In a recent development, the Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee conducted a pivotal hearing on the reform of the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP). This program, vital for safeguarding U.S. supply chains, especially against challenges associated with China, has been under scrutiny.
The RV Industry Association (RVIA), representing a significant stakeholder group, was at the forefront of this hearing, emphasizing the importance of the GSP for the RV industry.
The RVIA’s involvement in this hearing was not just as passive participants. They were actively invited to provide post-hearing comments, a testament to their prominence within the trade community.
Their engagement underscores the success and recognition of their trade program, highlighting the significance of the RV industry in the broader trade landscape, as per the News & Insights report of the RVIA.
Delving into the specifics, the RVIA proposed several key reforms. First on their list was the modernization of Competitive Needs Limitations (CNLs). They advocate for raising the CNL threshold rate at a set rate, suggesting a rise of 6.5%. This change would better reflect market conditions and keep pace with inflation.
Additionally, they pinpointed issues with the 50% percentage threshold, especially for products like lauan plywood, which have specific geographical sourcing constraints.
Another significant proposal was to ensure greater certainty through a longer renewal period for the GSP program. Given the program’s history of multiple lapses, the RVIA suggests a ten-year renewal period, aligning with other U.S. trade preference programs.
This extension would undoubtedly reduce industry uncertainty and streamline trade processes, benefiting a wide range of stakeholders.
Lastly, the RVIA emphasized that any reforms to the GSP program should align with its foundational goals. They believe that modernizing CNL limitations is a step in the right direction, ensuring a balance between achieving the program’s objectives and limiting harm to U.S. businesses.
However, the expiration of the GSP program in December 2020 brought challenges. With no alternative for lauan plywood in the U.S., the RV industry faced additional tariffs, amounting to up to $1.5 million per month. This situation underscores the RVIA’s emphasis on the retroactive renewal of the GSP program.
