests that they are not used to their fullest extent. One reason cited is insufficient preference
margins (i.e., the benefits accruing to importers are not worth the additional costs (e.g.,
paperwork involved in tracking local content to document fulfillment of the GSP rule of origin
requirement) associated with claiming the preference.103
Additional literature suggests that some countries may not use GSP because their exporters are
unfamiliar with the program, because some BDC governments do not sufficiently promote the
existence of available opportunities under the preference, because of the lack of available
infrastructure (for example, undeveloped or damaged roads and ports that impede the efforts to
get goods into the international market), because many products developing countries produce are
deemed “import sensitive,” or a combination of all of these factors.104 One option for addressing
these factors could be assistance to GSP beneficiaries through U.S. trade capacity building efforts
similar to those employed as part of AGOA.105
99 Sanchez Arnau, Juan C. The Generalized System of Preferences and the World Trade Organization, London:
Cameron May, Ltd., 2002, p. 282.
100 Alliance to End Hunger, et al. Letter to House Ways and Means and Senate Finance Chairs and Ranking Members,
April 22, 2009. African Ambassador’s Group Statement, May 13, 2013.
101 Baldwin, R.E. and Murray, T. “MFN Tariff Reductions and Developing Country Trade Benefits Under the GSP,”
Economic Journal 87:345, March 1977, p. 46.
102 OECD study, p. 27.
103 Shushanik Hakobyan, “Accounting for Underutilization of Trade Preference Programs: The U.S. Generalized
System of Preferences,” August 2012, p. 1.
104 U.S. Government Accountability Office. International Trade: U.S. Trade Preference Programs Provide Important
Benefits, But a More Integrated Approach Would Better Ensure that Programs Meet Shared Goals. GAO 08-443,
March 2008, pp. 53-55 (hereinafter 2008 GAO Report).
105 For more information, see CRS Report R43173, African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA): Background and
Reauthorization, by Brock R. Williams.
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Trade as Foreign Assistance
No other U.S. preference program is more broadly based or encompasses as many countries as
GSP. As a result, the program is supported by many observers who believe that it is an effective,
low-cost means of providing economic assistance to developing countries. Supporters maintain
that encouraging trade by private companies through the GSP program stimulates economic
development much more effectively than intergovernmental aid and other means of assistance.106
Economic development assistance through trade is a long-standing element of U.S. policy, and
other trade promotion programs such as AGOA and the Caribbean Basin Trade Partnership Act
(CBTPA) are also based on this premise.
Conditionality of Preferences
Some supporters of GSP and other non-reciprocal programs assert that the conditions required
(such as worker rights and IPR requirements) for GSP qualification provide the United States
with leverage that can be used to promote U.S. foreign policy goals and commercial interests.107
For example, officials in Bangladesh are working closely with U.S. officials following that
country’s suspension from GSP benefits in June 2013 for worker rights and worker safety
issues.108 Reportedly, Bangladesh has made some significant improvements in worker safety
issues in the past year, but it is behind schedule in factory inspections and in implementing
“substantial parts” of its Action Plan.109
Lower Costs of Imports
U.S. businesses that import components, parts, or materials duty-free under the GSP maintain that
the preference results in lower costs for these intermediate goods which, in turn, can make U.S.
firms more competitive and be passed on to consumers. These supporters assert that GSP is as
important for many domestic manufacturers and importers as for the countries that receive
preferential access for their products.110
For example, the Coalition for GSP asserted that the program saved American companies $749
million on $19.9 billion in imports in 2012.111 The same group claims that the expiration of GSP
has cost American companies “nearly $2 million per day in higher taxes while waiting for
Congress to renew the program.”112 On the other hand, some U.S. manufacturers of import-
competing products might, at least marginally, benefit.
Even though most U.S. producers are shielded to a certain extent by CNLs and the exclusion of
“import sensitive” products from GSP eligibility, U.S. manufacturers and workers are still
106 September 21, 2006 DC Bar meeting.
107 The Coalition for GSP and The Trade Partnership. The U.S. Generalized System of Preferences Program, February
2013, p. 3, accessed at http://tradepartnership.com/gsp/us-generalized-system-of-preferences/. See also
http://renewgsptoday.com.
108 78 Federal Register 39949.
