The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) today released a public version of its confidential report on possible modifications to the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP).

The investigation, Generalized System of Preferences: Possible Modifications, 2020 Review, was requested by the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR).

The USITC, an independent, nonpartisan, factfinding federal agency, submitted a confidential version of the report to the USTR on August 31, 2020. The public version released today contains only the unclassified sections, with any business confidential information deleted.

As requested, the USITC provided advice as to the probable economic effect on total U.S. imports, on U.S. industries producing like or directly competitive articles, and on U.S. consumers of the addition to the list of eligible articles for the purposes of the GSP program of four HTS provisions for all beneficiary developing countries (BDCs).

The additions in consideration are:

• 0603.11.00 (All fresh cut roses),


• 0603.11.0010 (Fresh cut sweetheart roses),


• 0603.11.0030 (Fresh cut spray roses),


• 0603.11.0060 (Fresh cut roses, other than sweetheart and spray roses).

As requested, the USITC provided advice as to the probable economic effect on total U.S. imports, on U.S. industries producing like or directly competitive articles, and on U.S. consumers of the removal from eligibility for duty-free treatment under the GSP program of six HTS provisions for certain GSP countries.

The removals in consideration are:

• 1006.10.00 (Rice in the husk (paddy or rough)) from least-developed beneficiary developing countries (LDBDCs),


• 1006.20.20 (Basmati rice, husked) from LDBDCs,


• 1006.20.40 (Husked (brown) rice, other than basmati from LDBDCs,


• 1006.30.10 (Rice semi-milled or wholly milled, whether or not polished or glazed, parboiled) from all BDCs,


• 1006.30.90 (Rice semi-milled or wholly milled, whether or not polished or glazed, other than parboiled) from LDBDCs,


• 1006.40.00 (Broken rice) from LDBDCs.

Generalized System of Preferences: Possible Modifications, 2020 Review (Investigation No. 332-578), USITC publication 5118, September 2020) is available on the USITC’s Internet site at https://www.usitc.gov/sites/default/files/publications/332/pub5119.pdf.

USITC general factfinding investigations, such as this one cover matters related to tariffs or trade and are generally conducted at the request of the U.S. Trade Representative, the House Committee on Ways and Means, or the Senate Committee on Finance. The resulting reports convey the Commission’s objective findings and independent analyses on the subjects investigated. The Commission makes no recommendations on policy or other matters in its general factfinding reports. Upon completion of each investigation, the USITC submits its findings and analyses to the requester. General factfinding investigation reports are subsequently released to the public, unless they are classified by the requester for national security reasons.

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) is seeking input for an investigation concerning possible modifications to the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP).

The investigation, Generalized System of Preferences: Possible Modifications, 2020 Review (Investigation No. 332-578), was requested by the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) in a letter received on May 4, 2020.

As requested, the USITC, an independent, nonpartisan, factfinding federal agency, will provide advice as to the probable economic effect on U.S. imports, U.S. industries producing like or directly competitive articles, and U.S. consumers of the addition of the following Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) provisions to the list of GSP-eligible products:

For all GSP beneficiary developing countries: 

• 0603.11.00 (sweetheart, spray and other roses, fresh cut),
• 0603.11.0010 (sweetheart roses, fresh, suitable for bouquets or for ornamental purposes),
• 0603.11.0030 (spray roses, fresh, suitable for bouquets or for ornamental purposes),
• 0603.11.0060 (roses, fresh, suitable for bouquets or for ornamental purposes, nesoi).

Also as requested, the USITC will provide advice as to the probable economic effect on total U.S. imports, U.S. industries producing like or directly competitive articles, and U.S. consumers of the removal from eligibility of six HTS provisions for all beneficiary developing countries.

The removals under consideration are: 

• 1006.10.00 (rice in the husk, (paddy or rough)),
• 1006.20.20 (basmati rice, husked),
• 1006.20.40 (husked (brown) rice, other than basmati),
• 1006.30.10 (rice semi-milled or wholly milled, whether or not polished or glazed, parboiled),
• 1006.30.90 (rice semi-milled or wholly milled, whether or not polished or glazed, other than parboiled),
• 1006.40.00 (broken rice).

The USITC will submit its confidential report to USTR by August 31, 2020. As soon as possible thereafter, the USITC will, as requested by USTR, issue a public version of the report containing only the unclassified sections, with any business confidential information and classified information deleted.

