Advice Concerning Possible Modifications to the U.S. Generalized System of Preferences, 2010 Review of Competitive Need Limitation Waivers

Investigation No. 332-522
USITC Publication 4228

Summary

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has released a public version of its report on the probable economic effect of waiving the competitive need limit for certain goods under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP).

Advice Concerning Possible Modifications to the U.S. Generalized System of Preferences, 2010 Review of Competitive Need Limit Waivers, was requested by the U.S. Trade Representative. The USITC's confidential report was submitted to the USTR on April 8, 2011.

The USITC provided advice as to the impact of granting a waiver of the competitive need limit for:

• Brazil for lysine and esters (HTS subheading 2922.41.00);
  
  
• Sri Lanka for pneumatic tires (HTS subheading 4011.93.80);
  
  
• Thailand for rubber gloves (HTS subheading 4015.19.10); and
  
  
• Argentina for calcium-silicon ferroalloys (HTS subheading 7202.99.20).
  
  

"Competitive need limits" represent the maximum import level of a product, in terms of the dollar value or share of total imports, 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 Commission, as requested, used the dollar value limit of $140 million.

The USITC’s report is now available at: http://www.usitc.gov/publications/332/pub4228.pdf (PDF)

Also available in print; call 202.205.2000 for more information.