ITC Investigating Potential Economic Impacts of GSP Proposals

The International Trade Commission is investigating whether to add to or remove articles from the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), as well as proposed competitive need limitation (CNL) waivers under the program, the ITC said (here). The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative on Jan. 5 requested the ITC advise on the probable economic effect on total U.S. imports, on U.S. industries producing similar or directly competitive articles, and on U.S. consumers of the elimination of import duties under GSP for five products (see 1701110040). USTR also requested that the ITC investigate probable economic effects of removing glycine from GSP and granting CNL waivers for seven products using the dollar value limit of $175 million. The ITC said it will provide the requested advice and information for the 2016/2017 GSP review by May 5, after holding a public hearing Feb. 21 and a comment period to last until March 3. The ITC will accept requests to testify at the public hearing through Feb. 3, pre-hearing briefs and statements through Feb. 8, post-hearing briefs and statements through Feb. 27, and all other written submissions through March 3, it said.