The USITC is seeking input for this investigation from all interested parties and requests that the information focus on the articles for which the USITC is requested to provide information and advice. The USITC will hold a public hearing in connection with the investigation at 9:30 a.m. on June 19, 2020. Because COVID-19 mitigation measures are in effect, the public hearing will be held using Go To Meeting.

Information about how to participate in the hearing will be posted on the Commission’s website at (https://usitc.gov/research_and_analysis/what_we_are_working_on.htm).  Requests to appear at the public hearing should be filed no later than 5:15 p.m. on June 3, 2020, with the Secretary, U.S. International Trade Commission, 500 E Street SW, Washington, DC 20436.  See below for important information regarding filing a request to appear at a USITC hearing.

The USITC also welcomes written submissions for the record. Written submissions should be addressed to the Secretary to the Commission at the above address and should be submitted at the earliest practical date but no later than 5:15 p.m. on June 29, 2020.  All written submissions, except for confidential business information, will be available for public inspection.  See below for important information regarding the filing of written submissions for USITC investigations.

IMPORTANT:  All filings, including requests to appear at the hearing and written submissions, must be made through the Commission’s Electronic Document Information System (EDIS, https://edis.usitc.gov). No in-person paper-based filings or paper copies of any electronic filings will be accepted until further notice. Persons with questions regarding electronic filing should contact the Office of the Secretary, Docket Services Division (202-205-1802), or consult the Commission’s Handbook on Filing Procedures.

Further information on the scope of this investigation and appropriate submissions appears in the USITC’s notice of investigation, dated on May 21, 2020. The notice can be obtained from the USITC Internet site (www.usitc.gov) or by contacting the Office of the Secretary at the above address or at 202-205-2000.

USITC general factfinding investigations, such as this one, cover matters related to tariffs or trade and are generally conducted at the request of the U.S. Trade Representative, the House Committee on Ways and Means, or the Senate Committee on Finance. The resulting reports convey the Commission's objective findings and independent analyses on the subjects investigated. The Commission makes no recommendations on policy or other matters in its general fact-finding reports. Upon completion of each investigation, the USITC submits its findings and analyses to the requester. General factfinding investigation reports are subsequently released to the public, unless they are classified by the requester for national security reasons.

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) today released a public version of its confidential report on possible modifications to the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP).

The investigation, Advice Concerning Possible Modifications to the U.S. Generalized System of Preferences, 2009 Review of Additions and Removals, was requested by the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR).

As requested, the USITC, an independent, nonpartisan, factfinding federal agency, provided advice on the likely impact on competing U.S. industries, U.S. imports, and U.S. consumers of the addition of five HTS subheadings to the list of articles eligible for the GSP and the removal of two HTS subheadings from duty-free status for exports from India.

The HTS subheadings being considered for addition are: 0710.22.40 (beans, nesi, uncooked or cooked by steaming or boiling in water, frozen, reduced in size); 0710.90.91 (mixtures of vegetables, nesi, uncooked or cooked by steaming or boiling in water); 2905.17.00 (dodecan-l-ol (lauryl alcohol), hexadecan-l-ol (cetyl alcohol), and octadecan-l-ol (stearyl alcohol)); 3823.70.40 (industrial fatty alcohols, other than oleyl, derived from fatty substances of animal or vegetable origin); and 7614.10.10 (aluminum stranded wire, cables and the like w/steel core, not electrically insulated, not fitted with fittings and not made up into articles). The HTS subheadings being considered for removal are: 7113.19.14 (gold mixed link necklaces and neck chains) from India, and 7113.19.21 (gold rope necklaces and neck chains) also from India.

The USITC delivered its confidential report to the USTR on January 21, 2010.

Advice Concerning Possible Modifications to the U.S. Generalized System of Preferences, 2009 Review of Additions and Removals (Investigation No. 332-507, USITC publication 4126, February 2010) is available on the ITC Internet site at https://www.usitc.gov/publications/332/pub4126.pdf. A copy of the report may be requested by sending an email to pubrequest@usitc.gov, calling 202-205-2000, or writing 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.

USITC general factfinding investigations, such as this one, cover matters related to tariffs or trade and are generally conducted at the request of the U.S. Trade Representative, the House Committee on Ways and Means, or the Senate Committee on Finance. The resulting reports convey the Commission's objective findings and independent analyses on the subject investigated. The Commission makes no recommendations on policy or other matters in its general factfinding reports. Upon completion of each investigation, the USITC submits its finding and analyses to the requester. General factfinding investigation reports are subsequently released to the public, unless they are classified by the requester for national security reasons.

