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News Release 12-029
Inv. No(s). Korea FTA-103-026
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) is seeking input for a newly initiated investigation on the effect of correcting the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement product-specific rules of origin.
The investigation, Effect of Adding References to HS 6104.32 to Correct the U.S.-Korea Product-Specific Rules of Origin, was requested by the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) in a letter received on March 22, 2012.
As requested, the USITC, an independent, nonpartisan, factfinding federal agency, will provide advice on the probable effect on U.S. trade under the FTA and total U.S. trade of correcting the U.S.-Korea product-specific rules of origin by adding references to HS 6104.32. HS 6104.32 covers women's or girls' knit cotton suit-type jackets and blazers. The USTR explained in his request letter that HS 6104.32 had been inadvertently omitted from both the English and Korean language versions of the FTA through a clerical error. The USTR's request letter can be viewed at: http://www.usitc.gov/research_and_analysis/ongoing/documents/Request_Letter_103-026_KORUS_HTS_Correction.pdf.
The USITC expects to submit its advice to the USTR by May 22, 2012.
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 not hold a public hearing in connection with the investigation; however, the USITC 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 and should be submitted at the earliest practical date but no later than 5:15 p.m. on April 18, 2012.
Further information on the scope of this investigation and the procedures for written submissions is available in the USITC's notice of investigation, dated March 26, 2012, which can be downloaded from the USITC Internet site (www.usitc.gov) or by contacting the Secretary at the above address.
News Release 13-044
Inv. No(s). TA-131-038 and TA-2104-030
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) is seeking input for investigations into the probable economic effect of a U.S. free trade agreement (FTA) with members of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), including Japan.
The investigations, U.S.-Trans-Pacific Partnership Free Trade Agreement Including Japan: Advice on the Probable Economic Effect of Providing Duty-Free Treatment for Imports, were requested by the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) in a letter received April 30, 2013.
In the request letter, the USTR stated that he has informed Congress of the President's intention to commence negotiations with Japan in the context of the TPP and asked the USITC to provide advice concerning the probable economic effect of a U.S. free trade agreement with Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, and Vietnam.
For the current report, the USTR asked that the USITC, among other things, identify any changes in its advice from the earlier advice that did not include Japan. The USITC has previously provided advice to the USTR concerning the probable economic effect of providing duty-free treatment for imports of products from Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Chile, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, and Vietnam, plus Malaysia, Canada, and Mexico, under a TPP FTA (those reports remain classified by the USTR).
As requested, the USITC will advise the President as to the probable economic effect of providing duty-free treatment for imports of products of the 11 countries participating in the TPP negotiations on industries in the United States producing like or directly competitive articles and on consumers. In preparing its advice, the USITC will consider each article in chapters 1 through 97 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States for which tariffs will remain, taking into account implementation of U.S. commitments in the World Trade Organization and under U.S. free trade agreements that the United States has with a TPP country. The advice will be based on the 2013 Harmonized Tariff Schedule nomenclature and trade data for the year 2012. The advice will assume that any known U.S. non-tariff barrier will not be applicable to such imports, and the USITC will note in its report any instance in which the continued application of a U.S. non-tariff barrier would result in different advice with respect to the effect of the removal of the duty.
In addition, as requested by the USTR, the USITC will prepare an assessment of the probable economic effect of eliminating tariffs on imports of certain agricultural products of the TPP participants on U.S. industries producing the product concerned and the economy as a whole. A list of the products is attached to the USTR's request letter, which can be obtained from the USITC's web site and its electronic document information system (EDIS).
The USITC expects to submit its report, which will be confidential, to the USTR by August 21, 2013.
The USITC is seeking input for the investigations from all interested parties and requests that the information focus on the issues for which the USITC is requested to provide information and advice.
The USITC will hold a public hearing in connection with the investigations on June 11, 2013. Requests to appear at the hearing should be filed no later than 5:15 p.m. on May 28, 2013, with the Secretary, U.S. International Trade Commission, 500 E Street SW, Washington, DC 20436. For further information, call 202-205-2000.
