CITA Sets FY 2016 Limits for Duty-Free Imports From Sub-Saharan Africa

The Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements on Sept. 25 announced fiscal year 2016 limits on imports of apparel articles from sub-Saharan Africa qualifying for preferences under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (here). For the year running Oct. 1, 2015 through Sept. 30, 2016, the aggregate quantity of imports eligible for preferential treatment under AGOA is capped at 1,935,096,830 square meters equivalent. Of that amount, 967,548,415 square meters equivalent will be available to apparel imported under AGOA’s third-country fabric provisions. The limits represent 7 percent and 3.5 percent, respectively, of the total quantity of U.S. imports of apparel during fiscal year 2015.