In a Federal Register notice published on July 11, 2017, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) is requesting comments on country eligibility requirements to qualify for duty free treatment under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
Each year, the President reviews and designates sub-Saharan African economies as AGOA beneficiaries, if specified eligibility requirements are met. The notice specifies that, “The Subcommittee will consider the written comments, written testimony, and oral testimony in developing recommendations for the President.”
The comment deadlines are as follows:
- August 4, 2017: Deadline for filing requests to appear at the August 23, 2017 public hearing, and for filing pre-hearing briefs, statements, or comments on sub-Saharan African countries' AGOA eligibility.
- August 23, 2017: AGOA Implementation Subcommittee of the TPSC will convene a public hearing on AGOA eligibility.
- August 30, 2017: Deadline for filing post-hearing briefs, statements, or comments on this matter.
The Federal Register notice can be accessed at:
