Although GSP eligibility does not imply AGOA eligibility, fortyfive of the 48 SubSaharan African countries are currently GSP eligible. The additional GSP line items which include such previously excluded items as footwear, luggage, handbags, watches, and flatware were implemented after an extensive process of public comment and review. SubSaharan African beneficiary countries are also exempted from competitive need limitations which cap the GSP benefits available to beneficiaries in other regions. The Act provides for dutyfree and quotafree access to the U.S. market without limits for apparel made in eligible SubSaharan African countries from U.S. fabric, yarn, and thread. It also provides for substantial growth of dutyfree and quotafree apparel imports made from fabric produced in beneficiary countries in SubSaharan Africa.
Apparel imported under the Special Rule is counted against the cap.
Specific requirements of the visa systems and verification procedures were promulgated to African governments via U.S. embassies on September 21, 2000. The Secretary of Commerce is directed to monitor apparel imports on a monthly basis to guard against surges. The U.S. Government is now reviewing applications for approval of the required visa and enforcement mechanisms from AGOAeligible countries. The Act directs the President to organize a U.S.SubSaharan Africa Trade and Economic Forum, to be hosted by the Secretaries of State, Commerce, Treasury, and the U.S. Trade Representative. The Forum, is to serve as the vehicle for regular dialogue between the United States and African countries on issues of economics, trade, and investment.