109 U.S. Trade Representative, “GSP Action Plan Finds More Needs to be Done to Improve Worker Rights and Worker
Safety in Bangladesh,” press release, July 2, 2014.
110 Coalition for GSP, “American Companies Frustrated by Congress’ Inability to Renew Generalized System of
Preferences Program,” press release, August 1, 2013, http://renewgsptoday.com/.
111 Coalition for GSP website, http://www.tradepartnership.com/site/gsp.html.
112 Letter from Coalition for GSP to Members of House and Senate, January 28, 2014, http://renewgsptoday.com.
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sometimes adversely affected by GSP imports. Some of these companies have petitioned for
elimination of specific products from GSP eligibility.113 For example, in 2010, Exxel Outdoors, a
U.S. company that manufactures certain non-down sleeping bags, petitioned for their removal
from GSP eligibility, claiming that their business operations were being harmed by imports of
duty-free sleeping bags from Bangladesh under the GSP program.114 These sleeping bag
categories were ultimately removed from GSP duty-free treatment in January 2012.115
Options for Congress
The U.S. GSP program, as established by Title V of the Trade Act of 1974, was extended through
December 31, 2017, (and retroactively extended to the prior expiration date of July 31, 2013) in
P.L. 114-27, for all GSP beneficiary countries not covered by the African Growth and
Opportunity Act (AGOA).116
In previous years, some Members have suggested various reforms of the GSP program. As
explained more fully below, possible options include supporting reciprocal tariff and market
access benefits through FTAs, renewing the GSP for least-developed beneficiaries only, or
extending the program in a modified form.
Although the GSP is a unilateral and non-reciprocal tariff preference, any changes to the program
may need to be considered in light of the requirements of the WTO Enabling Clause, as it has
been interpreted by the WTO Appellate Body. At a minimum, the United States may need to
notify—and possibly consult with—other WTO members regarding any withdrawal or
modification of GSP benefits, as required by paragraph 4 of the Enabling Clause.117 The United
States could also pursue a WTO waiver were any modifications of the GSP program considered
not to comport fully with U.S. WTO obligations.
Negotiate Trade Agreements with GSP Countries
Some U.S. policymakers have suggested that some developing countries might benefit more
through WTO multilateral negotiations, FTAs, or some form of agreement that could also provide
reciprocal trade benefits and improved market access for the United States.118 Arguably, this was
one of the policy arguments for the EU’s pursuit of Economic Partnership Agreements with many
of its former GSP beneficiaries. Since tariff concessions under these agreements would probably
apply to more sectors of the economy than GSP, such agreements could increase the likelihood of
across-the-board economic stimulation in developing countries. In fact, each one of the United
113 19 U.S.C. §2463(c).
114 “Sleeping Bags Removed from GSP after USTR Administrative Review,” Inside U.S. Trade, January 5, 2012.
115 77 Federal Register 1549, January 10, 2012.
116The African Growth and Opportunity Acceleration Act of 2004 (P.L. 108-274) had previously authorized the
extension of GSP preferences for all beneficiary developing sub-Saharan African countries under AGOA through
September 30, 2015. Therefore, despite GSP expiration, AGOA countries continued receiving GSP benefits under
AGOA.
117 Paragraph 4 states that any contracting party that grants a preferential program and seeks to modify or withdraw it
must notify the other contracting parties, give them adequate time and opportunity to discuss any difficulties, and help
them to reach satisfactory solutions. See http://www.wto.org/english/docs_e/legal_e/enabling1979_e.htm.
118 For example, USTR Froman indicated that he favored negotiating an FTA with South Africa on July 29 and 30,
2014. See Inside U.S. Trade, “Froman Signals Interest in ‘Reciprocal’ Trade Arrangement with South Africa,” July 31,
2014.
