The United States Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) program provides duty-free benefits for imports from select developing countries. First implemented in 1976, the program is intended to promote economic development through trade, not aid. Countries are automatically “graduated” out of the program if they reach high-income status, and some major developing countries like China are excluded by other eligibility criteria.
Top beneficiary countries exporting GSP-eligible wood products to the U.S. include Thailand, Brazil, and Indonesia.
While the GSP program expired on December 31, 2020, IWPA continues to advocate for retroactive renewal of the GSP program.