New Zealand Beef Imports Approved for the Electronic Certification System

AGENCY:

U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Department of Homeland Security.

ACTION:

General notice.

SUMMARY:

This document announces that the export certification requirement for certain imports of beef from New Zealand subject to a tariff-rate quota will be accomplished through the Electronic Certification System (eCERT). All imports of beef from New Zealand that are subject to the tariff-rate quota must have a valid export certificate with a corresponding eCERT transmission at the time of entry, or withdrawal from warehouse, for consumption. The United States Government (USG) has approved the request from New Zealand to transition to eCERT as the method of transmission. The transition to eCERT will not change the tariff-rate quota filing process or requirements. Importers will continue to provide the export certificate numbers from New Zealand in the same manner as when currently filing entry summaries with U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The format of the export certificate numbers will remain the same for the corresponding eCERT transmissions.

DATES:

The use of the eCERT process for certain New Zealand beef importations subject to a tariff-rate quota will be effective for beef entered, or withdrawn from a warehouse, for consumption on or after January 18, 2022.

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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Julia Peterson, Chief, Quota and Agriculture Branch, Trade Policy and Programs, Office of Trade, (202) 384-8905, or HQQUOTA@cbp.dhs.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

There is an existing tariff-rate quota on certain beef from New Zealand pursuant to Additional U.S. Note 3 of Chapter 2 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS). The tariff-rate quota for beef from New Zealand was established by section 6 of the Presidential Proclamation No. 6763 (December 23, 1994), as a result of the Uruguay Round Agreements, approved by Congress in section 101 of the Uruguay Round Agreements Act (19 U.S.C. 3511 (a), Pub. L. 103-465, 108 Stat. 4814). Tariff-rate quotas permit a specified quantity of merchandise to be entered or withdrawn for consumption at a reduced duty rate during a specified period. Furthermore, section 2012.3 of title 15 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) states that beef may only be entered as a product of an eligible country for a tariff-rate quota if the importer makes a declaration to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) that a valid export certificate is in effect with respect to the beef. In addition, the CBP regulations, at 19 CFR 132.15, set forth provisions relating to the requirement that an importer must possess a valid export certificate at the time of entry, or withdrawal from warehouse, for consumption, to claim the in-quota tariff rate of duty on entries of beef subject to the tariff-rate quota. Read More→

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2022/01/12/2022-00464/new-zealand-beef-imports-approved-for-the-electronic-certification-system

Argentina Beef Imports Approved for the Electronic Certification System (eCERT)

AGENCY:

U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Department of Homeland Security.

ACTION:

General notice.

SUMMARY:

This document announces that the export certification requirement for certain imports of beef from the Argentine Republic (Argentina) subject to a tariff-rate quota will be accomplished through the Electronic Certification System (eCERT). All imports of beef from Argentina that are subject to the tariff-rate quota must have a valid export certificate with a corresponding eCERT transmission at the time of entry, or withdrawal from warehouse, for consumption. The United States Government (USG) has approved the request from Argentina to transition, from the way the USG currently receives export certificates from Argentina, to eCERT as the method of transmission. The transition to eCERT will not change the tariff-rate quota filing process or requirements. Importers will continue to provide the export certificate numbers from Argentina in the same manner as when currently filing entry summaries with U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The format of the export certificate numbers will remain the same for the corresponding eCERT transmissions.

DATES:

The use of the eCERT process for certain Argentinian beef importations subject to a tariff-rate quota will be effective for beef entered, or withdrawn from a warehouse, for consumption on or after January 18, 2022. Read More→

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2022/01/13/2022-00462/argentina-beef-imports-approved-for-the-electronic-certification-system-ecert

Notice of a Commission Determination To Issue Remedial Orders Against the Defaulting Respondents; Termination of the Investigation; Certain LED Landscape Lighting Devices and Components Thereof

AGENCY:

U.S. International Trade Commission.

ACTION:

Notice.

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SUMMARY:

Notice is hereby given that the U.S. International Trade Commission has determined to issue a limited exclusion order and cease and desist orders against the respondents found to be in default in this investigation, namely, cBright Lighting, Inc. of San Leandro, California (“cBright”), Dauer Manufacturing Corp. of Medley, Florida (“Dauer”), and FUSA Corp. of Medley, Florida (“FUSA”). The Commission has also determined to impose a bond equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the entered value of the infringing products imported during the period of Presidential review. This investigation is hereby terminated.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Ronald A. Traud, Office of the General Counsel, U.S. International Trade Commission, 500 E Street SW, Washington, DC 20436, telephone (202) 205-3427. 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 email EDIS3Help@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.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The Commission instituted this investigation on April 13, 2021, based on a complaint filed on behalf of Wangs Alliance Corporation, d/b/a WAC Lighting (“WAC”). 86 FR 19282 (Apr. 13, 2021). The complaint alleged a violation of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended,19 U.S.C. 1337, based upon the importation into the United States, the sale for importation, and the sale within the United States after importation of certain LED landscape lighting devices and components thereof by reason of infringement of certain claims of U.S. Patent Nos. 10,571,101 and 10,920,971.Id.The complaint further alleged that an industry in the United States exists as required by section 337.Id.The following were named as respondents in the investigation: cBright; Dauer; FUSA; Shenzhen Wanjia Lighting Co., Ltd.d/b/a WONKA of Shenzhen, China (“WONKA”); CAST Lighting LLC of Hawthorne, New Jersey (“CAST”); Lumien Enterprise, Inc. d/b/a Lumien Lighting of Acworth, Georgia (“Lumien”); and Jiangsu Sur Lighting Co., Ltd. of Jiangsu Province, China (“Jiangsu”).Id. The Office of Unfair Import Investigations is not a party to the investigation. Read More→

