Thailand is set to lose its Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) duty-free trade privileges with the US on a raft of items, including dresses and footwear parts, from the end of next week.

The move was outlined by the United States Trade Representative (USTR) in October last year, and comes into force from 25 April 2020. The decision was taken due to Thailand’s failure to provide internationally-recognised worker rights.

Around one-third of eligible products from Thailand (valued at about $1.3bn), will be affected. While it mainly impacts the seafood and shipping industries, women’s or girl’s dresses, gloves, outer soles and heels for footwear, and articles of feathers or down will also be hit.

While the GSP programme excludes most textile and apparel products exported to the US, the designation of a country as eligible for GSP sends a strong message that it is taking steps to improve worker and intellectual property rights. Likewise, its removal indicates ongoing problems in these areas.

Apparel exports from Thailand to the US were subject to an average tariff rate of 14.4% for knitted apparel (HS chapter 61) and 10.6% for woven apparel (HS chapter 62) in 2018. 

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.