NCBFAA President Encourages Extension of GSP

Jon Kent
Phone: 202-223-6222
 
For Immediate Release

Washington, DCCalling it "the most broadly supported, least controversial element in the trade package before you," NCBFAA President Federico Zuniga has asked Congress to "renew [Generalized System of Preferences] GSP for . . . .at least five years." Zuniga’s comments were contained in a letter to all House and Senate members of the Trade Bill conference.
    In the NCBFAA’s view, GSP is an integral part of the U.S. economy that saves consumers millions of dollars each year on a significant range of products. The program also serves as a tool to promote U.S. exports to developing countries, supporting U.S. jobs in a wide variety of industries. Many small U.S. companies rely on the duty savings from GSP to remain competitive.
   Over the past decade, the uncertainty of GSP renewal has been disruptive to U.S. businesses and damaging to the goals of the program. NCBFAA members have seen first-hand the effects on small businesses, who are not equipped to suddenly begin paying duties on these products for an indefinite period of time.
   Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the NCBFAA (members.ncbfaa.org) represents more than 700 member companies - the nation's leading freight forwarders, customs brokers, ocean transportation intermediaries (OTIs) and air cargo agents. Established in 1897 in New York, NCBFAA is the strong, effective national voice of the industry. Through its various committees, counsel, 30 Affiliated Association offices and representatives, the Association maintains a close watch over legislative and regulatory issues that affect its members. It keeps them informed of these and other related issues through its weekly Monday Morning eBriefingNCBFAA Quarterly Bulletin, and various meetings, seminars and conferences throughout the year.