the annual mean air temperature in Mongolia has risen at three times the global rate. Average precipitation is declining and extreme weather disasters are more frequent, posing acute challenges for livestock herding in the country. In 2017, an estimated 700,000 of the country’s livestock population were killed due to the post-drought extreme winter phenomenon known as dzud . This phenomenon is unique to Mongolia and has increased in frequency and severity in recent years, causing a rise in livestock mortality and diminishing livelihoods for herders which has led to widespread rural poverty and a contraction in the national economy. (6) Mongolia would greatly benefit from preferential treatment for United States imports of certain Mongolian products to help address some of the economic impacts of the dzuds. (7) The cashmere trade is particularly important to Mongolia’s economy, but while Mongolia produces over one-third of the world’s raw cashmere, it produces few finished cashmere products. Most Mongolian raw cashmere is exported to China, and the United States buys nearly all of its cashmere products from China. Preferential treatment for United States imports of certain Mongolian products, including cashmere products, would benefit the United States by facilitating increased trade with Mongolia. (8) The development of Mongolia’s garment industry would also promote women’s employment and empowerment. Women have historically participated in Mongolia’s garment industry at high rates, and the garment industry has historically provided safe and stable employment for women in Mongolia. (9) In developing and expanding Mongolia’s cashmere industry, it is critical for Mongolia to take steps to ensure the protection of its grasslands and prevent overgrazing of cashmere goats. (10) Preferential treatment for United States imports of such Mongolian products would benefit Mongolia at this critical time. 3. Duty-free treatment for certain imports from Mongolia (a) In general Subject to the eligibility requirements in