Certain Balanced Armature Devices, Products Containing Same, and Components Thereof; Notice of a Commission Determination Finding a Violation of Section 337;...

Issuance of a General Exclusion Order and Cease and Desist Orders, Termination of the Investigation

AGENCY:

U.S. International Trade Commission.

ACTION:

Notice.

SUMMARY:

Notice is hereby given that the U.S. International Trade Commission has determined to affirm, on modified grounds, a summary determination (“ID”) (Order No. 50) of the presiding administrative law judge (“ALJ”) finding a violation of section 337. The Commission has determined that the appropriate remedy is a general exclusion order (“GEO”) and cease and desists orders (“CDO”) to certain respondents. The Commission terminates the investigation.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Amanda Pitcher Fisherow, Esq., Office of the General Counsel, U.S. International Trade Commission, 500 E Street SW, Washington, DC 20436, telephone (202) 205-2737. Copies of non-confidential documents filed in connection with this investigation may be viewed on the Commission's electronic docket (EDIS) at https://edis.usitc.gov. For help accessing EDIS, please emailEDIS3Help@usitc.gov. General information concerning the Commission may also be obtained by accessing its internet server at https://www.usitc.gov. Hearing-impaired persons are advised that information on this matter can be obtained by contacting the Commission's TDD terminal on (202) 205-1810. Read More→

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/10/08/2021-21998/certain-balanced-armature-devices-products-containing-same-and-components-thereof-notice-of-a

USITC MAKES DETERMINATIONS IN FIVE-YEAR (SUNSET) REVIEWS CONCERNING POLYETHYLENE RETAIL CARRIER BAGS FROM CHINA, INDONESIA, MALAYSIA, TAIWAN, THAILAND, AND VIETNAM

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that revoking the existing antidumping duty orders on imports of polyethylene retail carrier bags from China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam and the existing countervailing duty order on imports of this product from Vietnam would be likely to lead to continuation or recurrence of material injury within a reasonably foreseeable time. 

As a result of the Commission’s affirmative determinations, the existing orders on imports of this product from China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam will remain in place. 

Chair Jason E. Kearns, Vice Chair Randolph J. Stayin, and Commissioners David S. Johanson, Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, and Amy A. Karpel voted in the affirmative. 

Today’s action comes under the five-year (sunset) review process required by the Uruguay Round Agreements Act.  See the attached page for background on these five-year (sunset) reviews.

The Commission’s public report Polyethylene Retail Carrier Bags from China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-462 and 731-TA-1156-1158 (Second Review) and 731-TA-1043-1045 (Third Review), USITC Publication 5233, October 2021) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the reviews.

The report will be available by November 8, 2021; when available, it may be accessed on the USITC website at: https://www.usitc.gov/commission_publications_library.

BACKGROUND

The Uruguay Round Agreements Act requires the Department of Commerce to revoke an antidumping or countervailing duty order, or terminate a suspension agreement, after five years unless the Department of Commerce and the USITC determine that revoking the order or terminating the suspension agreement would be likely to lead to continuation or recurrence of dumping or subsidies (Commerce) and of material injury (USITC) within a reasonably foreseeable time.

The Commission’s institution notice in five-year reviews requests that interested parties file responses with the Commission concerning the likely effects of revoking the order under review as well as other information.  Generally within 95 days from institution, the Commission will determine whether the responses it has received reflect an adequate or inadequate level of interest in a full review.  If responses to the USITC’s notice of institution are adequate, or if other circumstances warrant a full review, the Commission conducts a full review, which includes a public hearing and issuance of questionnaires.

https://www.usitc.gov/press_room/news_release/2021/er1004ll1830.htm

CBERA CONTINUES TO HAVE A NEGLIGIBLE EFFECT ON U.S. IMPORTS, PRODUCERS, AND CONSUMERS AND A SMALL BUT POSITIVE IMPACT ON BENEFICIARY COUNTRIES; IMPORTS DECREASED IN 2020, SAYS USITC

The overall effect of the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act (CBERA) on the U.S. economy generally, and U.S. imports, industries, and consumers continues to be negligible, while the effect on beneficiary countries is small but positive, reports the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) in its publication Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act: Impact on U.S. Industries and Consumers and on Beneficiary Countries, Twenty-fifth Report, 2019-20.

The USITC, an independent, nonpartisan, factfinding federal agency, recently issued its 25th biennial report monitoring U.S. imports under CBERA. The CBERA program, operative since January 1, 1984, affords preferential tariff treatment to most products of the 17 designated Caribbean countries that received CBERA benefits during the period covered in the report.

