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New Bill Would Add Digital Trade Policies as a Consideration for GSP Eligibility

Rep. Darin LaHood, R-Ill., introduced legislation that would “incorporate digital trade as a statutory consideration in designating beneficiary developing countries (BDCs) under” the Generalized System of Preferences, he said in a May 7 new release. The bill would allow the U.S. trade representative to “prevent countries from receiving BCD status if, for example, they restrict digital trade to the detriment of U.S. strategic interests through predatory industrial policies that target technology sectors,” it said. Some developing countries seem to be following China's lead in implementing problematic digital trade measures, LaHood's office said. “These countries benefit from duty-free access to American markets under the GSP while employing digital policies that undermine American values, jobs, and exports. Updating and reforming the GSP to support sound digital trade policies will advance American strategic interests around the world and promote sound economic development in the developing world.”