GSP | United States International Trade Commission

May 25, 2012
News Release 12-055
Inv. No(s). 332-529
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819

USITC Releases Report on Likely Effects of Modifications to the U.S. Generalized System of Preferences

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) today released a public version of its confidential report on the probable economic effect of possible modifications to the U.S. Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), which provides duty-free treatment for specified U.S. imports from certain developing countries.

The investigation, Advice Concerning Possible Modifications to the U.S. Generalized System of Preferences, 2011 Review of Additions and Competitive Need Limitation Waivers, was requested by the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR).

As requested, the USITC, an independent, nonpartisan, factfinding federal agency, submitted a confidential version of the report to the USTR on May 14, 2012. The USTR requested that the USITC issue a public version of the report containing only the unclassified sections, with any business confidential information deleted.

The investigation provides advice on the likely impact on competing U.S. industries on U.S. imports, and on U.S. consumers, of granting GSP eligibility for the following Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) subheadings and countries as noted:

For all GSP-eligible countries:

3923.21.00 (sacks and bags (including cones) for the conveyance or packing of goods, of polymers of ethylene (Petition seeks GSP eligibility for statistical reporting number 3923.21.00.30, which would need to become a new eight-digit HTS subheading.)).

For least-developed beneficiary developing countries (LDBDC):

5201.00.18 (cotton, not carded or combed, having a staple length under 28.575 mm (1-1/8 inches), n/harsh or rough, nesoi),
5201.00.22 (cotton, not carded or combed, staple length of 28.575 mm or more but under 34.925 mm, described in gen. note 15),
5201.00.24 (cotton,/carded or combed, harsh or rough, staple length 29.36875 mm or more but n/o 34.925 mm, white in color, quota described in ch 52 add US note 6),
5201.00.28 (cotton, not carded or combed, harsh or rough, staple length of 29.36875 mm or more but under 34.925 mm & white in color, nesoi),
5201.00.34 (cotton, not carded or combed, staple length of 28.575 mm or more but under 34.925 mm, other, quota described in chapter 52 add'l US note 7),
5201.00.38 (cotton, not carded or combed, staple length of 28.575 mm or more but under 34.925 mm, nesoi),
5202.91.00 (cotton garnetted stock),
5202.99.30 (cotton card strips made from cotton waste having staple length under 30.1625 mm & lap, sliver & roving waste, nesoi),
5203.00.05 (cotton fibers, carded or combed, of cotton fiber processed but not spun, described in gen. note 15),
5203.00.10 (cotton fibers, carded or combed, of cotton fiber processed but not spun, quota described in chapter 52 add'l US note 10),
5203.00.30 (cotton fibers, carded or combed, of cotton fiber processed, but not spun, nesoi), and
5203.00.50 (cotton carded or combed, excluding fibers of cotton processed but not spun).

Additionally, the investigation provides advice on the likely impact on competing U.S. industries, on U.S. imports, and on U.S. consumers of granting competitive need limitation waivers on the following nine HTS subheadings for the countries as noted. "Competitive need limitations" set the maximum U.S. import level for GSP eligibility and are based on the dollar value or share of total imports of a given product. Once the limit is reached, trade is considered "competitive," benefits are no longer needed, and imports of the article become ineligible for GSP treatment, unless a waiver is granted.

1602.50.20 (prepared or preserved beef in airtight containers, other than corned beef, not containing cereals or vegetables) from Argentina,
2840.19.00 (disodium tetraborate (refined borax) except anhydrous) from Turkey,
2921.19.60 (other acyclic monoamines and their derivatives) from the Philippines,
2922.41.00 (lysine and its esters and salts thereof) from Brazil,
3307.41.00 ("agarbatti" and other odoriferous preparations which operate by burning, to perfume or deodorize rooms or used during religious rites) from India,
4015.19.10 (seamless gloves of vulcanized rubber other than hard rubber, other than surgical or medical gloves) from Thailand,
7606.12.30 (aluminum alloy, plates/sheets/strip, w/thick. o/0.2mm, rectangular (inc. sq), not clad) from Indonesia,
8415.90.80 (parts for air conditioning machines, nesi) from Thailand, and
8708.30.50 (pts. & access. of mtr. vehicles of 8701, nesoi, and 8702-8705, brakes and servo-brakes & pts thereof) from India.