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States’ current FTA partners, with the exception of Canada and Australia, was at one time a
beneficiary of the GSP program.119
One legislative proposal in the 112th Congress suggested prohibiting the President from
designating a country a BDC if it entered into an agreement to provide preferential benefits to the
products of a developed country other than the United States, unless the President certified to
Congress that it is in the U.S. national interest to make the designation. An explanation of the
legislation suggested that such a provision would “transition the United States away from the
GSP’s one-way preferential treatment to a more mature trading relationship.”120
Authorize GSP Only for Least-Developed Countries
Some in Congress have expressed the possibility of modifying the GSP so that the benefits apply
primarily to least-developed beneficiaries.121 Since many African least-developed beneficiaries122
will continue to receive the GSP preference under AGOA, other LDCs that might benefit from an
LDC-only GSP program are: Afghanistan, Bhutan, Cambodia, Central African Republic,
Democratic Republic of the Congo, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti,123 Kiribati, Madagascar, Nepal, Samoa,
Somalia, Timor-Leste, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, and Yemen.124 Of these countries, the Democratic
Republic of Congo ($93.7 million); Cambodia ($34.9 million); Nepal ($4.6 million); and Samoa
($1.0 million), were the LDCs that made the most use of the GSP (by value) in 2012.125 U.S.
efforts through trade capacity building could help other LDCs take greater advantage of the
preference.
Reform GSP
Another possible approach for Congress would be to modify the GSP as it applies to all BDCs.
Some of these options could have the effect of expanding the GSP program, while others could
serve to restrict its application.
119 Some U.S. FTA partners were GSP beneficiaries at the time FTA implementing legislation was enacted. Singapore
and South Korea were graduated from GSP in 1989, and thus were not GSP beneficiaries at the time the United States
implemented their respective FTAs. Israel retained GSP status until 1995, and Jordan still enjoys GSP status.
Implementing language for all other FTAs stated that “the President shall terminate the designation of ... as a
beneficiary developing country for the purposes of title V of the Trade Act of 1974 on the date of entry into force of the
Agreement.”
120 H.R. 6537 (112th Congress), The Generalized System of Preferences Improvement Act (Nunes). See also
http://nunes.house.gov/uploadedfiles/gsp_improvement_act.pdf
121 U.S. Congress, Senate Committee on Finance, The African Growth and Opportunity Act at 14: The Road Ahead,
113th Cong., 2nd sess., July 30, 2014. In the question and answer session, Senate Finance Committee Chair Wyden
asked USTR Froman, “ ... Is it time for Congress and the Administration to consider whether countries like India,
Thailand, Brazil and Turkey are also ready to graduate from the Generalized System of Preferences program?”
122 These least-developed AGOA countries are: Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Chad, Comoros, Djibouti,
Ethiopia, The Gambia, Guinea, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mozambique, Niger, Rwanda, Sao Tome
and Principe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, and Zambia.
123 Haiti was provided additional unilateral preferences through the Haiti Economic Lift Act of 2010 (P.L. 111-171).
CRS Report RL34687, The Haitian Economy and the HOPE Act, by J. F. Hornbeck.
124 The Central African Republic, Congo (Kinshasa), Guinea-Bissau, Madagascar, and Somalia are not designated as
beneficiary AGOA countries in 2015, but retain their GSP eligibility.
125 2012 was the last full year of GSP eligibility.
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Expand Application of GSP
Were Congress to expand or enhance application of the GSP, the following options could be
considered:
Expand the list of tariff lines permitted duty-free access. Allow some “import
sensitive” products (in which developing countries often have a competitive
advantage) to receive preferential access.
Improve rule of origin requirements to provide more predictability. Current rules
provide no measurable definition of “substantial transformation.” As a result,
U.S. officials often make eligibility decisions on a case-by-case basis. Thus,
BDCs sometimes have no predictable way of knowing before shipment whether
certain foreign components are eligible for GSP treatment under the 35%
domestic content requirement.126
Eliminate competitive need limitations for BDCs, or raise the thresholds that
trigger them.
Revise country eligibility requirements.
Restrict Application of Preferences
The following is a list of possible approaches if Congress desired to extend, but restrict imports
under GSP:
Reconsider criteria for graduation of countries from GSP, or strengthen
legislatively the provision that allows graduation of individual industry sectors
within beneficiary countries.
Modify the rules of origin requirement for qualifying products to require that a
greater percentage of the direct costs of processing operations (currently 35%)127
originate in beneficiary developing countries.
Lower the threshold at which the President may (or must) withdraw, suspend, or
limit the application of duty-free treatment of certain products (CNLs).128
Require the President to more frequently and actively monitor (currently an
annual process) the economic progress of beneficiary countries, as well as
compliance with GSP criteria.
Add additional eligibility criteria; for example, to include movement toward
more reciprocal tariff treatment, sustainable development, or environmental
preservation.
126 2008 GAO Report, p. 55.