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The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) is seeking input for an investigation concerning a possible modification to the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP).

The investigation, Advice Concerning Possible Modifications to the U.S. Generalized System of Preferences, 2010 Special Review, Certain Sleeping Bags (Investigation No. 332-513), was requested by the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) in a letter received on January 19, 2010.

As requested, the USITC, an independent, nonpartisan, factfinding federal agency, will provide advice on the likely impact on the competing U.S. industry, U.S. imports, and U.S. consumers of the removal of HTS subheading 9404.30.80 (sleeping bags, not containing 20% or more by weight of feathers and/or down) from duty-free status with respect to all beneficiary countries.

The USITC will submit its confidential report to USTR by April 12, 2010. As soon as possible thereafter, the USITC will, as requested by USTR, issue a public version of the report.

The USITC is seeking input for its new investigation from all interested parties and requests that the information focus on the article for which the USITC is requested to provide information and advice. The USITC will not hold a hearing in this investigation, but it welcomes written submissions for the record. Written submissions should be addressed to the Secretary, U.S. International Trade Commission, 500 E Street SW, Washington, DC 20436. Documents should be submitted at the earliest practical date but no later than 5:15 p.m. on March 1, 2010.

USITC general factfinding investigations, such as this one, cover matters related to tariffs or trade and are generally conducted at the request of the U.S. Trade Representative, the House Committee on Ways and Means, and the Senate Committee on Finance. The resulting reports convey the Commission's objective findings and independent analyses on the subjects investigated. The Commission makes no recommendations on policy or other matters in its general factfinding reports. Upon completion of each investigation, the USITC submits its findings and analyses to the requester. General factfinding investigation reports are subsequently released to the public, unless they are classified by the requester for national security reasons.

 

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The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) is seeking input for a newly initiated investigation concerning possible modifications to the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP).

The investigation, Advice Concerning Possible Modifications to the U.S. Generalized System of Preferences, 2009 Review of a Competitive Need Limit Waiver (Investigation No. 332-512), was requested by the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR).

As requested, the USITC, an independent, nonpartisan, factfinding federal agency, will provide advice as to the impact of granting a waiver of the competitive need limits for Thailand for new pneumatic radial tires, of rubber, of a kind used on motor cars (including station wagons and racing cars) (HTS subheading 4011.10.10).

"Competitive need limits" represent the maximum import level of a product that is eligible for duty-free treatment under the GSP. Once the limit is reached, trade is considered "competitive," benefits are no longer needed, and imports of the article become ineligible for GSP treatment, unless a waiver is granted. With respect to the competitive need limit in section 503(c)(2)(A)(i)(I) of the 1974 Act, the Commission, as requested, will use the dollar value limit of $140 million.

The USITC is expected to submit its confidential report to USTR by March 30, 2010. As soon as possible thereafter, the USITC will, as requested by USTR, issue a public version of the report containing only the unclassified sections, with any business confidential information and classified information deleted.

The USITC is seeking input for its new investigation from all interested parties and requests that the information focus on the articles for which the USITC is requested to provide information and advice. The USITC will hold a public hearing in connection with the investigation at 9:30 a.m. on February 16, 2010. Requests to appear at the public hearing should be filed no later than 5:15 p.m. on February 2, 2010, with the Secretary, U.S. International Trade Commission, 500 E Street SW, Washington, DC 20436.

The USITC also welcomes written submissions for the record. Written submissions should be addressed to the Secretary to the Commission at the above address and should be submitted at the earliest practical date but no later than 5:15 p.m. on February 26, 2010.

USITC general factfinding investigations, such as this one, cover matters related to tariffs or trade and are generally conducted at the request of the U.S. Trade Representative, the House Committee on Ways and Means, or the Senate Committee on Finance. The resulting reports convey the Commission's objective findings and independent analyses on the subjects investigated. The Commission makes no recommendations on policy or other matters in its general factfinding reports. Upon completion of each investigation, the USITC submits its findings and analyses to the requester. General factfinding investigation reports are subsequently released to the public, unless they are classified by the requester for national security reasons.

 

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The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) today released a public version of its confidential report on possible modifications to the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP).

The investigation, Generalized System of Preferences: Possible Modifications, 2018 Review (Investigation No. 332-572), was requested by the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR).

