If you import from any GSP eligible countries you know by now that GSP lapsed on January 1, 2018, leaving importers without the valuable benefits the GSP program provided. The question now is how long until Congress renews the program? With the past two expirations, it took months for the program to be renewed by Congress. There is some reason for optimism that renewal will occur sooner rather than later this time around. The trade community is closely watching the unfolding FY 2018 spending talks, since a compromise spending package may offer a vehicle for both GSP renewal and passage of a Miscellaneous Tariff Bill (MTB). Currently, the government is being funded by a temporary Continuing Resolution (CR), which expires January 19. Congressional leaders had hoped to have a bipartisan agreement in hand before January 19, but immigration and spending issues continue to complicate the talks. Lawmakers now acknowledge they will need to extend the CR once again — perhaps until mid-February or early March. Once an agreement is reached, however, trade leaders in Congress hope to quietly add GSP renewal and the MTB to the must-pass spending package.CBP is developing a programming that, in the event that GSP is renewed with a retroactive refund clause, will allow CBP to automate the duty refund process.V. Alexander will continue to monitor developments and keep you apprised of any changes.