Advice Concerning Possible Modifications to the U.S. Generalized System of Preferences, 2011 Review of Additions and Competitive Need Limitation Waivers (Investigation No. 332-529, USITC publication 4327, May 2012) is available on the USITC's Internet site at http://www.usitc.gov/publications/332/pub4327.pdf.

The report may be requested by sending an email to pubrequest@usitc.gov, by calling 202-205-2000, or by writing the Office of the Secretary, U.S. International Trade Commission, 500 E Street SW, Washington, DC 20436.

USITC general factfinding investigations, such as this one, cover matters related to tariffs or trade. The investigations are generally conducted at the request of USTR, the Senate Committee on Finance, or the House Committee on Ways and Means; the USITC may also self-initiate investigations. The resulting reports convey the Commission's objective findings and independent analyses on the subjects investigated. The Commission makes no recommendations on policy or other matters in its general factfinding reports. Upon completion of each investigation, the USITC submits its findings and analyses to the requester. General factfinding investigation reports are subsequently released to the public, unless they are classified by the requester for national security reasons.

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February 22, 2012
News Release 12-020
Inv. No(s). 332-529
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819

USITC Begins Investigation Concerning Possible Modifications to the U.S. GSP, 2011 Review of Additions and Competitive Need Limitation Waivers

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) is seeking input for a newly initiated investigation concerning possible modifications to the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP).

The investigation, Advice Concerning Possible Modifications to the U.S. Generalized System of Preferences, 2011 Review of Additions and Competitive Need Limitation Waivers (Investigation No. 332-529), was requested by the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR).

The USITC is seeking input for its new investigation from all interested parties and requests that the information focus on the articles for which the USITC is requested to provide information and advice. The USITC will hold a public hearing in connection with the investigation at 9:30 a.m. on March 30, 2012. Requests to appear at the public hearing should be filed no later than 5:15 p.m. on March 12, 2012, with the Secretary, U.S. International Trade Commission, 500 E Street SW, Washington, DC 20436. In the event that no requests to appear at the hearing are received by the close of business on March 12, 2012, the hearing will be canceled. For further information, please call 202-205-2595.

The USITC also welcomes written submissions for the record. Written submissions should be addressed to the Secretary to the Commission at the above address and should be submitted at the earliest practical date but no later than 5:15 p.m. on April 4, 2012.

As requested, the USITC, an independent, nonpartisan, factfinding federal agency, will provide advice on the likely impact on competing U.S. industries of the addition of the following Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) subheadings:

For all GSP-eligible countries:

3923.21.00 (sacks and bags (including cones) for the conveyance or packing of goods, of polymers of ethylene).

For least-developed beneficiary developing countries (LDBDC):

5201.00.18 (cotton, not carded or combed, having a staple length under 28.575 mm (1-1/8 inches), n/harsh or rough, nesoi),
5201.00.22 (cotton, not carded or combed, staple length 28.575 mm or more but under 34.925 mm, described in gen. note 15),
5201.00.24 (cotton,/carded or combed, harsh or rough, staple length 29.36875 mm or more but n/o 34.925 mm, white in color, quota described in chapter 52 add'l US note 6),
5201.00.28 (cotton, not carded or combed, harsh or rough, staple length of 29.36875 mm or more but under 34.925 mm & white in color, nesoi),
5201.00.34 (cotton, not carded or combed, staple length of 28.575 mm or more but under 34.925 mm, other, quota described in chapter 52 add'l US note 7),
5201.00.38 (cotton, not carded or combed, staple length of 28.575 mm or more but under 34.925 mm, nesoi),
5202.91.00 (cotton garnetted stock),
5202.99.30 (Cotton card strips made from cotton waste having staple length under 30.1625 mm & lap, sliver & roving waste, nesoi),
5203.00.05 (cotton fibers, carded or combed, of cotton fiber processed but not spun, described in gen. note 15),
5203.00.10 (cotton fibers, carded or combed, of cotton fiber processed but not spun, quota described in chapter 52 add'l US note 10),
5203.00.30 (cotton fibers, carded or combed, of cotton fiber processed, but not spun, nesoi), and
5203.00.50 (cotton carded or combed, excluding fibers of cotton processed but not spun).

