[Comments on Generalized System of Preferences]

In response to a congressional request, GAO examined the Generalized System of Preferences Program to resolve a dispute between the Congressional Research Service and the Office of the United States Trade Representative (OUSTR) concerning the correct interpretation of a statutory reference to the preceding calendar year in determining a country's competitive need formula. GAO concluded that: (1) the interpretation that OUSTR adopted when Congress enacted the program was legally supportable; and (2) OUSTR need not alter the way it applies the competitive needs ceiling in determining countries' eligibility to remain in the program.