The USITC, an independent, nonpartisan, factfinding federal agency, submitted a confidential version of the report to the USTR on September 9, 2019. The public version released today contains only the unclassified sections, with any business confidential information deleted.

As requested, the USITC provided advice as to the probable economic effect on total U.S. imports, on U.S. industries producing like or directly competitive articles, and on U.S. consumers of the removal from eligibility of two HTS subheadings for certain GSP countries.

The removals in consideration are:

• 3907.61.00 (Polyethylene terephthalate, having a viscosity number of 78 ml/g or higher) from Pakistan,
• 3907.69.00 (Polyethylene terephthalate, having a viscosity number less than 78 ml/g) from Pakistan.

In addition, the USITC provided advice on whether any industry in the United States is likely to be adversely affected by competitive need limitation waivers for two HTS subheadings for certain GSP countries and advice as to the probable economic effect on total U.S. imports, as well as on consumers, of the requested waivers. The USITC also provided advice as to whether a like or directly competitive article was produced in the United States in any of the preceding three calendar years for these articles. "Competitive need limitations" represent the maximum import level of a product that is eligible for duty-free treatment under the GSP.  Once the limit is reached, trade is considered "competitive," benefits are no longer needed, and imports of the article become ineligible for GSP treatment, unless a waiver is granted.  With respect to the competitive need limit in section 503(c)(2)(A)(i)(I) of the 1974 Act, the USITC, as requested, will use the dollar value limit of $185 million. The HTS subheadings in consideration are:

• 3823.11.00 (Stearic acid) from Indonesia,
• 9001.50.00 (Spectacle lenses of materials other than glass, unmounted) from Thailand.

Finally, the USITC provided advice as to the probable economic effect on U.S. imports, on U.S. industries producing like or directly competitive articles, and on U.S. consumers of the redesignation of three HTS subheadings for certain GSP countries. The USITC also provided advice as to whether a like or directly competitive article was produced in the United States in any of the preceding three calendar years for these articles. The HTS subheadings in consideration are:

• 0603.13.00 (Orchids, fresh cut) from Thailand,
• 4412.10.05 (Plywood, veneered panels and similar laminated wood, of bamboo) from Indonesia,
• 4412.31.4155 (Plywood sheets n/o 6mm thick, with specified tropical wood outer ply, with face ply nesoi, not surface covered beyond clear/transparent) from Indonesia.

Generalized System of Preferences: Possible Modifications, 2018 Review (Investigation No. 332-572, USITC publication 4972, September 2019) is available on the USITC's Internet site at https://www.usitc.gov/sites/default/files/publications/332/pub4972.pdf. 

USITC general factfinding investigations, such as this one, cover matters related to tariffs or trade and are generally conducted at the request of the U.S. Trade Representative, the House Committee on Ways and Means, or the Senate Committee on Finance. The resulting reports convey the Commission's objective findings and independent analyses on the subjects investigated. The Commission makes no recommendations on policy or other matters in its general factfinding reports. Upon completion of each investigation, the USITC submits its findings and analyses to the requester. General factfinding investigation reports are subsequently released to the public, unless they are classified by the requester for national security reasons.

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) today released a public version of its confidential report on possible modifications to the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP).

The investigation, Generalized System of Preferences: Possible Modifications, 2017 Review (Investigation No. 332-567), was requested by the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR).

The USITC, an independent, nonpartisan, factfinding federal agency, submitted a confidential version of the report to the USTR on September 7, 2018. The public version released today contains only the unclassified sections, with any business confidential information deleted.

As requested, the USITC provided advice regarding the probable economic effect on U.S. imports, U.S. industries producing like or directly competitive articles, and U.S. consumers of the addition of the following Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) subheadings to the list of GSP-eligible products for all GSP beneficiary developing countries:

• 0808.30.40 (Pears, fresh, if entered during the period from July 1 through the following March 31, inclusive),


• 0814.00.80 (Peel of citrus fruit, excl. orange or citron and peel, nesi, of melon, fresh, frozen, dried or provisionally preserved),


• 1207.29.00 (Cotton seeds, whether or not broken, other than seed for sowing),


• 1512.11.00 (Sunflower-seed or safflower oil, crude, and their fractions, whether or not refined, not chemically modified),


• 2008.99.05 (Apples, otherwise prepared or preserved, nesi),


• 2918.99.05 (p-Anisic acid; clofibrate and 3-phenoxybenzoic acid),


• 2918.99.43 (Aromatic carboxylic acids with additional oxygen function and their anhydrides, halide, etc deriv described in add US note 3 to sect VI, nesoi),


• 2918.99.47 (Other aromatic carboxylic acids with additional oxygen function and their anhydrides, halide, etc deriv (excluding goods in add US note 3 to sec VI)),


• 4010.33.30 (Transmission V-belts of vulcanized rubber, V-ribbed, circumference exceeding 180 cm but not exceeding 240 cm, combined with textile materials).