The USITC also will provide advice on the likely impact on competing U.S. industries of competitive need limitation waivers on the following 9 HTS subheadings for certain countries:

1602.50.20 (prepared or preserved beef in airtight containers, other than corned beef, not containing cereals or vegetables) from Argentina,
2840.19.00 (disodium tetraborate (refined borax) except anhydrous) from Turkey,
2921.19.60 (other acyclic monoamines and their derivatives) from Philippines,
2922.41.00 (lysine and its esters and salts thereof) from Brazil,
3307.41.00 ("agarbatti" and other odoriferous preparations which operate by burning, to perfume or deodorize rooms or used during religious rites) from India,
4015.19.10 (seamless gloves of vulcanized rubber other than hard rubber, other than surgical or medical gloves) from Thailand,
7606.12.30 (aluminum alloy, plates/sheets/strip, w/thick. o/0.2mm, rectangular (inc. sq), not clad) from Indonesia,
8415.90.80 (parts for air conditioning machines, nesi) from Thailand, and
8708.30.50 (pts. & access. of mtr. vehicles of 8701, nesoi, and 8702-8705, brakes and servo-brakes & pts thereof) from India.

The USITC will submit its confidential report to USTR by May 14, 2012. As soon as possible thereafter, the USITC, as requested by USTR, will issue a public version of the report containing only the unclassified sections, with any business confidential information and classified information deleted.

USITC general factfinding investigations, such as this one, cover matters related to tariffs or trade and are generally conducted at the request of the U.S. Trade Representative, the House Committee on Ways and Means, or the Senate Committee on Finance. The resulting reports convey the Commission's objective findings and independent analyses on the subjects investigated. The Commission makes no recommendations on policy or other matters in its general factfinding reports. Upon completion of each investigation, the USITC submits its findings and analyses to the requester. General factfinding investigation reports are subsequently released to the public, unless they are classified by the requester for national security reasons.

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April 29, 2013
News Release 13-040
Inv. No(s). 332-538
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819

USITC Releases Report on Likely Effects of Duty-Free Entry for Goods Under the GSP

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) today released a public version of its confidential report on the probable economic effects of making certain products eligible for duty- free treatment and for waiving the competitive need limit for certain goods under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP).

The report, Advice Concerning Possible Modifications to the U.S. Generalized System of Preferences, 2012 Review: Additions and Competitive Need Limitation Waivers, was requested by the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR).

The USITC, an independent, nonpartisan, factfinding federal agency, submitted a confidential version of the report to the USTR on April 8, 2013.

As requested, the USITC provided advice as to the impact of the addition of certain products to the list of articles eligible for the GSP.

The reviewed products were: fresh cut sweetheart, spray, and other roses (HTS 0603.11.00, 0603.11.0010, 0603.11.0030, and 0603.11.0060); vegetables not elsewhere specific or included, uncooked or cooked by steaming or boiling in water, frozen, reduced in size (HTS 0710.80.97) or the 3 existing 10 digit lines for broccoli (HTS 0710.80.9722, 0710.80.9724, and 0710.80.9726); artichokes, prepared or preserved otherwise than by vinegar or acetic acid, and not frozen (HTS 2005.99.80); and refined copper wire less than 6 mm in diameter (HTS 7408.19.0030).

The USITC also provided advice, as requested, as to the effect on U.S. industries, imports, and consumers of granting a waiver of the competitive need limit for Brazil for imports of calcium silicon ferroalloys (HTS 7202.99.20).

"Competitive need limitations" (CNLs) set the maximum U.S. import level for GSP eligibility and are based on the dollar value or share of total imports of a given product. Once the limit is reached, trade is considered "competitive," benefits are no longer needed, and imports of the article become ineligible for GSP treatment, unless a waiver is granted.

The USTR published full article descriptions of a number of products for which CNL waiver petitions had been filed in the Federal Register (77FR249) on December 28, 2012. The USTR subsequently notified the USITC that petitions requesting CNL waivers for all but calcium-silicon imports from Brazil had been withdrawn, and the USITC revised the scope of its investigation accordingly.

Advice Concerning Possible Modifications to the U.S. Generalized System of Preferences, 2012 Review: Additions and Competitive Need Limitation Waivers (Investigation No. 332-538, USITC Publication 4391, April 2013) is available on the USITC's Internet site at http://www.usitc.gov/publications/332/pub4391.pdf.

The report may be requested by sending an email to pubrequest@usitc.gov, by calling 202-205- 2000, or by writing the Office of the Secretary, U.S. International Trade Commission, 500 E Street SW, Washington, DC 20436.