The USITC also welcomes written submissions for the record. Written submissions should be addressed to the Secretary of 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 17, 2013. All written submissions, except for confidential business information, will be available for public inspection.
Further information on the scope of the investigations and appropriate submissions is available in the USITC's notice of investigations, dated May 9, 2013, which can be downloaded from the USITC Internet site (www.usitc.gov) or may be obtained by contacting the Office of the Secretary at the above address or at 202-205-2000.
News Release 13-038
Inv. No(s). TA-131-037 and TA-2104-029
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) is seeking input for newly initiated investigations into the probable economic effect of duty-free imports under a U.S.-EU Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership Agreement.
The investigations, U.S.-EU Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership Agreement: Advice on the Probable Economic Effect of Providing Duty-Free Treatment for Imports, were requested by the Acting United States Trade Representative (USTR) in a letter received on March 26, 2013.
As requested, the USITC will advise the President as to the probable economic effect of providing duty-free treatment for imports of products from all of the European Union (EU) member states on industries in the United States producing like or directly competitive articles and on consumers. In preparing its advice, the USITC will consider each article in chapters 1 through 97 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States for which tariffs will remain, taking into account implementation of U.S. commitments in the World Trade Organization. The advice will be based on the 2013 Harmonized Tariff Schedule nomenclature and trade data for the year 2012. The advice will assume that any known U.S. non-tariff barrier will not be applicable to such imports, and the USITC will note in its report any instance in which the continued application of a U.S. non-tariff barrier would result in different advice with respect to the effect of the removal of the duty.
In addition, as requested, the USITC will prepare an assessment of the probable economic effect of eliminating tariffs on imports from all of the EU member states of certain agricultural products on U.S. industries producing the product concerned and the U.S. economy as a whole. A list of the products is attached to the USTR's request letter.
The USITC expects to submit its report, which will be confidential, to the USTR by September 26, 2013.
The USITC is seeking input for these investigations from all interested parties and requests that the information focus on the issues for which the USITC is requested to provide information and advice.
The USITC will hold a public hearing in connection with the investigations on June 5, 2013. Requests to appear at the hearing should be filed no later than 5:15 p.m. on May 16, 2013, with the Secretary, U.S. International Trade Commission, 500 E Street SW, Washington, DC 20436. For further information, call 202-205-2000.
The USITC also welcomes written submissions for the record. Written submissions should be addressed to the Secretary of 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 18, 2013. All written submissions, except for confidential business information, will be available for public inspection.
Further information on the scope of the investigations and appropriate submissions is available in the USITC's notice of investigation, dated April 18, 2013, which can be downloaded from the USITC Internet site (www.usitc.gov) or may be obtained by contacting the Office of the Secretary at the above address or at 202-205-2000.
News Release 13-033
Inv. No(s). TA-103-027
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) is seeking input on a newly initiated investigation concerning proposed modifications of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) rules of origin.
The investigation, Probable Economic Effect of Certain Modifications to the North American Free Trade Agreement Rules of Origin, was requested by the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) in a letter dated March 11, 2013.
As requested by the USTR, the USITC, an independent, nonpartisan, factfinding federal agency, will provide advice on the probable economic effect of the proposed NAFTA rules of origin modifications on U.S. trade and on domestic producers of the affected articles.
The investigation covers a wide variety of articles, including miscellaneous edible preparations; mineral fuels; products of the chemical or allied industries; plastics; rubber and related articles; cork; glass and glassware; copper, nickel, lead, tin, zinc, and other base metals; nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery, mechanical appliances, and related parts; electrical machinery and related parts; rail locomotives and parts; parts for trailers and semi-trailers; optical, medical, measuring, or checking instruments and apparatus; certain furniture; certain toys and games; lighters; and smoking pipes. Details can be obtained from the attachment to the request letter, which can be found on the USITC Internet site at http://www.usitc.gov/research_and_analysis/What_We_Are_Working_On.htm.
The USITC expects to submit its advice to the USTR by November 12, 2013.
