The pharmaceutical industry's outsourcing of drug component production and Thailand's progress towards recovery from its financial crisis are among the topics explored in the current issue of Industry Trade and Technology Review (ITTR), a quarterly publication of the U.S. International Trade Commission's Office of Industries.

Industry Trade and Technology Review (ITTR) contains articles originating from research and analysis conducted by International Trade Commission (ITC) staff as part of its responsibilities to provide advice and technical information on industry and trade issues. The ITTR provides analysis of important issues and insights into the global position of U.S. industries, the technological competitiveness of the United States, and implications of trade and policy developments.

The ITTR is a publication of the Office of Industries. The opinions and conclusions it contains are those of the authors and are not the views of the Commission or of any individual Commissioner.

The current issue (October 1999) includes the following articles:

• Outsourcing by the Pharmaceutical Industry Provides Opportunities for Fine Chemical Producers Worldwide -- The increased research and development (R&D) costs and risks in the global pharmaceutical industry, along with the added complexity of drug formulations, have quickened a trend toward outsourcing production of both chemical intermediates and active pharmaceutical ingredients. This outsourcing trend enables pharmaceutical companies to use resources on R&D and to develop relationships with fine chemical producers to streamline the drug development process. Considering the pharmaceutical outsourcing trend, this article examines the competitive climate driving structural adjustments, domestic and foreign growth in demand and capacity, and effects on the U.S. trade balance.

• Thailand's Financial Crisis and Progress Towards Recovery Implications for U.S. Trade -- More than two years have elapsed since the Thai economy succumbed to a financial and economic crisis that engulfed the "Tiger economies" of East/Southeast Asia. Diligently adhering to the International Monetary Fund's structural-adjustment policy package, Thailand has made significant progress in implementing corrective actions. Its economy began to show revival signs early this year, but sustained recovery depends on tackling still-significant structural problems. Thailand has an important role in the political stability and economic growth of Southeast Asia, as well as being a long-standing U.S. partner in the region. This article examines the roots of Thailand's financial crisis, its economic stabilization efforts, and the outlook for the Thai economy and U.S.-Thai trade.

In addition, the publication includes an appendix charting key performance indicators for the steel, automobile, aluminum, flat glass, and services industries.

Industry Trade and Technology Review (USITC Publication 3253, October 1999) will be posted on the ITC's Internet server at www.usitc.gov. A cumulative list of articles published in the report series is also posted. The ITTR will also be available at regional federal depository libraries in the United States. To request a printed copy of the ITTR or to be added to the mailing list, contact the Office of the Secretary, U.S. International Trade Commission, 500 E Street SW, Washington DC 20436. Requests may also be faxed to 202-205-2104.