Environmental and Related Services

Investigation No. 332-533
USITC Publication 4389

Summary

There are few trade barriers that apply specifically to the provision of core environmental services, but the removal of barriers affecting "related" services – including architectural, engineering, and construction services, among others – could increase trade in the environmental services sector, reports the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) in its new publication.

The report provides estimates of the U.S. and global markets for, and discusses barriers to, trade and investment in three core environmental services industries: water and wastewater services, solid and hazardous waste management services, and remediation services. The report also examines the critical role of several related services.

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Advice Concerning Possible Modifications to the U.S. Generalized System of Preferences, 2012 Review: Additions and Competitive Need Limitation Waivers

Investigation No. 332-538
USITC Publication 4391

Summary

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) today released a public version of its confidential report on the probable economic effects of making certain products eligible for duty-free treatment and for waiving the competitive need limit for certain goods under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP).

Requested by the U.S. Trade Representative, the investigation provides advice on the likely impact on competing U.S. industries, on U.S. imports, and on U.S. consumers, of granting GSP eligibility for:

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The Information Technology Agreement: Advice and Information on the Proposed Expansion, Part 2

Investigation No. 332-536
USITC Publication 4382

Summary

Extending duty-free treatment under the Information Technology Agreement (ITA) to certain information and communications technology products would likely increase U.S. export opportunities to ITA member countries, reports the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) in its new publication.

The elimination of tariffs through the original ITA is widely credited with increasing global trade flows, promoting increased business and manufacturing efficiency, and enhancing overall competitiveness. Extending duty-free treatment to additional information and communications technology products and innovations is likely to benefit U.S. exporters, according to the report.

Completed at the request of the U.S. Trade Representative, the report covers a draft list of products, compiled by the USTR that could be considered for duty free treatment under the ITA.

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Used Electronic Products: An Examination of U.S. Exports

USITC Publication 4379
Investigation No. 332-528

Summary

U.S. sales of used electronic products (UEP) in 2011 were valued at $19.2 billion, and U.S. exports of such products in 2011 made up 7 percent of total U.S. UEP sales, reports the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) in its new publication.

Completed at the request of the U.S. Trade Representative, the report is based on data collected through a nationwide survey of 5,200 refurbishers, recyclers, brokers, information technology asset managers, and other UEP handlers. The report covers the year 2011 and focuses on audio and visual equipment, computers and peripheral equipment, digital imaging devices, telecommunication equipment, and component parts of these products.