The GSP program created by Congress in the Trade Act of 1974 allows products from beneficiary countries to enter the United States duty free. In terms of trade volume (excluding trade in petroleum products) the top ten GSP beneficiary export nations for 2004 were India, Brazil, Thailand, Indonesia, Turkey, Philippines, South Africa, Venezuela, Argentina, and Russia.

In anticipation of congressional consideration of the re-authorization of the GSP program, set to expire as of December 31, 2006, the Office of the USTR commenced a review of the program to determine if there are changes that could enhance the program’s operation. The Trade Policy Staff Committee (TPSC) of the Office of the USTR seeks to identify ways to improve the program and to ensure that countries share more equally in the benefits.

As part of the review process, the TPSC is particularly interested in comments that address the following issues:

• Whether some beneficiary countries are sufficiently competitive with respect to trade in eligible products and have extended exports to the extent that they should no longer be designated as GSP beneficiaries.
• Whether there are modifications to the operation of the GSP program that would enhance the program’s effectiveness in helping beneficiary countries increase their participation in the program and use trade in support of their development.
• The period for which the Congress should reauthorize the GSP program.

Importers supporting the continuation or expansion of eligibility may consider filing written comments with respect to the operational review until November 14, 2005.

Requirements for written submission are available at: