Number: RS22541
Title: Generalized System of Preferences: Agricultural Imports
Authors: Renee Johnson, Resources, Science, and Industry Division 
Abstract: The Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) provides duty-free tariff treatment for certain products from designated developing countries. Agricultural imports under the GSP totaled $2.1 billion in 2007, about 7% of all U.S. GSP imports. Leading agricultural imports include sugar, confectionery, cocoa, olive oil, processed meats, drinking waters, and miscellaneous food preparations and inputs for further processing. The majority of these imports are from Thailand, Argentina, Brazil, India, and the Philippines. Some in Congress have called for changes to the program that could limit GSP benefits to certain countries, among other changes. Opinion within the U.S. agriculture industry is mixed, reflecting both support for and opposition to the current program. Congress made changes to the program in 2006, tightening its requirements on imports under certain circumstances. The 110th Congress extended GSP through 2009, likely making the GSP a legislative issue in the 111th Congress. Also, the leadership of the Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee continue to express an interest in evaluating the effectiveness of U.S. trade preference programs, including the GSP.
Pages: 6
Date: November 10, 2008