The USITC also provided advice regarding the probable economic effect on total U.S. imports, U.S. industries producing like or directly competitive articles, and U.S. consumers of the removal from eligibility of two HTS subheadings for certain GSP countries: 

• 2009.89.6011 and 2009.89.6019 (Cherry juice - Part of 2009.89.60 "Juice of any other single fruit, nesoi") from Turkey,


• 3920.51.50 (Nonadhesive plates, sheets, film, foil and strip, noncellular, not combined with other materials, of polymethyl methacrylate, not flexible) from Indonesia and Thailand.

The USITC also provided advice as to whether any industry in the United States is likely to be adversely affected by competitive need limitation waivers for certain countries and the probable economic effect on total U.S. imports, as well as on consumers, of the requested waivers. The USITC also provided advice as to whether a like or directly competitive article was produced in the United States in any of the preceding three calendar years for these articles. "Competitive need limitations" represent the maximum import level of a product that is eligible for duty-free treatment under the GSP.  Once the limit is reached, trade is considered "competitive," benefits are no longer needed, and imports of the article become ineligible for GSP treatment, unless a waiver is granted.  With respect to the competitive need limit in section 503(c)(2)(A)(i)(I) of the 1974 Act, the USITC, as requested, used the dollar value limit of $180 million. The HTS subheadings considered are:

• 0410.00.00 (Edible products of animal origin, nesi) from Indonesia,


• 2836.91.00 (Lithium carbonates) from Argentina,


• 3301.13.00 (Essential oils of lemon) from Argentina,


• 6802.99.00 (Monumental or building stone & arts. thereof, nesoi, further worked than simply cut/sawn, nesoi) from Brazil),


• 7202.50.00 (Ferrosilicon chromium) from Kazakhstan.

The USITC also provided advice regarding the probable economic effect on U.S. imports, U.S. industries producing like or directly competitive articles, and U.S. consumers of the redesignation for certain countries of the following HTS subheadings:

• 2007.99.48 (Apple, quince and pear pastes and purees, being cooked preparations) from Argentina,


• 2306.30.00 (Oilcake and other solid residues, resulting from the extraction of vegetable fats or oils, of sunflower seeds) from Argentina,


• 2841.90.20 (Ammonium perrhenate) from Kazakhstan,


• 2909.50.40 (Odoriferous or flavoring compounds of ether-phenols, ether-alcohol-phenols & their halogenated, sulfonated, nitrated, nitrosated derivatives) from Indonesia,


• 4107.11.80 (Full grain unsplit whole bovine (not buffalo) nesoi and equine leather nesoi, w/o hair, prepared after tanning or crusting, fancy, not 4114) from Argentina,


• 6802.93.00 (Monumental or building stone & arts. thereof, of granite, further worked than simply cut/sawn, nesoi) from India.

In addition, the USITC provided advice regarding the probable economic effect on U.S. imports, U.S. industries producing like or directly competitive articles, and U.S. consumers of the redesignation of articles for two countries. The USITC also provided advice as to whether a like or directly competitive article was produced in the United States in any of the preceding three calendar years for these articles. The HTS subheadings considered are:

• 7202.93.80 (Ferroniobium, nesoi) from Brazil,


• 4412.31.41 including 4412.31.4150 and 4412.31.4160 (Plywood sheets n/o 6mm thick, with specified tropical wood outer ply, with face ply nesoi, not surface covered beyond clear/transparent) from Indonesia.

Finally, the USITC provided advice regarding the probable economic effect on total U.S. imports, U.S. industries producing like or directly competitive articles, and U.S. consumers of the denial of a de minimis competitive need limitation waiver for one article from a GSP beneficiary country. The USITC also provided advice as to whether a like or directly competitive article was produced in the United States in any of the preceding three calendar years for this article. The HTS subheading considered is:

• 3802.90.10 (Bone black) from Brazil.