127 19 U.S.C. §2463(a)(2)(A)(ii)(II). The statute further specifies that a product may be made in one BDC or any two or
more such countries that are members of the same designated association of countries. For beneficiary countries under
AGOA, this percentage may also include up to 15% (as to value) of U.S. origin (19 U.S.C. §2466a(b)(2)).
128 19 U.S.C. §2463(c).
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Appendix A. GSP-Eligible Products Added in P.L.
104-27
Table A-1. GSP-Eligible Cotton Products (Least-Developed Beneficiaries)
Section 202 of P.L. 104-27
Harmonized Tariff Schedule
Normal Trade Relations
Number
Description
Tariff
5201.00.18
Cotton, not carded or combed; Harsh or
31.4 cents per kilogram
rough, having a staple length under 19.05 mm
(3/4 inch); Other
5201.00.28
Cotton, not carded or combed; other, harsh
31.4 cents per kilogram
or rough, having a staple length of 29.36875
mm (1-5/32 inches) or more and white in
color (except cotton of perished staple,
grabbots and cotton pickings); Other
5201.00.38
Cotton, not carded or combed; having a
31.4 cents per kilogram
staple length of 28.575 mm (1-1/8 inches) or
more but under 34.925 mm (1-3/8 inches);
Other
5202.99.30
Cotton waste (including yarn waste and
7.8 cents per kilogram
garnetted stock);Other
5203.00.30
Cotton, carded or combed; fibers of cotton
31.4 cents per kilogram
processed, but not spun; Other
Source: Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States.
Table A-2. GSP-Eligible Luggage and Travel Products
Section 204 of P.L. 104-27
Harmonized Tariff Schedule
Normal Trade Relations
Number
Description
Tariff
4202.11.00
Trunks, suitcases, vanity & all other cases,
8%
occupational luggage & like containers, surface
of leather, composition or patent leather
4202.12.20.20
Trunks, suitcases, vanity cases, and similar
20%
containers with outer surface of plastics,
structured, rigid on all sides
4202.12.20.50
Trunks, suitcases, vanity cases, and similar
20%
containers with outer surface of plastics
materials, not elsewhere specified or
indicated
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Harmonized Tariff Schedule
Normal Trade Relations
Number
Description
Tariff
4202.12.40
Trunks, suitcases, vanity & attaché cases,
6.3%
occupational luggage & like containers,
surfaces of cotton, not of pile or tufted
construction
4202.12.80.30
Attaché cases, brief cases, school satchels,
17.6%
occupational luggage cases and similar
containers, of man-made fibers
4202.12.80.70
Trunks, suitcases, vanity cases, and similar
17.6%
containers with outer surface of textile
materials, of manmade fibers
4202.21.60
Handbags, whether or not with shoulder
10%
strap, including those without handle; With
outer surface of leather or of composition
leather; valued not over $20 each
4202.21.90
Handbags, with or without shoulder strap,
9%
including those without handle; With outer
surface of leather or of composition leather;
valued over $20 each
4202.22.15
Handbags, with or without shoulder strap,
16%
including those without handle; with outer
surface of sheeting of plastics
4202.22.45
Handbags, with or without shoulder strap,
6%
including those without handle; with outer
surface of cotton; not of pile or tufted
construction or braid
4202.22.80.50
Handbags, outer surface of textile material,
17.6%
except braid, pile, or tufted construction, of
man-made fiber
4202.31.60
Articles of a kind normally carried in the
8%
pocket or in the handbag; with outer surface
of leather, composition, or patent leather, not
otherwise indicated
4202.32.40
Articles of a kind normally carried in the
6.3%
pocket or in the handbag; with outer surface
of textile materials; of cotton and not of pile
or tufted construction
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Harmonized Tariff Schedule
Normal Trade Relations
Number
Description
Tariff
4202.32.80
Articles of a kind normally carried in the
5.7%
pocket or in the handbag; with outer surface
of textile materials; of vegetable fibers and
not of pile or tufted construction; excluding
cotton
4202.32.95.50
Articles for pocket or handbag, with outer
17.6%
surface of textiles, of man-made fibers
4202.32.95.60
Articles for pocket or handbag, with outer
17.6%
surface of textiles, not otherwise specified or
indicated
4202.91.00.30
Travel, sports and similar bags, outer service
4.5%
of leather, composition leather, or patent
leather
4202.91.00.90
Containers, with outer surface of leather,
4.5%
composition leather or patent leather, not
elsewhere specified or indicated
4202.92.15
Travel, sports, and similar bags; with outer
6.3%
surface of textile materials; of cotton; and not
of pile or tufted construction
4202.92.20
Travel, sports, and similar bags; with outer
5.7%
surface of textile materials; of vegetable fibers
excluding cotton, and not of pile or tufted
construction
4202.92.30.31
Travel, sports and similar bags, except
17.6%
backpacks of manmade fiber
4202.92.30.91
Travel, sports and similar bags, outer surface
17.6%
of textile materials, not elsewhere specified
or indicated
4202.92.45
Travel, sports, and similar bags with outer
20%
surface of plastic sheeting
4202.92.90.26
Other bags, outer surface of man-made fibers
17.6%
4202.92.90.60
Other bags and cases with outer surface of
17.6%
sheeting of plastic, not elsewhere specified or
indicated
4202.99.90
Cases, bags, and similar containers, not
20%
otherwises indicated, with outer surface of
vulcanized fiber or of paperboard
Source: Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States.
