The African Growth and Opportunity Bill
April 3, 2001
New York – The African Growth and Opportunity Bill, which became effective October 1,2000, was enacted to enhance trade with countries of the Caribbean Basin and sub-Saharan Africa. Among other things, the legislation grants duty and quota preferences to the U.S. market for certain textile and apparel products manufactured in these regions.
The terms of the new statute are extremely complex. Countries of the Caribbean Basin Initiative and sub-Saharan Africa must meet specific criteria in order to be designated as beneficiaries of this bill. Although it primarily addresses finished apparel, the bill removes duties and quotas from all handmade, hand loomed and folklore articles produced in these countries – and this is expected to impact the home fashion industry.
The terms of the new statute are extremely complex. Countries of the Caribbean Basin Initiative and sub-Saharan Africa must meet specific criteria in order to be designated as beneficiaries of this bill. Although it primarily addresses finished apparel, the bill removes duties and quotas from all handmade, hand loomed and folklore articles produced in these countries – and this is expected to impact the home fashion industry.