Generalized System of Preferences: Possible Modifications, 2017 Review (Investigation No. 332-567, USITC publication 4827, September 2018) is available on the USITC's Internet site at https://www.usitc.gov/publications/332/pub4827.pdf.

USITC general factfinding investigations, such as this one, cover matters related to tariffs or trade and are generally conducted at the request of the U.S. Trade Representative, the House Committee on Ways and Means, or the Senate Committee on Finance.  The resulting reports convey the Commission's objective findings and independent analyses on the subjects investigated.  The Commission makes no recommendations on policy or other matters in its general factfinding reports.  Upon completion of each investigation, the USITC submits its findings and analyses to the requester.  General factfinding investigation reports are subsequently released to the public, unless they are classified by the requester for national security reasons.

The removals in consideration are:

• 2009.89.6011 and 2009.89.6019 (Cherry juice – Part of 2009.89.60 “Juice of any other single fruit, nesoi”) from Turkey,
• 3920.51.50 (Nonadhesive plates, sheets, film, foil and strip, noncellular, not combined with other materials, of polymethyl methacrylate, not flexible) from Indonesia and Thailand.

The USTR also requested that the USITC provide advice on whether any industry in the United States is likely to be adversely affected by competitive need limitation waivers for certain countries and advice as to the probable economic effect on total U.S. imports, as well as on consumers, of the requested waivers. The USITC will also provide advice as to whether a like or directly competitive article was produced in the United States in any of the preceding three calendar years for these articles. "Competitive need limitations" represent the maximum import level of a product that is eligible for duty-free treatment under the GSP.  Once the limit is reached, trade is considered "competitive," benefits are no longer needed, and imports of the article become ineligible for GSP treatment, unless a waiver is granted.  With respect to the competitive need limit in section 503(c)(2)(A)(i)(I) of the 1974 Act, the USITC, as requested, will use the dollar value limit of $180 million. The HTS subheadings in consideration are:

• 0410.00.00 (Edible products of animal origin, nesi) from Indonesia,
• 2836.91.00 (Lithium carbonates) from Argentina,
• 3301.13.00 (Essential oils of lemon) from Argentina,
• 6802.99.00 (Monumental or building stone & arts. thereof, nesoi, further worked than simply cut/sawn, nesoi) from Brazil),
• 7202.50.00 (Ferrosilicon chromium) from Kazakhstan.

The USTR also requested that the USITC provide advice as to the probable economic effect  on U.S. imports, on U.S. industries producing like or directly competitive articles, and on U.S. consumers of the redesignation for certain countries of the following HTS subheadings:

• 2007.99.48 (Apple, quince and pear pastes and purees, being cooked preparations) from Argentina,
• 2306.30.00 (Oilcake and other solid residues, resulting from the extraction of vegetable fats or oils, of sunflower seeds) from Argentina,
• 2841.90.20 (Ammonium perrhenate) from Kazakhstan,
• 2909.50.40 (Odoriferous or flavoring compounds of ether-phenols, ether-alcohol-phenols & their halogenated, sulfonated, nitrated, nitrosated derivatives) from Indonesia,
• 4107.11.80 (Full grain unsplit whole bovine (not buffalo) nesoi and equine leather nesoi, w/o hair, prepared after tanning or crusting, fancy, not 4114) from Argentina,
• 6802.93.00 (Monumental or building stone & arts. thereof, of granite, further worked than simply cut/sawn, nesoi) from India,
• 7202.93.80 (Ferroniobium, nesoi) from Brazil.

In addition, the USTR requested that USITC provide advice as to the probable economic effect on U.S. imports, on U.S. industries producing like or directly competitive articles, and on U.S. consumers of the redesignation of an article for one country. The USITC will also provide advice as to whether a like or directly competitive article was produced in the United States in any of the preceding three calendar years for this article. The HTS subheading in consideration is:

• 4412.31.41 including 4412.31.4150 and 4412.31.4160 (Plywood sheets n/o 6mm thick, with specified tropical wood outer ply, with face ply nesoi, not surface covered beyond clear/transparent) from Indonesia.

Finally, the USTR requested that the USITC provide advice as to the probable economic effect on total U.S. imports, on U.S. industries producing like or directly competitive articles, and on U.S. consumers, of the denial of a de minimis competitive need limitation waiver for one article from a GSP beneficiary country. The USITC will also provide advice as to whether a like or directly competitive article was produced in the United States in any of the preceding three calendar years for this article. The HTS subheading in consideration is:

• 3802.90.10 (Bone black) from Brazil.

