On May 17, 2018, USTR announced that it is accepting a petition from the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) challenging Thailand’s eligibility for the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) trade preference program.

“GSP eligibility criteria are a core element to the success and fairness of the program,” said Deputy U.S. Trade Representative Jeffrey Gerrish.  “Congress directs USTR to ensure that beneficiary countries are permitting equitable and reasonable market access for American goods.  The petition from the National Pork Producers Council raises important questions regarding Thailand’s compliance with this criterion for GSP eligibility.”

USTR’s acceptance of the NPPC petition will result in a public review of Thailand’s GSP eligibility, including a public hearing and comment period.  Details on the review will be announced in an upcoming Federal Register notice.