Number: RS20174
Title: CBI/NAFTA PARITY PROPOSALS: A COMPARISON
Authors: Vladimir N. Pregelj, Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division 
Abstract: The tariff and quota treatment of U.S. imports from Mexico under the North American Free Trade Agreement has resulted in a distinct and increasing competitive disadvantage for imports from the beneficiary countries of the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act (CBERA). To eliminate this disadvantage, proposals have been made to extend to imports from Caribbean Basin countries preferential treatment equivalent to that accorded imports of identical goods from Mexico. This report compares the provisions of three such proposals, two already introduced in the 106th Congress (Title I of HR. 984 and Title I of S. 371), and one an Administration draft as yet without a sponsor. All three would accord, during a limited transition period, to imports of certain products (primarily textiles and textile apparel) from CBERA countries unilateral preferential treatment equivalent to that accorded to comparable imports from Mexico under the NAFTA.
Pages: 6
Date: Updated November 5, 1999