The USITC will submit its confidential report to USTR by September 7, 2018. As soon as possible thereafter, the USITC will, as requested by USTR, issue a public version of the report containing only the unclassified sections, with any business confidential information and classified information deleted.

The USITC is seeking input for this investigation from all interested parties and requests that the information focus on the articles for which the USITC is requested to provide information and advice. The USITC will hold a public hearing in connection with the investigation at 9:30 a.m. on June 14, 2018. Requests to appear at the public hearing should be filed no later than 5:15 p.m. on June 4, 2018, with the Secretary, U.S. International Trade Commission, 500 E Street SW, Washington, DC 20436.

The USITC also welcomes written submissions for the record. Written submissions should be addressed to the Secretary to the Commission at the above address and should be submitted at the earliest practical date but no later than 5:15 p.m. on June 21, 2018.  All written submissions, except for confidential business information, will be available for public inspection.

Further information on the scope of this investigation and appropriate submissions appears in the USITC’s notice of investigation, dated on May 23, 2018. The notice can be obtained from the USITC Internet site (www.usitc.gov) or by contacting the Office of the Secretary at the above address or at 202-205-2000.

USITC general factfinding investigations, such as this one, cover matters related to tariffs or trade and are generally conducted at the request of the U.S. Trade Representative, the House Committee on Ways and Means, or the Senate Committee on Finance. The resulting reports convey the Commission's objective findings and independent analyses on the subjects investigated. The Commission makes no recommendations on policy or other matters in its general factfinding reports. Upon completion of each investigation, the USITC submits its findings and analyses to the requester. General factfinding investigation reports are subsequently released to the public, unless they are classified by the requester for national security reasons.

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) today released a public version of its confidential report on possible modifications to the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP).

The investigation, Generalized System of Preferences: Possible Modifications, 2016 Review, was requested by the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR).

The USITC, an independent, nonpartisan, factfinding federal agency, submitted a confidential version of the report to the USTR on May 5, 2016. The USTR requested that the USITC issue a public version of the report containing only the unclassified sections, with any business confidential information deleted.

As requested, the USITC provided advice on the likely impact on U.S. imports, competing U.S. industries, and U.S. consumers of the addition of the following Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) subheadings for all beneficiary developing countries under GSP:

• 1104.19.90 (Rolled or flaked grains of cereals, other than of barley or oats),
• 2008.20.00 (Pineapples, otherwise prepared or preserved, nesi),
• 2915.9018 (Saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids, nesoi),
• 3809.93.50 (Finishing agents, dye carriers and other preparations used in leather and like industries, <5% by weight aromatic (mod.) substance(s)),
• 3192.20.00 (Cellulose nitrates (including collodions, in primary forms)).

* nesoi and nesi – not elsewhere specified or indicated

The USITC also provided advice on the likely impact on U.S. imports, competing U.S. industries, and U.S. consumers of the removal from eligibility of one HTS statistical reporting number for all countries:

• 2922.49.40.20 (Glycine – part of 2922.49.40, “Amino acids”)

The USITC also provided advice on the likely impact on U.S. imports, U.S. consumers, and competing U.S. industries of competitive need limitation waivers specified in section 503(c)(2)(A) of the Trade Act of 1974 for 4 Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) subheadings. "Competitive need limits" represent the maximum import level of a product that is eligible for duty-free treatment under the GSP. The USITC was requested to use the dollar figure of $175 million for the competitive need limitation. Once the limit is reached, trade is considered "competitive," benefits are no longer needed, and imports of the article become ineligible for GSP treatment, unless a waiver is granted. The HTS subheading and specified country for which the USITC provided advice is:

• 4409.10.05 (Coniferous wood continuously shaped along any of its ends, whether or not also continuously shaped along any {of} its edges or faces) from Brazil.

Generalized System of Preferences: Possible Modifications, 2016 Review (Investigation No. 332-560, USITC publication 4692, May 2017) is available on the USITC's Internet site at https://www.usitc.gov/publications/332/pub4692.pdf. 

USITC general factfinding investigations cover matters related to tariffs or trade and are generally conducted at the request of the U.S. Trade Representative, the House Committee on Ways and Means, or the Senate Committee on Finance.  The resulting reports convey the Commission's objective findings and independent analyses on the subjects investigated.  The Commission makes no recommendations on policy or other matters in its general factfinding reports.  Upon completion of each investigation, the USITC submits its findings and analyses to the requester.  General factfinding investigation reports are subsequently released to the public, unless they are classified by the requester for national security reasons.