The latest USITC report covers the impact of CBERA, as modified by the Caribbean Basin Trade Partnership Act of 2000 (CBTPA), and the HOPE and HELP Acts, on the United States, with particular emphasis on calendar year 2020. CBERA requires the USITC to prepare a biennial report assessing both the actual and the probable future effect of CBERA on the U.S. economy generally, on U.S. imports, industries, and on U.S. consumers. The report also covers the impact of the preference program on the beneficiary countries. The following are highlights from the latest report.

• The overall effect of CBERA imports on the U.S. economy generally and on U.S. imports, industries, and consumers continued to be negligible in 2020. For U.S. industries in particular, the overall effect of the program on domestic production, employment, and operating profits was also negligible. The USITC identified two U.S. industries -- methanol and T-shirts -- that most likely have faced small negative effects due to competition from CBERA imports.

• U.S. imports receiving preferential treatment under CBERA totaled $1.7 billion in 2020, a decline of 4.8 percent from $1.8 billion in 2019.

  • The value of U.S. imports under CBERA increased between 2016 and 2018 but decreased in both 2019 and 2020.

  • The change in 2020 was driven primarily by decreasing imports of apparel, which accounted for 43.1 percent of total U.S. imports under CBERA. Apparel, supplied mainly by Haiti, decreased by 25.6 percent from $978 million in 2019 to $728 million in 2020, with cotton T-shirts comprising 41.7 percent of those imports. Read More→

https://www.usitc.gov/press_room/news_release/2021/er0930ll1829.htm

USTR Announces Agreement Between the United States and Vietnam to Resolve Timber Section 301 Investigation

October 01, 2021

WASHINGTON – United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai today announced an agreement with the Socialist Republic of Vietnam that addresses U.S. concerns in the Vietnam Timber Section 301 investigation.  This is the first 301 investigation to address environmental concerns.  The Agreement secures commitments that will help keep illegally harvested or traded timber out of the supply chain and protect the environment and natural resources.  Ambassador Tai determined that the Agreement provides a satisfactory resolution of the matter subject to investigation and that no trade action is warranted at this time.  Going forward, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) will monitor Vietnam’s implementation of the Agreement.    

“I commend Vietnam for its commitment to address our concerns regarding the importation and use of timber that is illegally harvested or traded,” said Ambassador Katherine Tai.  “With this Agreement, Vietnam will provide a model – both for the Indo-Pacific region and globally – for comprehensive enforcement against illegal timber.  USTR looks forward to working with Vietnam to deepen collaboration and information exchange, including through a newly created Timber Working Group.”    

The Agreement contains multiple commitments by Vietnam on issues related to illegal timber, including commitments to improve its Timber Legality Assurance System; keep confiscated timber (i.e., timber seized for violating domestic or international law) out of the commercial supply chain; verify the legality of domestically harvested timber regardless of export destination; and work with high-risk source countries to improve customs enforcement at the border and law enforcement collaboration.  

“Illegal timber in the supply chain damages the global environment and the natural resources on which we all depend, and is unfair to U.S. workers and businesses who avoid such timber,” added Ambassador Tai.  “USTR’s first use of Section 301 in this investigation shows the strength of using this tool to address concerns regarding environmental risks or the enforcement of environmental laws.” 

The USTR investigation was initiated in October 2020 under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974.  The full text of the Agreement is available here.  The Federal Register notice summarizing the Trade Representative’s determination provides additional background, and is available here.

https://ustr.gov/about-us/policy-offices/press-office/press-releases/2021/october/ustr-announces-agreement-between-united-states-and-vietnam-resolve-timber-section-301-investigation

Commerce Establishes Early Alert System to Improve Semiconductor Supply ChainsCommerce Establishes Early Alert System to Improve Semiconductor Supply Chains

This week, in response to concerns from U.S. manufacturers dependent on the semiconductor industry and in support of President Biden’s ongoing commitment to address semiconductor supply chain challenges, the Department of Commerce established the Microelectronics Early Alert System, which will be administered by the U.S. Department of Commerce's International Trade Administration.

The early alert system will help the interagency Supply Chain Disruption Task Force to coordinate U.S. government resources to help resolve supply chain bottlenecks occurring due to the global chip shortage. The early alert system will generate information the Task Force can consider in proactively minimizing real-time semiconductor supply chain disruptions linked to COVID-related public health developments in key trading partners, while ensuring the protection of business confidential information.  