Notes: Products wil be eligible for GSP treatment after the President receives the advice of the U.S.
International Trade Commission and designates them as GSP-eligible (see 19 U.S.C. 2463 (a)).
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Appendix B. Leading U.S. GSP Product Imports and
Beneficiaries
Table B-1. Leading GSP Product Imports, 2012
(latest full year of GSP implementation)
Harmonized
Tariff
Value of Imports
Schedule
General NTR Tariff
Under GSP
Subheading
Rate
Description
($ millions)
27090020
10.5 cents per barrel
Petroleum oils and oils from bituminous
$824
minerals, crude, testing 25 degrees A.P.I.
or more
40111010
4%
New pneumatic radial tires, of rubber,
$567
of a kind used on motor cars (including
station wagons and racing cars)
76061230
3%
Aluminum alloy, plates/sheets/strip, with
$266
thickness over 0.2mm, rectangular (incl.
square), not clad
72024100
1.9%
Ferrochromium containing by weight
$319
more than 4% of carbon
71131150
5%
Silver articles of jewelry and parts
$365
thereof, valued over $18 per dozen
pieces of parts
72023000
3.9%
Ferrosilicon manganese
$280
40151910
3%
Seamless gloves of vulcanized rubber
$251
other than hard rubber, other than
surgical or medical gloves
21069099
6.4%
Food preparations not elsewhere
$221
specified or included, not canned or
frozen
40112010
4%
New pneumatic radial tires, of rubber,
$217
of a kind used on buses or trucks
72022150
1.5%
Ferrosilicon containing by weight more
$200
than 55% but not more than 80% of
silicon, not otherwise specified or
indicated
18032000
0.2 cents per kilogram
Cocoa paste, whol y or partly defatted
$195
84159080
1.4%
Parts for air conditioning machines, not
$262
otherwise specified or indicated
84831030
2.5%
Camshafts and crankshafts, not
$184
otherwise specified or indicated
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Harmonized
Tariff
Value of Imports
Schedule
General NTR Tariff
Under GSP
Subheading
Rate
Description
($ millions)
71131929
5.5%
Gold necklaces and neck chains (o/than
$170
of rope or mixed links)
87089981
2.5%
Parts and accessories of the motor
$163
vehicles of headings 8701 to 8705, not
classified elsewhere
84099991
2.5%
Parts, not otherwise specified or
$161
indicated, used solely or principally with
the engines of heading 8408.20, 8702,
8703, 8704
17011410
1.4606¢/kg less
Other cane sugar, raw, in solid form,
$158
0.020668¢/kg for each
without added flavoring or coloring,
degree under 100
subject to additional note U.S. 5 to
degrees (and fractions of Chapter 17.
a degree in proportion)
But not less than
0.943854¢/k
22029090
0.2 cents per liter
Nonalcoholic beverages, not otherwise
$149
specified or indicated, not including fruit
of vegetable juices of heading 2009
68029900
6.5%
Monumental or building stone and
$145
articles thereof, not otherwise specified
or indicated, further worked than simply
cut or sawn, not otherwise specified or
indicated
73079150
5.5%
Iron or steel (other than stainless), not
$137
cast, flanges for tubes and pipes, not
forged or forged and machined, tooled
and processed after forging
Subtotal Above:
$5,234
All Other:
$14,808
Total:
$20,042
Source: USITC Trade Dataweb, http://dataweb.usitc.gov, and Harmonized Tariff Schedule, 2014.
Notes: Imports for consumption, actual U.S. dol ars. Tariff rates are ad valorem unless otherwise specified. NTR
stands for “normal trade relations,” which in U.S. law replaces the term “most-favored-nation.”
Table B-2. Leading GSP Beneficiaries, 2012
(latest full year of GSP implementation)
GSP Duty-Free Imports
Rank
Beneficiary Developing Country
($ millions)
Total Imports ($ millions)
1
India
4,455
40,100
2
Thailand
3,707
25,918
3
Brazil
2,334
31,741
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GSP Duty-Free Imports
Rank
Beneficiary Developing Country
($ millions)
Total Imports ($ millions)
4
Indonesia
2,207
18,014
5
South Africa
1,294
8,695
6
Philippines
1,238
9,553
7
Turkey
1,148
6,181
8
Angola
628
9,602
9
Russiaa
543
29,155
10
Argentinab
222
4,329
11
Pakistan
195
3,603
12
Sri Lanka
158
2,239
13
Tunisia
149
1,288
14
Bolivia
129
708
15
Sri Lanka
124
2,239
Imports from Top 15 Beneficiaries
18,133
193,365
All Other Beneficiaries
1,909
144,508
Total Imports from all Beneficiaries
19,879
337,873
Source: USITC Trade Dataweb, http://dataweb.usitc.gov.
a. On October 3, 2014, President Obama removed Russia from the GSP program.
b. Argentina’s GSP benefits were suspended on March 26, 2012.
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Appendix C. GSP Implementation and Renewal
Table C-1. GSP Implementation and Renewal, 1974-2013
Public Law
Effective Date
Date Expired
Notes
P.L. 93-618, Title V,
January 2, 1975
January 2, 1985
Statute originally enacted.
Trade Act of 1974
P.L. 98-573, Title V,
October 30, 1984
July 4, 1993
Substantially amended and
Trade and Tariff Act of 1984
restated.
P.L. 103-66, Section 13802
August 10, 1993
September 30, 1994
Extended retroactively from
(in Omnibus Budget
July 5, 1993, to August 10,
Reconciliation Act, 1993)
1993. Also struck out
reference to “Union of Soviet
Socialist Republics”
P.L. 103-465, Section 601
December 8, 1994
July 31, 1995
Extended retroactively from
Uruguay Round Agreements Act
September 30, 1994, to
December 8, 1994. No other
amendments to provision.
P.L. 104-188, Subtitle J,
October 1, 1996 (for
May 31, 1997
Substantially amended and
Section 1952
GSP renewal only)
restated. Extended
GSP Renewal Act of 1996 (in
retroactively from August 1,
Small Business Job Protection
1995, to October 1, 1996.
Act of 1996)
P.L. 105-34, Subtitle H,
August 5, 1997
June 30, 1998
Extended retroactively from
Section 981
May 31, 1997, to August 5,
(in Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997)
1997. No other amendments
to provision.
P.L. 105-277, Subtitle B,
October 21, 1998
June 30, 1999
Extended retroactively from
Section 101
July 1, 1998, to October 21,
(in Omnibus Consolidated and
1998. No other amendments
Emergency Supplemental
to provision.
Appropriations, 1999)
P.L. 106-170, Section 508,
December 17, 1999
September 30, 2001
Extended retroactively from
(in Ticket to Work and Work
July 1, 1999, to December 17,
Incentives Act of 1999)
1999. No other amendments
to provision.
P.L. 107-210, Division D, Title
August 6, 2002
December 31, 2006
Extended retroactively from
XLI
September 30, 2001, to August
Trade Act of 2002
6, 2002. Amended to (1)
include requirement that BDCs
take steps to support efforts of
United States to combat
terrorism and (2) further define
the term “internationally
recognized worker rights.”
P.L. 109-432, Title VIII
December 31, 2006
December 31, 2008
Extended before program
lapse.
P.L. 110-436, Section 4
October 16, 2008
December 31, 2009
Extended before program
lapse.