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) is seeking input for a newly initiated investigation concerning possible modifications to the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP).

The investigation, Generalized System of Preferences: Possible Modifications, 2016 Review (Investigation No. 332-560), was requested by the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) in a letter  received on January 4, 2017.

As requested, the USITC, an independent, nonpartisan, fact finding federal agency, will provide advice on the likely impact on U.S. imports, competing U.S. industries, and U.S. consumers of the addition of the following Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) subheadings and statistical reporting numbers:

For all GSP beneficiary developing countries: 

• 1104.19.90 (Rolled or flaked grains of cereals, other than of barley or oats),
• 2008.20.00 (Pineapples, otherwise prepared or preserved, nesi),
• 2915.90.18 (Saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids, nesoi),
• 3809.93.50 (Finishing agents, dye carriers and other preparations used in leather and like industries, < 5% by weight aromatic (mod.) substance(s)),
• 3912.20.00 (Cellulose nitrates (including collodions), in primary forms).

The USTR also requested that the USITC provide advice on the likely impact on U.S. imports, competing U.S. industries, and U.S. consumers of the removal from eligibility of one HTS subheading for all GSP countries. The removal in consideration is:

• 2922.49.40.20 (Glycine--part of 2922.49.40, "Amino acids")

In addition, the USITC will provide advice on the likely impact on U.S. imports, competing U.S. industries, and U.S. consumers of competitive need limitation waivers for specified countries. "Competitive need limitations" represent the maximum import level of a product that is eligible for duty-free treatment under the GSP.  Once the limit is reached, trade is considered "competitive," benefits are no longer needed, and imports of the article become ineligible for GSP treatment, unless a waiver is granted.  With respect to the competitive need limit in section 503(c)(2)(A)(i)(I) of the 1974 Act, the USITC, as requested, will use the dollar value limit of $175 million. The HTS subheadings in consideration are:

• 0410.00.00 (Edible products of animal origin, nesi) from Indonesia,
• 0714.90.10 (Fresh or chilled dasheens, whether or not sliced or in the form of pellets) from Ecuador,
• 4011.20.10 (New pneumatic radial tires, of rubber, of a kind used on buses or trucks) from Indonesia,
• 4409.10.05 (Coniferous wood continuously shaped along any of its ends, whether or not also continuously shaped along any {of} its edges or faces) from Brazil,
• 6802.99.00 (Monumental or building stone & arts. thereof, nesoi, further worked than simply cut/sawn, nesoi) from Brazil,
• 8525.80.30 (Television cameras, nesi) from Thailand,
• 9001.50.00 (Spectacle lenses of materials other than glass, unmounted) from Thailand.

The USITC will submit its confidential report to USTR by May 4, 2017. As soon as possible thereafter, the USITC will, as requested by USTR, issue a public version of the report containing only the unclassified sections, with any business confidential information and classified information deleted.

The USITC is seeking input for this investigation from all interested parties and requests that the information focus on the articles for which the USITC is requested to provide information and advice. The USITC will hold a public hearing in connection with the investigation at 9:30 a.m. on February 21, 2017. Requests to appear at the public hearing should be filed no later than 5:15 p.m. on February 3, 2017, with the Secretary, U.S. International Trade Commission, 500 E Street SW, Washington, DC 20436.

The USITC also welcomes written submissions for the record. Written submissions should be addressed to the Secretary to the Commission at the above address and should be submitted at the earliest practical date but no later than 5:15 p.m. on March 3, 2017.  All written submissions, except for confidential business information, will be available for public inspection.

Further information on the scope of this investigation and appropriate submissions appears in the USITC’s notice of investigation, dated January 17, 2017. The notice can be obtained from the USITC Internet site (www.usitc.gov) or by contacting the Office of the Secretary at the above address or at 202-205-2000.

USITC general fact finding investigations, such as this one, cover matters related to tariffs or trade and are generally conducted at the request of the U.S. Trade Representative, the House Committee on Ways and Means, or the Senate Committee on Finance. The resulting reports convey the Commission's objective findings and independent analyses on the subjects investigated. The Commission makes no recommendations on policy or other matters in its general fact finding reports. Upon completion of each investigation, the USITC submits its findings and analyses to the requester. General fact finding investigation reports are subsequently released to the public, unless they are classified by the requester for national security reasons.

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