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 not hold a public hearing in connection with the investigation; however, the USITC 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 and should be submitted at the earliest practical date but no later than 5:15 p.m. on June 4, 2013.
Further information on the scope of this investigation, the proposed rules of origin modifications, and the procedures for written submissions is available in the USITC's notice of investigation, dated April 28, 2013, which can be downloaded from the USITC Internet site (www.usitc.gov) or by contacting the Secretary at the above address.
USITC general factfinding investigations, such as these, 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 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 findings and analyses to the requester. General factfinding investigations reports are subsequently released to the public, unless they are classified by the requester for national security reasons.
News Release 13-019
Inv. No(s). 332-539
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has launched an investigation to learn from U.S. small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) about the effects of the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS) on U.S. SME exports to Korea.
The investigation, U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement: Effects on U.S. Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises, was requested by the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) in a letter received on January 30, 2013.
In his letter, the USTR stated that one of the primary goals of the President's National Export Initiative is to increase export opportunities for America's SMEs and expand SME exports. He explained that a working group on SMEs established under the KORUS is exploring and developing ways for SMEs to take greater advantage of the economic opportunities created by the KORUS and said that the USITC investigation is intended to assist the USTR in better understanding the impact of the KORUS on U.S. SMEs since the agreement took effect in March 2012.
As requested, the USITC, an independent, nonpartisan, factfinding federal agency, will provide, to the extent practicable, a report discussing the effects of the KORUS on the production, distribution, and export strategy of U.S. SMEs, as identified by those SMEs, and describing how U.S. SMEs have benefited from specific provisions of the KORUS. The report will also explore challenges that U.S. SMEs may have faced in exporting to Korea. The investigation will cover trade in goods and services and intellectual property, and it will examine U.S. SME sectors listed in the three prior USITC reports on SMEs released in 2010.
The USITC will submit its report to the USTR by May 1, 2013.
The USITC will hold a public hearing in connection with the investigation at 9:30 a.m. on March 14, 2013. Requests to appear at the hearing should be filed no later than 5:15 p.m. on February 27, 2013, with the Secretary, U.S. International Trade Commission, 500 E Street SW, Washington, DC 20436. For further information, call 202-205-2000.
The USITC also welcomes written submissions for the record. Written submissions should be addressed to the Secretary of 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 25, 2013. All written submissions, except for confidential business information, will be available for public inspection.
Further information on the scope of the investigation and appropriate submissions is available in the USITC's notice of investigation, dated February 7, 2013, which can be obtained from the USITC Internet site (www.usitc.gov) or by contacting the Office of the Secretary 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 Representatives, the House Committee on Ways and Means, or the Senate Committee on Finance. The resulting reports convey the Commissions' 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 findings and analyses to the requester. General factfinding investigations reports are subsequently released to the public, unless they are classified by the requester for national security reasons.
News Release 13-022
Inv. No(s). 332-540
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has launched the second of two investigations into the role of digital trade in the U.S. and global economies.
The investigation, Digital Trade in the U.S. and Global Economies, Part 2, is the second report of two requested by the Committee on Finance, U.S. Senate, in a letter received on December 14, 2012.
In its letter requesting the investigations, the Committee stated: "Digital trade has increased rapidly in recent years and is an increasingly important activity within the global economy. ...[P]olicymakers are facing unprecedented challenges as they seek to ensure that digital trade remains open while producers' and consumers' data remain secure."
As requested, the USITC will deliver two reports to the Committee. The first investigation, Digital Trade in the U.S. and Global Economies, Part I, was instituted on January 7, 2013.
In the second investigation, the USITC, an independent, nonpartisan, factfinding federal agency, will conduct a survey of U.S. firms in selected industries particularly involved in digital trade. The second report will build on the first report to:
- estimate the value of U.S. digital trade and the potential growth of this trade;
- examine the broader linkages and contributions of digital trade to the U.S. economy;
- present case studies that examine the importance of digital trade to selected U.S. industries that use or produce such goods and services; and
- examine the effect of notable barriers to digital trade on selected industries and the broader U.S. economy.
The USITC expects to deliver the second report to the Committee by July 14, 2014.
