ASTA Letter to the U.S. Trade Representative on the Generalized System of Preferences
ASTA sent a letter to Merideth Sandler of the GSP Subcomittee in August 2006 emphasizing the importance of certain countries including India and Brazil to the U.S. spice market and expressing concern for the economic growth of beneficiary countries, emphasizing the positive effects of the GSP program on creating economic opportunities and expanding trade.
08/25/2006 at 5:15 am
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ASTA signed onto a coalition letter from multiple industries to members of the Senate Finance Committee in June 2024, imploring the swift passage of legislation to renew the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) program.
Map Where Spices Grow: Impact on Global Trade
This map illustrates examples of where key spices are grown around the world. Most spices, including black pepper, cinnamon, turmeric, ginger, nutmeg, vanilla, and cloves, require tropical conditions and cannot be cultivated on a commercial scale within the United States due to climate and geographical limitations. Because most spices cannot be grown domestically, the industry relies on global sourcing to obtain spices used to naturally flavor healthful foods that nourish American families every day. Spices are not only important for home cooking but are also essential inputs to the $9.4 trillion dollar American food industry, which employs millions of American citizens. Last year, the U.S. imported more than $2 billion of spices from more than 50 origin countries. Recognizing spices as “unavailable natural resources” in trade policy supports America’s food supply, strengthens the nation’s competitive manufacturing base, and prevents unnecessary cost increases for consumers and businesses.
