The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) is seeking input for a newly initiated investigation into the probable economic effect of providing duty-free treatment for currently dutiable imports from Japan.

The investigation, U.S.-Japan Trade Agreement: Advice on the Probable Economic Effect of Providing Duty-free Treatment for Currently Dutiable Imports, was requested by the USTR in a letter received on October 26, 2018.

As requested, the USITC will advise the President as to the probable economic effect of providing duty-free treatment for imports of currently dutiable  products from Japan on industries in the United States producing like or directly competitive products 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 (HTSUS) for which U.S. tariffs will remain, taking into account implementation of U.S. commitments in the World Trade Organization. The advice will be based on the HTSUS in effect during 2018 and trade data for the year 2017.

In addition, as requested, the USITC will prepare an assessment of the probable economic effects of eliminating tariffs on imports from Japan of certain agricultural products on U.S. industries producing the products concerned and on the U.S. economy as a whole.  A list of the agriculture products is attached to the USTR’s request letter.

The USITC expects to submit its report, which will be confidential, to the USTR by January 24, 2019.

The USITC is seeking input for the investigation 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 investigation on December 6, 2018.  Requests to appear at the hearing should be filed no later than 5:15 p.m. on November 26, 2018, 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 December 13, 2018. 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 November 7, 2018, 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.

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has instituted an investigation to assess the likely impact of a trade agreement that the President has announced he intends to enter into with Mexico and Canada.

The investigation, United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement: Likely Impact on the U.S. Economy and on Specific Industry Sectors, was requested by the U.S. Trade Representative in a letter received on August 31, 2018.

The Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities and Accountability Act of 2015 requires the USITC to prepare a report that assesses the likely impact of the Agreement on the U.S. economy as a whole and on specific industry sectors and the interests of U.S. consumers.  The USITC’s report, which will be public, is due to the President and the Congress no more than 105 days after the President signs the Agreement, which he can do 90 days after he notifies Congress of his intent to do so.  The President notified Congress on August 31, 2018, of his intent to enter into the Agreement.

The USITC will hold a public hearing in connection with the investigation beginning at 9:30 a.m. on November 15, 2018.  Requests to appear at the hearing should be filed no later than 5:15 p.m. on October 29, 2018, 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 December 20, 2018.  All written submissions, except for confidential business information, will be available for public inspection.

Further information on the scope of the investigation and the procedures for written submissions is available in the USITC’s notice of investigation, dated October 12, 2018, which can be obtained from the USITC web site (www.usitc.gov) or by contacting the Office of the Secretary at the above address or 202-205-2000.