ITC Asks for Comments on U.S.-Dominican Republic "2 for 1" Apparel Program

The International Trade Commission is asking for comments by April 11 on the “two for one” earned import allowance program (EIAP) for apparel assembled in the Dominican Republic. Under EIAP, apparel manufacturers in the Dominican Republic who use U.S. fabric to produce some apparel earn credits to enter apparel made from non-U.S. fabric into the U.S. duty free. Under the Dominican Republic-Central America Free Trade Agreement (DR-CAFTA), the ITC is required to conduct annual reports on the effectiveness of the program and potential areas for improvement. The past two reports have said the program does not provide enough incentives to stem the recent fall in trade in apparel between the U.S. and the Dominican Republic (see 12072703 and 13072921). This year’s report is due to Congress by July 25.