“It is crucial to strengthen our supply chains, and to do so we need to hear directly from impacted businesses when they are experiencing a COVID-related semiconductor supply chain disruption,” said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo. “We encourage companies anywhere along the semiconductor supply chain to use this tool and request they provide as much detail as possible so we can help minimize disruptions.”

Commerce is calling on companies and manufacturers to voluntarily share information regarding any new or ongoing COVID-related shutdown or disruption to microelectronics and semiconductor manufacturing facilities and their related supply chains around the world. The information gathered will be used to assess potential disruptions, enhance engagement with foreign governments as appropriate, and work to safely reopen these critical microelectronics and semiconductor facilities.

Interested businesses are asked to submit information via email to covid_microelectronics_alert@trade.gov. The Department will review submissions on a rolling basis and will follow up with parties as needed. The Department is also committed to protecting confidential information provided by businesses and encourages submitters to mark any business confidential information as such. The Department will protect confidential information from disclosure to the full extent permitted by law.

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https://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2021/10/commerce-establishes-early-alert-system-improve-semiconductor-supply

USITC MAKES DETERMINATION IN FIVE-YEAR (SUNSET) REVIEW CONCERNING PETROLEUM WAX CANDLES FROM CHINA

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that revoking the existing antidumping duty order on imports of petroleum wax candles from China would be likely to lead to continuation or recurrence of material injury within a reasonably foreseeable time. 

As a result of the Commission’s affirmative determination, the existing order on imports of this product from China will remain in place. 

Chair Jason E. Kearns and Commissioners David S. Johanson, Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, and Amy A. Karpel voted in the affirmative.  Vice Chair Randolph J. Stayin did not participate in this review.

Today’s action comes under the five-year (sunset) review process required by the Uruguay Round Agreements Act.  See the attached page for background on this five-year (sunset) review.

The Commission’s public report Petroleum Wax Candles from China (Inv. No. 731-TA-282 (Fifth Review), USITC Publication 5232, October 2021) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the review.

The report will be available by November 2, 2021; when available, it may be accessed on the USITC website at: https://www.usitc.gov/commission_publications_library.

BACKGROUND

The Uruguay Round Agreements Act requires the Department of Commerce to revoke an antidumping or countervailing duty order, or terminate a suspension agreement, after five years unless the Department of Commerce and the USITC determine that revoking the order or terminating the suspension agreement would be likely to lead to continuation or recurrence of dumping or subsidies (Commerce) and of material injury (USITC) within a reasonably foreseeable time.

The Commission’s institution notice in five-year reviews requests that interested parties file responses with the Commission concerning the likely effects of revoking the order under review as well as other information.  Generally within 95 days from institution, the Commission will determine whether the responses it has received reflect an adequate or inadequate level of interest in a full review.  If responses to the USITC’s notice of institution are adequate, or if other circumstances warrant a full review, the Commission conducts a full review, which includes a public hearing and issuance of questionnaires.

The Commission generally does not hold a hearing or conduct further investigative activities in expedited reviews.  Commissioners base their injury determination in expedited reviews on the facts available, including the Commission’s prior injury and review determinations, responses received to its notice of institution, data collected by staff in connection with the review, and information provided by the Department of Commerce.

The five-year (sunset) review concerning Petroleum Wax Candles from China was instituted on April 1, 2021.

On July 7, 2021, the Commission voted to conduct an expedited review. Commissioners Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, Jason E. Kearns, and Amy A. Karpel concluded that the domestic group response was adequate and the respondent group response was inadequate and voted for an expedited review.  Commissioner David S. Johanson concluded that the domestic group response was adequate and the respondent group response was inadequate, but that circumstances warranted a full review.  Commissioner Randolph J. Stayin did not participate in this adequacy determination.

A record of the Commission’s vote to conduct an expedited review is available from the Office of the Secretary, U.S. International Trade Commission, 500 E Street SW, Washington, DC 20436.  Requests may be made by telephone by calling 202-205-1802.

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https://www.usitc.gov/press_room/news_release/2021/er0929ll1828.htm

U.S. Department of Commerce Announces Section 232 Investigation into the Effect of Imports of Neodymium Magnets on U.S. National Security

The Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) has initiated an investigation under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, as amended (19 U.S.C. § 1862), to determine the effects on U.S. national security from imports of Neodymium-iron-boron (NdFeB) permanent magnets. Interested parties are invited to submit written comments, data, analyses, or other information to BIS by November 12, 2021. This is the first Section 232 investigation initiated under Secretary Raimondo’s leadership, and is consistent with a recommendation by the White House in the Biden-Harris Administration’s 100-day supply chain reviews to evaluate whether to initiate this investigation.

Critical national security systems rely on NdFeB permanent magnets, including fighter aircraft and missile guidance systems. In addition, NdFeB permanent magnets are essential components of critical infrastructure, including electric vehicles and wind turbines. The magnets are also used in computer hard drives, audio equipment, and MRI devices.

If the Secretary finds that NdFeB permanent magnets are being imported into the United States in such quantities or under such circumstances as to threaten to impair the national security, the Secretary shall advise the President in her report on the findings of the investigation. By law, the Secretary of Commerce has 270 days from initiation, until June 18, 2022, to present the Department’s findings and recommendations to the President.

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo released the following statement: “The Department of Commerce is committed to securing our supply chains to protect our national security, economic security, and technological leadership. Consistent with President Biden’s directive to strengthen our supply chains and encourage investments to shore up our domestic production, the Department initiated a Section 232 investigation on imports of NdFeB permanent magnets to determine whether U.S. reliance on imports for this critical product is a threat to our national security.”

For more information, visit www.bis.doc.gov. Read More→

https://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2021/09/us-department-commerce-announces-section-232-investigation-effect

Preliminary Determination in the Antidumping Duty Investigation of Mobile Access Equipment and Parts Thereof from China

On September 27, 2021, the Department of Commerce (Commerce) announced its affirmative preliminary determination in the antidumping duty (AD) investigation of mobile access equipment and parts thereof (mobile access equipment) from China

Preliminary Dumping Rates

Case Calendar

Import Statistics

Read More→ https://www.trade.gov/faq/preliminary-determinations-antidumping-duty-investigations-mobile-access-equipment-and-parts

APHIS Adds New Harmonized Tariff Codes to Lacey Act Enforcement Schedule

Washington, D.C., September 23, 2021 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) published a notice in the Federal Register announcing the implementation of Phase VI of the Lacey Act enforcement schedule. Effective October 1, 2021, Phase VI will require a plant import declaration for additional products such as essential oils and wooden pallets that are imported into the United States.

To view the notice and the harmonized tariff codes that are included in Phase VI, go to http://www.regulations.gov, and enter APHIS-2008-0119-0329 in the search field. The new harmonized tariff codes will be available on the Lacey Act website on October 1, 2021, which also has information on how to file a Lacey Act declaration.

USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.

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https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/newsroom/stakeholder-info/stakeholder-messages/plant-health-news/lacey-act-harmonized-tariff-codes

Notification of Temporary Travel Restrictions Applicable to Land Ports of Entry and Ferries Service Between the United States and Canada

AGENCY:

Office of the Secretary, U.S. Department of Homeland Security; U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

ACTION:

Notification of continuation of temporary travel restrictions.

SUMMARY:

This document announces the decision of the Secretary of Homeland Security (Secretary) to continue to temporarily limit the travel of individuals from Canada into the United States at land ports of entry along the United States-Canada border. Such travel will be limited to “essential travel,” as further defined in this document.

DATES:

These restrictions go into effect at 12 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) on September 22, 2021 and will remain in effect until 11:59 p.m. EDT on October 21, 2021, unless amended or rescinded prior to that time.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Stephanie Watson, Office of Field Operations Coronavirus Coordination Cell, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at 202-325-0840. Read More→

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/09/22/2021-20343/notification-of-temporary-travel-restrictions-applicable-to-land-ports-of-entry-and-ferries-service

Department of Homeland Security Partners with Environmental Protection Agency to Enforce Phasedown of Climate-Damaging HFCs

WASHINGTON – Today, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a new interagency task force that will guard against the illegal importation of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs).  HFCs are potent greenhouse gases with global warming potential that can be thousands of times greater than carbon dioxide.  A global phasedown of HFCs could meaningfully prevent the development of adverse global warming effects over the next century.  

“Using an all-hands-on-deck approach, we must urgently address the climate crisis that is threatening both our national and economic security, and our way of life,” said Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas.  “We look forward to working with the EPA and our other government partners to ensure that importers do not undermine our emissions-reduction targets or put businesses who are complying with the rules at a competitive disadvantage.”  

“President Biden has made it clear, it’s going to take a whole-of-government approach to tackle the climate crisis and curb global warming,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan.  “That’s why this partnership with DHS is so important as we work to cut these climate super pollutants, protect our environment, foster American innovation and boost our economy.”