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Public Law
Effective Date
Date Expired
Notes
P.L. 111-124
December 28, 2009
December 31, 2010
Extended before program
lapse.
P.L. 112-40
November 5, 2011
July 31, 2013
Extended retroactively from
December 31, 2010, to
November 5, 2011.
P.L. 114-27, Title II
July 29, 2015
December 31, 2017
Extended retroactively from
July 31, 2013, to July 29, 2015.
Source: CRS analysis using the Legislative Information System (LIS).
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Appendix D. GSP Beneficiary Countries
Table D-1. Beneficiary Developing Countries and Regions for Purposes of the
Generalized System of Preferences
(as of July 2014)
Independent Countries
Afghanistan A+
Egypt
Madagascar A+
Seychelles
Albania
Eritrea
Malawi A+
Sierra Leone A+
Algeria
Ethiopia A+
Maldives
Solomon Islands A+
Angola A+
Fiji
Mali A+
Somalia A+
Armenia
Gabon
Mauritania A+
South Africa
Azerbaijan
Gambia, The A+
Mauritius
South Sudan A+
Belize
Georgia
Moldova
Sri Lanka
Benin A+
Ghana
Mongolia
Suriname
Bhutan A+
Grenada
Montenegro
Swaziland
Bolivia
GuineaA+
Mozambique A+
Tanzania A+
Bosnia and Hercegovina
Guinea-BissauA+
Namibia
Thailand
Botswana
Guyana
Nepal A+
Timor-Leste A+
Brazil
Haiti A+
Niger A+
Togo A+
Burkina Faso A+
India
Nigeria
Tonga
Burundi A+
Indonesia
Pakistan
Tunisia
Cambodia A+
Iraq
Papua New Guinea
Turkey
Cameroon
Jamaica
Paraguay
Tuvalu A+
Cape Verde
Jordan
Philippines
Uganda A+
Central African RepublicA+ Kazakhstan
Rwanda A+
Ukraine
ChadA+
Kenya
Saint Lucia
Uruguay
Comoros A+
KiribatiA+
Saint Vincent and the
Uzbekistan
Grenadines
Congo (Brazzavil e)
Kosovo
Samoa A+
Vanuatu A+
Congo (Kinshasa) A+
Kyrgyzstan
Sao Tome and PrincipeA+
Venezuela
Cote d’Ivoire
Lebanon
Senegal
Republic of YemenA+
Djibouti A+
Lesotho A+
Serbia
Zambia A+
Dominica
Liberia A+
Zimbabwe
Ecuador
Macedonia, Former
Yugoslav Republic of
Non-Independent Countries and Territories Eligible for GSP Benefits
Anguil a
Heard Island and McDonald Islands
Tokelau
British Indian Ocean Territory
Montserrat
Virgin Islands, British
Christmas Island (Australia)
Niue
Wallis and Fortuna
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Independent Countries
Cocos (Keeling) Islands
Norfolk Island
West Bank and Gaza Strip
Cook Islands
Pitcairn Islands
Western Sahara
Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
Saint Helena
Associations of Countries (treated as one country) Eligible for GSP Benefits
Member Countries of the
Qualifying Member Countries of Qualifying Member Countries of
Cartagena Agreement (Andean
the Association of South East
the Caribbean Common Market
Group)
Asian Nations (ASEAN)
(CARICOM)
Bolivia
Cambodia
Belize
Ecuador
Indonesia
Dominica
Venezuela
Philippines
Grenada
Thailand
Guyana
Jamaica
Montserrat
St. Kitts and Nevis
Saint Lucia
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Member Countries of the West
Qualifying Member Countries of
African Economic and Monetary the Southern Africa
Union (WAEMU)
Development Community
Benin
(SADC)
Burkina Faso
Botswana
Cote d’Ivoire
Mauritius
Guinea-Bissau
Tanzania
Mali
Niger
Senegal
Togo
Qualifying Member Countries of
the South Asian Association for
Regional Cooperation (SAARC)
Afghanistan
Bangladesh
Bhutan
India
Nepal
Pakistan
Sri Lanka
Source: Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States, January 2013.
Notes: “A+” indicates least-developed countries.
a. Russia was subsequently removed from GSP in October 2014.
Author Contact Information
Vivian C. Jones
Specialist in International Trade and Finance
vcjones@crs.loc.gov, 7-7823
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