The ITC, an independent, nonpartisan, factfinding federal agency, is required by the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) Implementation Act to monitor imports of "fresh or chilled tomatoes" and "fresh or chilled peppers, other than chili peppers," until January 1, 2009, so that it can be prepared to expedite a request for provisional relief under section 202 of the Trade Act of 1974 or section 302 of the NAFTA Implementation Act should a petition be filed that alleges that increased imports are causing serious injury to the U.S. tomato or pepper industry. The reports, which cover tomatoes and peppers for fresh-market use and for processing, include current conditions in the U.S. industry in such areas as production, imports, exports, and prices.

Copies of Monitoring of U.S. Imports of Tomatoes (Investigation 332-350, USITC Publication 3130, September 1998) and Monitoring of U.S. Imports of Peppers (Investigation 332-351, USITC Publication 3131, September 1998) will be available on the ITC's Internet server at www.usitc.gov. A printed copy may be requested from the Office of the Secretary, U.S. International Trade Commission, 500 E Street, SW, Washington, DC 20436, or by calling 202-205-1809. Requests may be made by fax to 202-205-2104.