The American Innovation and Manufacturing Act (AIM Act), enacted in 2020, directs the EPA to address the adverse environmental effects of HFCs by, among other things, phasing down HFC production, consumption, and importation. Earlier today, the EPA issued its first regulations to implement the AIM Act’s phasedown.  DHS, through U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Immigration and Customs Enforcement, will work with the EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation and Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance to stop illegal HFC imports into the United States, including by preventing the exploitation of U.S. customs laws.   

The launch of this joint initiative to enforce the phasedown of HFCs builds on DHS and the EPA’s long-standing, successful collaboration on preventing illegal imports that threaten the environment, including imports of ozone-depleting substances and vehicles that fail to comply with Clean Air Act standards. 

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https://www.dhs.gov/news/2021/09/23/department-homeland-security-partners-environmental-protection-agency-enforce

Determination of Total Amounts of Fiscal Year 2022 WTO Tariff-Rate Quotas for Raw Cane Sugar and Certain Sugars, Syrups and Molasses

AGENCY:

Foreign Agricultural Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture.

ACTION:

Notice.

SUMMARY:

The Foreign Agricultural Service announces the establishment of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 (October 1, 2021-September 30, 2022) in-quota aggregate quantity of raw cane sugar at 1,117,195 metric tons raw value (MTRV), and the establishment of the FY 2022 in-quota aggregate quantity of certain sugars, syrups, and molasses (also referred to as refined sugar) at 222,000 MTRV.

DATES:

This notice is applicable on September 13, 2021.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Souleymane Diaby, Multilateral Affairs Division, Trade Policy and Geographic Affairs, Foreign Agricultural Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Stop 1070, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-1070; by telephone (202) 720-2916; or by email Souleymane.Diaby@usda.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The provisions of paragraph (a)(i) of the Additional U.S. Note 5, Chapter 17 in the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) authorize the Secretary to establish the in-quota tariff-rate quota (TRQ) amounts (expressed in terms of raw value) for imports of raw cane sugar and certain sugars, syrups, and molasses that may be entered under the subheadings of the HTS subject to the lower tier of duties during each fiscal year. The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) is responsible for the allocation of these quantities among supplying countries and areas.

Section 359(k) of the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938, as amended, requires that at the beginning of the quota year the Secretary of Agriculture establish the TRQs for raw cane sugar and refined sugars at the minimum levels necessary to comply with obligations under international trade agreements, with the exception of specialty sugar. Read More→

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/09/13/2021-19623/determination-of-total-amounts-of-fiscal-year-2022-wto-tariff-rate-quotas-for-raw-cane-sugar-and

APHIS amends entry requirements for importation of Fragaria spp., Rosa spp., and Rubus spp. plants from Canada into the United States

To:   State and Territory Agricultural Regulatory Officials

Effective September 14, 2021, USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is amending the entry requirements for the importation of Fragaria spp., Rosa spp., and Rubus spp. plants produced in Canada to prevent the introduction of the strawberry blossom weevil (Anthonomus rubi) into the United States.

Strawberry blossom weevil is a serious pest of strawberry (Fragaria spp.) and raspberry (Rubus spp.). Blackberry (Rubus spp.) and rose (Rosa spp.) are considered occasional hosts. When imported as plants for planting these hosts represent a pathway for the entry of this pest into the United States. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) reported strawberry blossom weevil populations being detected in British Columbia, Canada.  This detection is the first confirmed report of this pest in North America.

The strawberry blossom weevil females lay eggs in unopened flower buds of their hosts.  The female will then chew through the stem just below the bud, and the bud will drop from the plant.  Eggs, larvae, and pupae are found inside closed flower buds of host plants.  The larvae feed and develop in the “clipped” bud, which will reduce the total number of viable buds on the plant.  The lost bud will not be able to produce a fruit once clipped.  In Europe, this pest has caused up to 80% loss of the berry crop. 

To prevent the introduction of strawberry blossom weevil (Anthonomus rubi) into the United States, APHIS requires that Fragaria spp., Rosa spp., and Rubus spp. plants for planting produced in Canada must be accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate with an additional declaration stating:

• The plants have been produced and certified by the National Plant Protection Organization (NPPO) of Canada as a pest-free place of production or a pest free production site for the strawberry blossom weevil (Anthonomus rubi) following the requirements of the International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures-10. The shipment has been inspected and found to be free of the strawberry blossom weevil (Anthonomus rubi).

For additional information regarding this Federal Order, please contact Senior Regulatory Specialist Narasimha Chary Samboju at 301-851-2038 or narasimha.c.samboju@usda.gov. 

Dr. Osama El-Lissy
Deputy Administrator
Plant Protection and Quarantine 

Attachment: Federal Order

USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.

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https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/newsroom/stakeholder-info/stakeholder-messages/plant-health-news/da-2021-25

CBP Modifies Forced Labor Finding on Top Glove Corporation Bhd.

WASHINGTON — U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced today that it has modified the forced labor Finding on Top Glove Corporation Bhd.  Effective immediately, CBP will permit the importation of disposable gloves made at Top Glove facilities in Malaysia.

US Customs and Border Protection Official Seal

“Withhold Release Orders and Findings send a strong message to U.S. importers about the costs associated with doing business with entities that exploit forced labor, but they also offer a path to remediation,” said Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas. “This is a great example of the extraordinary efforts of U.S. Customs and Border Protection to protect human rights and American consumers and businesses from goods made by modern slavery.”

“CBP modified a Finding after thoroughly reviewing evidence that Top Glove has addressed all indicators of forced labor identified at its Malaysian facilities,” said CBP Acting Commissioner Troy Miller. “Top Glove’s actions in response to the Withhold Release Order, which include issuing more than $30 million in remediation payments to workers and improving labor and living conditions at the company’s facilities, suggest that CBP’s enforcement efforts provide a strong economic incentive for entities to eliminate forced labor from their supply chains.” 

On March 29, 2021, CBP published a Finding in the Customs Bulletin and the Federal Register against disposable gloves produced in Malaysia by Top Glove. CBP personnel were instructed to begin seizing shipments of those gloves due to information indicating that Top Glove used forced labor to produce them. 

The Finding expanded upon a Withhold Release Order (WRO) that CBP issued in July 2020.  That WRO was based on reasonable but not conclusive information of multiple forced labor indicators in Top Glove’s production process, including debt bondage, excessive overtime, abusive working and living conditions, and retention of identity documents. 

19 U.S.C. 1307 prohibits the importation of merchandise produced, wholly or in part, by convict labor, forced labor, and/or indentured labor, including forced or indentured child labor.  When CBP has information reasonably indicating that imported goods are made by forced labor, the agency will order personnel at U.S. ports of entry to detain shipments of those goods.  Importers of detained shipments will forfeit the merchandise if they do not export their shipments or demonstrate – in accordance with the requirements of 19 C.F.R §12.43 – that the merchandise was not produced with forced labor. 

If CBP has evidence sufficient to determine that imported goods were produced using forced labor, the agency will publish a Finding to that effect in the Federal Register pursuant to 19 C.F.R. §12.42(f).  CBP seizes shipments subject to Findings unless the importer can prove to CBP’s satisfaction that, per 19 C.F.R §12.43, the merchandise was not produced with forced labor. 

CBP has established a process through which interested parties may request the modification or revocation of a Withhold Release Order or Finding.  The required evidence and timeline for modification or revocation may vary depending upon the specific circumstances of each individual case.  CBP does not modify Withhold Release Orders or Findings until the agency has evidence demonstrating that the subject merchandise is no longer produced, manufactured, or mined using forced labor.  

Notice of the modification of the forced labor Finding on Top Glove is available in the Federal Register and in the Customs Bulletin. 

Follow CBP Office of Trade on Twitter @CBPTradeGov.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between official ports of entry. CBP is charged with securing the borders of the United States while enforcing hundreds of laws and facilitating lawful trade and travel.

Last modified:

September 10, 2021

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https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/national-media-release/cbp-modifies-forced-labor-finding-top-glove-corporation-bhd

USITC RELEASES THE YEAR IN TRADE 2020

The unique global trade environment created by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 is a focus of The Year in Trade 2020, released today by the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC).

This year’s publication includes highlights of global macroeconomic and trade trends during the pandemic and reports on its impact on key sectors.

The USITC's The Year in Trade, published annually, is one of the government's most comprehensive reports regarding activities related to U.S. trade policies, agreements, and trade laws. This report is the 72nd in a series of annual reports submitted to the U.S. Congress under section 163(c) of the Trade Act of 1974 (19 U.S.C. 2213(c)) and its predecessor legislation.

