A Victory for LDCs in the EU

Finally!! After years of debating changes to rules of origin to make it easier for developing countries, especially the least-developed among them, to export duty-free under preference programs, the European Union is finally set to act at the end of this month. While the particular method chosen is not what the CGD working group on Global Trade Preference Reform recommended, it should make a meaningful difference for many LDCs whose exports have been blocked by the restrictive rules currently in place. Now, if only the Obama administration and Congress could find the courage to also act on this critical development policy issue.