TAATrade Agreements Act

The Trade Agreements Act (TAA) of 1979 implements U.S. trade agreements by waiving Buy American Act restrictions for products from designated countries. Under the TAA, federal agencies may purchase products from TAA-designated countries (including WTO Government Procurement Agreement signatories, Free Trade Agreement countries, and least developed countries) as if they were domestic products. However, products from non-designated countries like China, India, and Russia are generally prohibited on TAA-covered contracts. A product is TAA-compliant if it is manufactured or substantially transformed in the United States or a designated country. GSA Schedule contracts and contracts above the Trade Agreement thresholds typically require TAA compliance rather than Buy American Act compliance.