U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement: Effects on U.S. Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises

Investigation No. 332-539
USITC Publication 4393

Summary

The effects of the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement (FTA) on U.S. small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) is the topic of the U.S. International Trade Commission’s most recent report.

Most U.S. SMEs contacted during the USITC’s investigation believed that the FTA had already proven helpful and would benefit them even more over time.

Produced for the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), the report:

• discusses the effects of the FTA on the production, distribution, and export strategy of U.S. SMEs contacted by the USITC;
• describes how those SMEs have benefited from specific provisions of the FTA;
• details the challenges that the SMEs still face in exporting to Korea since the FTA's entry into force; and
• contains information collected by the USITC from SMEs that compared their experiences before and after the FTA's entry into force.

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Textile and Apparel Imports from China: Statistical Reports

USITC Publication 4394
Investigation No. 332-501

Summary

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) today released its annual compilation of bi-weekly reports on textile and apparel imports from China.

Requested by the U.S. House of Representatives’ Committee on Ways and Means, the report compiles data that has been posted on a bi-weekly basis on the USITC website.

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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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