The United States officially grants Mauritius an exemption of origin for textiles exported to the United States

Recently, the U.S. Congress passed the OMNIBUS Act and decided to grant Mauritius an exemption of origin for textiles exported to the United States within the framework of AGOA, which will be valid until 2015. This means that Mauritius can import textile raw materials from any third country without tariffs or quotas. Enter the US market. In the past, if Mauritian textiles exported to the United States wanted to enjoy this preferential treatment, they had to import raw materials from the United States or African countries that enjoy AGOA.
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The Mauritian government and textile industry responded enthusiastically. Prime Minister Ramgoolam of Mauritius said that this was the result of long-term diplomatic mediation between the Mauritian government and himself. Sitanan, Deputy Prime Minister of Mauritius and Minister of Finance and Economic Development, said, “This is a great victory for Mauritius’s economic and foreign policy.” He believes that this is also a rare opportunity for the Mauritius Export Processing Zone, and Mauritius textile and garment enterprises can use this to further promote Diversify export markets to cope with the impact on the European market.
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Industry insiders in Mauritius believe that due to the decline in the purchasing power of Mauritius’s traditional market, high international oil prices, and the continued appreciation of Mauritius’s local currency against major international currencies, the exports of Mauritius’s textile and garment industry have declined. The United States’ grant of origin exemption is timely, and it will undoubtedly benefit Mauritius. Textile and clothing development has injected new vitality.
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In 2005, the United States granted Mauritius a one-year “origin exemption” for textiles exported to the United States. Since then, the Mauritian government has been lobbying the United States, hoping to continue to enjoy this preferential treatment.