USTR submission regarding Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) country practice review of South Africa

USTR Pre-hearing Brief for South Africa Country Practice Review

On, January 17, 2020, Public Citizen submitted written comments to the Office of the United States Trade Representative’s (USTR) hearing on the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) country practice review of South Africa. Public Citizen, in its brief, urged the USTR that U.S. engagement with South Africa should support reforms that improve access to knowledge and education, not seek to pressure South Africa into greater financial burdens for its people. The limitations and exceptions in South Africa’s Copyright Bill are well-crafted and entirely within their rights under international law. Access to education is a crucial building block for South Africa’s social development and economic growth. U.S. trade policy must respect this.