AAFA Praises Passage of GSP Renewal Legislation In House
February 13, 2018 | WASHINGTON, D.C
Today the American Apparel & Footwear Association praised the U.S. House of Representatives for approving H.R. 4979 by an overwhelming 400-2 vote. The legislation extends the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) program until December 31, 2020, and covers tariffs paid since the program expired at the end of 2017.
AAFA sent a letter to members of the House identifying the amendment as a “yes” key-vote.
“The Generalized System of Preferences is a critical component of our U.S. trade agenda,” said Rick Helfenbein, president and CEO of the American Apparel & Footwear Association. “GSP is popular on Capitol Hill and well-liked by the business community and the many nations that are eligible for benefits. By renewing the GSP program, American businesses can use duty-savings to compete internationally, lower costs for American families, hire more American workers, and invest in new products. The renewal of GSP also gives the Trump Administration an effective enforcement tool to open foreign markets, protect intellectual property, and improve workers’ rights.
"Special thanks to Representatives Reichert, Pascrell, Brady, Neal, Walorski, Curbelo, Smith, Kelly, and Meehan for introducing this essential legislation. With strong bi-partisan support in the House, we encourage the Senate to quickly follow suit.”
GSP was established by the Trade Act of 1974 and is the largest and oldest U.S. trade preference program, designed to provide duty-free access for critical inputs and other products no longer made in the United States from developing nations. AAFA has been a strong supporter of the GSP program.