In addition to the global pandemic overview, The Year in Trade 2020 reviews:

• U.S. international trade laws and actions under these laws, including U.S. antidumping, countervailing duty, safeguard, intellectual property rights infringement, national security, and section 301 cases active in 2020;

• The operation of U.S. trade preference programs, including the U.S. Generalized System of Preferences, the African Growth and Opportunity Act, the Nepal Trade Preferences Act, and the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act, including initiatives for Haiti;

• World Trade Organization (WTO) dispute settlement decisions and other significant activities in the WTO, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum, and under the Trade and Investment Framework Agreements;

• Negotiations on agreements with Japan, Kenya, the European Union, and the United Kingdom; the implementation of the United States-Canada-Mexico Agreement; and developments regarding the North American Free Trade Agreement and other U.S. FTAs already in effect; and

• Bilateral trade issues with selected major U.S. trading partners -- the European Union, China, Mexico, Canada, Japan, the United Kingdom, and India.

The report also provides an overview of U.S. trade in goods and services during 2020. Statistical tables highlight U.S. bilateral trade with major trading partners and trade under U.S. trade preference programs and FTAs.

The Year in Trade 2020 (USITC Publication 5228, September 2021) will be posted on the USITC's Internet site at https://www.usitc.gov/sites/default/files/publications/332/pub5228.pdf.

A set of interactive, web-based presentations of underlying data is also available at:

• Appendix A - https://www.usitc.gov/publications/332/yit_appendixa2020.html

• Trade Balance - https://www.usitc.gov/publications/332/yit_tradebalance2020.html

• Sector - https://www.usitc.gov/publications/332/yit_sidebysidedonut.html

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https://www.usitc.gov/press_room/news_release/2021/er0907ll1821.htm

USITC INSTITUTES SECTION 337 INVESTIGATION OF CERTAIN LAPTOPS, DESKTOPS, SERVERS, MOBILE PHONES, TABLETS, AND COMPONENTS THEREOF

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has voted to institute an investigation of certain laptops, desktops, servers, mobile phones, tablets, and components thereof.  The products at issue in the investigation are described in the Commission’s notice of investigation.

The investigation is based on a complaint filed by Sonrai Memory Ltd. of Dublin, Ireland, on August 2, 2021.  An amended complaint was filed on August 6, 2021.  The complaint alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in the importation into the United States and sale of certain laptops, desktops, servers, mobile phones, tablets, and components thereof that infringe patents asserted by the complainant.  The complainant requests that the USITC issue a limited exclusion order and cease and desist orders. 

The USITC has identified the following as respondents in this investigation:

Amazon.com, Inc., of Seattle, WA;
Dell Technologies Inc. of Round Rock, TX;
EMC Corporation of Round Rock, TX;
Lenovo Group Ltd. of Beijing, China;
Lenovo (United States) Inc. of Morrisville, NC;
Motorola Mobility LLC of Chicago, IL;
LG Electronics Inc. of Seoul, South Korea;
LG Electronics USA, Inc., of Englewood Cliffs, NJ;
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., of Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea; and
Samsung Electronics America, Inc., of Ridgefield Park, NJ.

By instituting this investigation (337-TA-1280), the USITC has not yet made any decision on the merits of the case.  The USITC’s Chief Administrative Law Judge will assign the case to one of the USITC’s administrative law judges (ALJ), who will schedule and hold an evidentiary hearing.  The ALJ will make an initial determination as to whether there is a violation of section 337; that initial determination is subject to review by the Commission.

The USITC will make a final determination in the investigation at the earliest practicable time.  Within 45 days after institution of the investigation, the USITC will set a target date for completing the investigation.  USITC remedial orders in section 337 cases are effective when issued and become final 60 days after issuance unless disapproved for policy reasons by the U.S. Trade Representative within that 60-day period.

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https://www.usitc.gov/press_room/news_release/2021/er0831ll1820.htm

USITC INSTITUTES SECTION 337 INVESTIGATION OF CERTAIN RADIO FREQUENCY TRANSMISSION DEVICES AND COMPONENTS THEREOF

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has voted to institute an investigation of certain radio frequency transmission devices and components thereof.  The products at issue in the investigation are described in the Commission’s notice of investigation.

The investigation is based on a complaint filed by Zebra Technologies Corporation of Lincolnshire, IL, on July 28, 2021.  The complaint alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in the importation into the United States and sale of certain radio frequency transmission devices and components thereof that infringe patents asserted by the complainant.  The complainant requests that the USITC issue a limited exclusion order and a cease and desist order. 

The USITC has identified OnAsset Intelligence, Inc., of Irving, TX, as the respondent in this investigation.

