Uzbekistan Normalized Trade Act
Uzbekistan Normalized Trade Act
Plain Language Summary
# Uzbekistan Normalized Trade Act Summary **What the Bill Does** This bill would allow the President to grant permanent normal trade relations (NTR) status to Uzbekistan. Currently, Uzbekistan receives temporary trade status that must be renewed annually under an old Cold War-era law called the Jackson-Vanik amendment. That amendment was designed to pressure countries on human rights issues, particularly freedom of emigration. The bill would remove this requirement for Uzbekistan, making their favorable trade status permanent rather than temporary. **Who It Affects and Key Details** The bill primarily affects U.S.
businesses that trade with Uzbekistan and Uzbek exporters trying to sell goods to the U.S. market. Uzbekistan has had temporary access to normal trade relations since 1992, but this bill would make that permanent, likely making trade more predictable and easier for companies on both sides. The change would take effect once the President certifies that Uzbekistan has met certain conditions (the summary cuts off, but typically involves accession to trade agreements). **Current Status** The bill is currently in committee, meaning it has been introduced but has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives.
CRS Official Summary
Uzbekistan Normalized Trade ActThis bill addresses trade between the United States and Uzbekistan. Specifically, the bill authorizes the President to determine that Section 402 of the Trade Act of 1974 (commonly known as the Jackson-Vanik amendment) does not apply to Uzbekistan. The Jackson-Vanik amendment denies normal trade relations (NTR) status to some current and former nonmarket economy countries unless they comply with certain freedom-of-emigration requirements. Under a provision of this amendment, the President may extend NTR status to a country affected by the amendment by waiving the freedom-of-emigration requirements or determining that the country is not in violation of those requirements, subject to an annual review. Uzbekistan has received temporary NTR status since 1992.Additionally, the bill authorizes the President to extend permanent NTR status to Uzbekistan.The bill shall take effect on the date on which the President certifies to Congress that Uzbekistan has acceded to the Marrakesh Agreement Establishing the World Trade Organization (WTO) and is a WTO member.
Latest Action
Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.