For the purposes of these reports, "digital trade" encompasses commerce in products and services delivered over digital networks. Examples include software, digital media files (e.g., e-books and digital audio files), and services such as data processing and hosting. The report will also examine how other industries, such as financial services and retailing, make use of digital products and services for production and trade.
The USITC will hold a public hearing in connection with this at 9:30 a.m. on March 7, 2013. Requests to appear at the hearing should be filed no later than 5:15 p.m. on February 28, 2013, with the Secretary, U.S. International Trade Commission, 500 E Street SW, Washington, DC 20436. For further information, call 202-205-2000.
The USITC also welcomes written submissions for the record. Written submissions for these investigations should be addressed to the Secretary at the above address and should be submitted at the earliest practical date, but no later than 5:15 p.m. on March 21, 2014. All written submissions, except for confidential business information, will be available for public inspection.
Further information on the scope of the investigations and appropriate submissions is available in the USITC's notice of investigation, dated January 8, 2013, and February 19, 2013, which can be obtained from the USITC Internet site (www.usitc.gov) or by contacting the Office of the Secretary at 202-205-2000.
USITC general factfinding investigations, such as these, 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 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 findings and analyses to the requester. General factfinding investigations reports are subsequently released to the public, unless they are classified by the requester for national security reasons.
News Release 13-004
Inv. No(s). 332-531
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has launched the first of two investigations into the role of digital trade in the U.S. and global economies.
The investigations were requested by the Committee on Finance, U.S. Senate, in a letter received on December 14, 2012.
In its letter requesting the investigations, the Committee stated: "Digital trade has increased rapidly in recent years and is an increasingly important activity within the global economy. ....[P]olicymakers are facing unprecedented challenges as they seek to ensure that digital trade remains open while producers' and consumers' data remain secure."
As requested, the USITC will deliver two reports to the Committee.
The first report, Digital Trade in the U.S. and Global Economies, Part I, will:
- describe U.S. digital trade in the context of the broader economy;
- examine cross-border digital trade and its relationship to other cross-border transactions
(e.g., foreign direct investment); - describe notable barriers and impediments to digital trade; and
- outline potential approaches for assessing the linkages and contributions of digital trade to the U.S. economy, noting any challenges associated with data gaps and limitations.
The USITC expects to deliver the first report to the Committee by July 14, 2013.
The second report will build on the first report to:
- estimate the value of U.S. digital trade and the potential growth of this trade;
- examine the broader linkages and contributions of digital trade to the U.S. economy;
- present case studies that examine the importance of digital trade to selected U.S. industries that use or produce such goods and services; and
- examine the effect of notable barriers to digital trade on selected industries and the broader U.S. economy.
The second report will be delivered to the Committee by July 2014. More details on the second study will be available when it is instituted.
For the purposes of the report, "digital trade" encompasses commerce in products and services delivered over digital networks. Examples include software, digital media files (e.g., e-books and digital audio files), and services such as data processing and hosting. The report will also examine how other industries, such as financial services and retailing, make use of digital products and services for production and trade.
The USITC will hold a public hearing in connection with these investigations at 9:30 a.m. on March 7, 2013. Requests to appear at the hearing should be filed no later than 5:15 p.m. on February 21, 2013, with the Secretary, U.S. International Trade Commission, 500 E Street SW, Washington, DC 20436. For further information, call 202-205-2000.
The USITC also welcomes written submissions for the record. Written submissions for the first investigation should be addressed to the Secretary at the above address and should be submitted at the earliest practical date, but no later than 5:15 p.m. on March 14, 2013. All written submissions, except for confidential business information, will be available for public inspection.
Further information on the scope of the investigations and appropriate submissions is available in the USITC's notice of investigation, dated January 8, 2013, which can be obtained from the USITC Internet site (www.usitc.gov) or by contacting the Office of the Secretary at 202-205-2000.
USITC general factfinding investigations, such as these, 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 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 findings and analyses to the requester. General factfinding investigations reports are subsequently released to the public, unless they are classified by the requester for national security reasons.