USITC general factfinding investigations, such as this one, cover matters related to tariffs or trade and are generally conducted at the request of the U.S. Trade Representative, the House Committee on Ways and Means, or the Senate Committee on Finance. The resulting reports convey the Commission's objective findings and independent analyses on the subjects investigated. The Commission makes no recommendations on policy or other matters in its general factfinding reports. Upon completion of each investigation, the USITC submits its findings and analyses to the requester. General factfinding investigation reports are subsequently released to the public unless they are classified by the requester for national security reasons.

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January 18, 2013
News Release 13-007
Inv. No(s). 332-538
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819

USITC Begins Investigation Concerning Possible Modifications to the U.S. Generalized System of Preferences, 2012 Review of Additions and Competitive Need Limitation Waivers

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) is seeking input for a newly initiated investigation concerning possible modifications to the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP).

The investigation, Advice Concerning Possible Modifications to the U.S. Generalized System of Preferences, 2012 Review: Additions and Competitive Need Limitation Waivers, was requested by the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR).

As requested, the USITC, an independent, nonpartisan, factfinding federal agency, will provide advice on the likely impact on competing U.S. industries of the addition of 10 Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) subheadings to the list of articles eligible for the GSP. The HTS subheadings being considered for additions are: 0603.11.00 or 0603.11.0010, 0603.11.0030, 0603.11.0060 (sweetheart, spray, and other roses, fresh cut); 0710.80.97 or 0710.80.9722, 0710.80.9724, 0710.80.9726 (vegetables not elsewhere specific or included, uncooked or cooked by steaming or boiling in water, frozen, reduced in size or the 3 existing 10 digit lines for broccoli); 2005.99.80 (artichokes, prepared or preserved otherwise than by vinegar or acetic acid, not frozen); and 7408.19.0030 (refined copper, wire, with maximum cross-sectional dimension of 6 mm or less).

The USITC also will provide advice on the likely impact on competing U.S. industries of competitive need limitation waivers on 12 HTS subheadings for certain countries. "Competitive need limits" represent the maximum import level of a product that is eligible for duty-free treatment under the GSP. Once the limit is reached, trade is considered "competitive," benefits are no longer needed, and imports of the article become ineligible for GSP treatment, unless a waiver is granted. With respect to the competitive need limit in section 503(c)(2)(A)(i)(I) of the 1974 Act, the USITC, as requested, will use the dollar value limit of $155 million.

The HTS subheadings being considered for competitive need limitation waivers are: 0410.00.00 (edible products of animal origin, not elsewhere specified or included) from Indonesia; 0603.13.00 (orchids: cut flowers and flower buds of a kind suitable for bouquets or for ornamental purposes, fresh, dried, dyed, bleached, impregnated or otherwise prepared) from Thailand; 1102.90.25 (rice flour) from Thailand; 2106.90.99 (food preparations not elsewhere specified or included, not canned or frozen) from Thailand; 6911.10.37 (porcelain or china (other than bone china) household table & kitchenware in sets in which aggregate value of articles is over $56 but not over $200) from Indonesia; 7202.21.50 (ferrosilicon containing by weight more than 55% but not more than 80% of silicon, not elsewhere specified or included) from Russia; 7202.30.00 (ferrosilicon manganese) from Georgia; 7202.99.20 (calcium silicon ferroalloys) from Brazil; 7307.21.50 (stainless steel, not cast, flanges for tubes/pipes, not forged or forged and machined, tooled and otherwise processing after forging) from India; 7307.91.50 (iron or steel (other than stainless), not cast, flanges for tubes/pipes, not forged or forged and machined, tooled and processed after forging) from India; 7408.29.10 (copper wire, coated or plated with metal) from Thailand; and 9506.70.40 (ice skates with footwear permanently attached) from Thailand.

The USITC will submit its confidential report to USTR by April 8, 2013. As soon as possible thereafter, the USITC will, as requested by USTR, issue a public version of the report containing only the unclassified sections, with any business confidential information and classified information deleted.

The USITC is seeking input for its investigation from all interested parties and requests that the information focus on the articles for which the USITC is requested to provide information and advice. The USITC will hold a public hearing in connection with the investigation at 9:30 a.m. on February 27, 2013. Requests to appear at the public hearing should be filed no later than 5:15 p.m. on February 11, 2013, with the Secretary, U.S. International Trade Commission, 500 E Street SW, Washington, DC 20436.

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