India will be removed from the Generalized System of Preferences on June 5, because President Donald Trump “determined that India has not assured the United States that India will provide equitable and reasonable access to its markets.” The announcement came just after 8 p.m. on May 31. The end of GSP eligibility and removal of India’s developing country status also means India will be subject to safeguard duties on solar cells and washing machines as of June 5.
“Only a year after the Senate and House passed a three year reauthorization of GSP by a near unanimous margin, the Trump administration has kicked out the GSP country that saves American companies more money than any other,” said Coalition for GSP Executive Director Dan Anthony. “The administration made today’s decision in the face of opposition from members of Congress and hundreds of American businesses that have called for continued GSP eligibility for India.” Anthony said India’s exit from GSP will mean importers will pay more than $300 million a year in new duties.
