Steel production subsidies and solid and hazardous waste services in the Asia-Pacific region are among the topics examined 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 contains articles originating from research and analysis conducted by U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) 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 (March/April 2004) includes the following articles:

• International Steel Capacity and Subsidy Negotiations -- International discussions undertaken within the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) to reach an agreement ending subsidies of steel production, have been under way for about a year. While there is broad international support, which would be expected to reduce the overbuilding of unnecessary new capacity and possibly force the closure of uneconomic existing capacity, there are significant roadblocks to reaching an agreement. Principal areas of disagreement include the scope of the proposed agreement (e.g., products or operations for which subsidies would be limited), allowable subsidies, and the treatment of developing countries. The United States is insisting that countries should retain the right to countervail even those limited subsidies that the proposed agreement might allow.
• Solid and Hazardous Waste Services Markets in Asia and the Pacific -- Solid and hazardous waste services markets in Asia and the Pacific are highly varied, reflecting diverse economies in the region. Waste-generation rates, demand for waste management services, and the ability to finance such efforts tend to rise with national income growth. Trade in waste management services seems to be in its infancy throughout the region, but foreign investment to construct treatment facilities and related infrastructure is growing rapidly. Opportunities for trade and investment will likely increase as regulatory environments mature, either through adoption of new laws or more consistent enforcement of existing regulations. This article provides an overview of solid and hazardous waste services markets across the region, followed by more specific country assessments. Australia and Japan are highlighted for the relatively large size and maturity of their solid and hazardous waste services markets, China because of its rapidly growing environmental services market, and Malaysia for its relatively lengthy experience with environmental regulation.

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

Industry Trade and Technology Review (USITC Publication 3688, March/April 2004) will be posted on the USITC's Internet site 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.