How does international trade law help developing countries?

Mainly through special and differential treatment at the WTO (flexibility, longer implementation periods, technical assistance, and exemptions for the least-developed members) and through unilateral preference programs like the U.S. GSP that grant duty-free or reduced-duty access to qualifying imports.

What is the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP)?

A U.S. trade-preference program that historically allowed thousands of products from designated beneficiary developing countries to enter duty-free. It’s designed to support development by improving these countries’ access to the U.S. market.

Is GSP currently in effect?

No. U.S. GSP expired on December 31, 2020, and as of 2026 has not been renewed. Goods that would have qualified are currently subject to normal duties. Because Congress has historically renewed GSP retroactively with duty refunds, many importers still flag eligible entries — but confirm the current status before relying on it.

What is special and differential treatment?

A set of WTO provisions giving developing and least-developed countries more favorable terms — longer timeframes to meet obligations, technical assistance, and certain exemptions — to help integrate them into the global trading system without imposing the same immediate commitments as on advanced economies. Sourcing from developing countries can mean real duty savings — but only when the programs are active and the goods qualify. Reidel Law Firm advises importers on preference programs, origin, and duty planning on flat-fee terms. Talk to an international trade attorney.

INTERNATIONAL TRADE LAW

International Trade Law and Developing Countries

Schuyler 'Rocky' Reidel July 13, 2023 4 min read

International trade law treats developing countries d