By instituting this investigation (337-TA-1278), the USITC has not yet made any decision on the merits of the case.  The USITC’s Chief Administrative Law Judge will assign the case to one of the USITC’s administrative law judges (ALJ), who will schedule and hold an evidentiary hearing.  The ALJ will make an initial determination as to whether there is a violation of section 337; that initial determination is subject to review by the Commission.

The USITC will make a final determination in the investigation at the earliest practicable time.  Within 45 days after institution of the investigation, the USITC will set a target date for completing the investigation.  USITC remedial orders in section 337 cases are effective when issued and become final 60 days after issuance unless disapproved for policy reasons by the U.S. Trade Representative within that 60-day period.

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https://www.usitc.gov/press_room/news_release/2021/er0827ll1818.htm

WTO Panel Rejects China’s Solar Safeguard Challenge

September 02, 2021

WASHINGTON – A WTO dispute settlement panel today issued a public report rejecting China’s challenges to the U.S. safeguard tariffs on solar products in the dispute United States – Safeguard Measure on Imports of Crystalline Silicon Photovoltaic Products (DS562).  This is the first successful defense of a general safeguard action before a WTO dispute panel.
  
“I welcome the WTO panel’s findings rejecting China’s challenges to the U.S. solar safeguard as baseless,” said Ambassador Katherine Tai. “The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to ensuring America’s role in resilient clean energy supply chains as part of the Build Back Better agenda. We must make historic infrastructure investments that unlock the full potential of solar power and create good-paying jobs in cutting-edge fields that will help address the climate crisis.”

In early 2018, the United States imposed the solar safeguard measure to support the domestic solar industry’s efforts to adjust to import competition primarily attributable to excess solar cell and module capacity by Chinese producers in China and around the world and exacerbated by China’s non-market practices.  The safeguard was established after the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) found that the domestic solar industry was being seriously injured by increased imports.  The safeguard imposes a tariff-rate quota on imports of cells and a tariff on modules over a four-year period currently set to expire on February 6, 2022.  Domestic producers have asked the USITC to review a safeguard extension.  That review is ongoing.

In July 2019, China requested the establishment of a WTO panel alleging that the U.S. imposition of the safeguard was inconsistent with various obligations under the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade 1994 and the WTO Agreement on Safeguards.  The Panel rejected all of China’s claims.  

Specifically, the Panel found that the United States established that solar imports had increased as a result of unforeseen developments, established a causal link between increased imports and serious injury to the domestic industry, and appropriately considered other factors besides increased imports that were allegedly causing injury to the domestic industry.  The full report on the WTO panel’s decision is available here.

https://ustr.gov/about-us/policy-offices/press-office/press-releases/2021/september/wto-panel-rejects-chinas-solar-safeguard-challenge

Preliminary Determination in the Countervailing Duty Investigation of Organic Soybean Meal from India

On August 31, 2021, the Department of Commerce (Commerce) announced its affirmative preliminary determination in the countervailing duty (CVD) investigation of organic soybean meal from India.

Preliminary Subsidiary Rates +

Case Calendar +

Import Statistics +

Additional Case Information +

https://www.trade.gov/faq/preliminary-determination-countervailing-duty-investigation-organic-soybean-meal-india

Assessment of Fees for Dairy Import Licenses for the 2022 Tariff-Rate Import Quota Year

AGENCY:

Foreign Agricultural Service, USDA.

ACTION:

Notice.

SUMMARY:

This notice announces a fee of $324 to be charged for the 2022 tariff-rate quota (TRQ) year for each license issued to a person or firm by the Department of Agriculture authorizing the importation of certain dairy articles, which are subject to tariff-rate quotas set forth in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) of the United States.

DATES:

September 2, 2021.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Abdelsalam El-Farra, Dairy Import Licensing Program, Foreign Agricultural Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, at (202) 720-9439; or by email at: abdelsalam.el-farra@fas.usda.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The Dairy Tariff-Rate Quota Import Licensing Regulation promulgated by the Department of Agriculture and codified at7 CFR 6.20 through 6.36 provides for the issuance of licenses to import certain dairy articles that are subject to TRQs set forth in the HTS. Those dairy articles may only be entered into the United States at the in-quota TRQ tariff-rates by or for the account of a person or firm to whom such licenses have been issued and only in accordance with the terms and conditions of the regulation. Read More→

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/09/02/2021-19090/assessment-of-fees-for-dairy-import-licenses-for-the-2022-tariff-rate-import-quota-year