In April 2017, the GSP program saved American companies $66 million on about $1.7 billion in imports. GSP imports were up by 8 percent – and tariffs savings were up by 11 percent – compared to April 2016.
Some states such as Kentucky and Virginia saw much larger increases in GSP imports and savings compared to the previous year, as shown in the graphic below.
GSP saved Kentucky companies $1.2 million in April, up over $307,000 (35 percent) compared to one year earlier. Yeasts from Brazil, electric motors from the Philippines, and wire harnesses from Indonesia contributed most to Kentucky’s GSP increases.
GSP saved Virginia companies $1.6 million in April, up over $555,000 (52 percent) compared to one year earlier. Plastics and auto parts from Brazil, travel goods from Cambodia, and from strawberries from Egypt contributed most to Virginia’s GSP increases.
In addition to Kentucky and Virginia, companies in 14 other states saw GSP savings increase by at least 20 percent, including: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Indiana, Louisiana, Maine, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, and Wisconsin.
Savings on GSP imports from Serbia increased by 25 percent compared to April of last year. Oklahoma companies’ purchases of auto parts accounted for nearly 20 percent of GSP imports from Serbia. GSP eliminated about $100,000 in import taxes on crab meat in April, with about a quarter of those savings on imports into Maryland.
More monthly GSP import and savings highlights are on our Graphics page.