Preference Programs

The U.S. uses preference programs to assist other countries, usually in the developing world, through enhanced access to the U.S. market.

One of the oldest preference programs is the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), which was initiated in 1976 and which offers preferential duty-free treatment for up to 5000 products from 128 designated countries and territories throughout the world.

Another highly successful program is the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which was enacted in 2000 and also allows duty-free entry of goods from 40 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Other U.S. preference programs include the Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI) Program and the Andean Trade Preference Act (ATPA) program.