Robert Lighthizer urged to not to terminate GSP programme

The Generalized System of Preference (GSP) is the largest and oldest US trade preference programme and is designed to promote economic development by allowing duty-free entry for thousands of products from designated beneficiary countries. Recently, it is in news because a group of 25 influential American lawmakers has urged the US Trade Representative – Robert Lighthizer – not to terminate the GSP programme after the expiry of the 60-day notice on 3rd May 2019. They argued that terminating GSP for India would hurt American companies seeking to expand their exports to India. They also urged to continue negotiating a deal that protects and promotes jobs that rely on trade – both imports and exports – with India. President Donald Trump announced on March 4, the US intends to terminate India’s designations as a beneficiary developing country under the GSP programme.