In February 2017, the GSP program saved American companies $53 million on about $1.4 billion in imports. GSP imports were down by 3 percent – and tariffs savings down by 2 percent – compared to February 2016. (Though it should be noted that 2016 had one extra day because of the leap year.).
Despite the slight overall decline, some states such as West Virginia and Nevada saw very large increases in GSP imports and savings compared to February 2016, as shown in the graphic below.
GSP saved West Virginia companies $91,000 in February, up $36,000 (65 percent) compared to one year earlier. Chemicals and mining tools from India and electrical conductors from Ecuador contributed most to West Virginia’s GSP increases.
GSP saved Nevada companies $330,000 in February, up $128,000 (63 percent) compared to one year earlier. Plastics accessories (e.g., wallets, glasses cases) from India, flourides (chemicals) from Thailand, and tungsten concentrates from Bolivia contributed most to Nevada’s GSP increases.
In addition to West Virginia and Nevada, companies in 10 other states saw GSP savings increase by at least 20 percent, including: Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Rhode Island, Virginia, and Wisconsin.
Savings on GSP imports from Kenya increased by 153 percent compared to February last year. New Jersey companies’ purchases of nuts were among the top GSP imports from Kenya. GSP eliminated about $265,000 in import taxes on gelatin in February, with about of those savings on imports from Iowa.
More monthly GSP import and savings highlights are on our Graphics page.