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2022/01/12/2022-00374/notice-of-a-commission-determination-to-issue-remedial-orders-against-the-defaulting-respondents

USITC INSTITUTES SECTION 337 INVESTIGATION OF CERTAIN PLAYARDS AND STROLLERS

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has voted to institute an investigation of certain playards and strollers.  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 Graco Children’s Products Inc. of Atlanta, GA, and Wonderland Nurserygoods Co., Ltd., of Taipei, Taiwan, on November 24, 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 playards and strollers that infringe patents asserted by the complainants.  The complainants request that the USITC issue a limited exclusion order and cease and desist orders. 

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

Baby Trend, Inc., of Fontana, CA;
Dongguan Golden Prosper Baby Products Co., Ltd., of Dongguan City, Guangdong, China;
Sichuan Hobbies Baby Products Co., Ltd., of Neijiang, Sichuan, China; and
Anhui Chile Baby Products Co., Ltd., of Anhui Province, China.

By instituting this investigation (337-TA-1288), 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/er1220ll1858.htm

Limitation of Duty-Free Imports of Apparel Articles Assembled in Haiti Under the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act (CBERA),...

as Amended by the Haitian Hemispheric Opportunity Through Partnership Encouragement Act (HOPE)

AGENCY:

International Trade Administration, Department of Commerce.

ACTION:

Notification of annual quantitative limit on imports of certain apparel from Haiti.

SUMMARY:

CBERA, as amended, provides duty-free treatment for certain apparel articles imported directly from Haiti. One of the preferences is known as the “value-added” provision, which requires that apparel meet a minimum threshold percentage of value added in Haiti, the United States, and/or certain beneficiary countries. The provision is subject to a quantitative limitation, which is calculated as a percentage of total apparel imports into the United States for each 12-month period. For the period from December 20, 2021 through December 19, 2022, the quantity of imports eligible for preferential treatment under the value-added provision is 367,770,223 square meters equivalent.

DATES:

The new limitations become effective December 20, 2021.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Laurie Mease, International Trade Specialist, Office of Textiles and Apparel, U.S. Department of Commerce, (202) 482-2043. Read More→

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/12/17/2021-27311/limitation-of-duty-free-imports-of-apparel-articles-assembled-in-haiti-under-the-caribbean-basin

USITC INSTITUTES SECTION 337 INVESTIGATION OF CERTAIN INTEGRATED CIRCUITS, CHIPSETS, AND ELECTRONIC DEVICES, AND PRODUCTS CONTAINING THE SAME

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has voted to institute an investigation of certain integrated circuits, chipsets, and electronic devices, and products containing the same.  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 NXP Semiconductors N.V. of Eindhoven, Netherlands, and NXP USA, Inc., of Austin, TX, on November 1, 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 integrated circuits, chipsets, and electronic devices, and products containing the same, that infringe patents asserted by the complainants.  The complainants request that the USITC issue a limited exclusion order and cease and desist orders. 

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

MediaTek Inc. of Hsinchu City, Taiwan;
MediaTek USA Inc. of San Jose, CA;
Amazon.com, Inc., of Seattle WA;
Belkin International, Inc., of Playa Vista, CA; and
Linksys USA, Inc., of Irvine, CA.

By instituting this investigation (337-TA-1287), 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/er1201ll1854.htm

USITC TO CATALOG EXISTING INFORMATION, DEVELOP NEW CAPABILITIES TO BETTER IDENTIFY AND QUANTIFY POTENTIAL DISTRIBUTIONAL EFFECTS OF TRADE AND TRADE POLICY ON U.S. WORKERS

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) is undertaking a two-part investigation that will catalog existing information and develop new research and analysis capabilities to better identify and measure the potential distributional effects of U.S. trade and trade policy on U.S. workers, including by skill, wage and salary level, gender, race/ethnicity, age, and income level, especially as they affect under-represented and under-served communities.

The investigation, Distributional Effects of Trade and Trade Policy on U.S. Workers, was requested by the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) in a letter received on October 14, 2021.

As requested, the USITC, an independent, nonpartisan, factfinding federal agency, will provide a two-part response to the USTR.

Part 1: Public Report

The USITC will prepare a public report that catalogs information on the distributional effects of trade and trade policy on under-represented and under-served communities.  The report will:

• include information gathered through roundtable discussions among representatives of under-represented and under-served communities that have been identified in the Executive Order 13985, Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government, as well as think tanks; academics and researchers; unions; state and local governments; non-federal governmental entities; civil society experts; community-based stakeholders, such as minority-owned businesses; business incubators; Historically Black College and Universities (HBCUs); Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs); Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs); other minority-serving institutions (MSIs); and local and national civil rights organizations;

• include information gathered through a symposium focused on academic or similar research on the distributional effects of trade and trade policy on under-represented and under-served communities, including results of existing analysis, evaluation of methodologies, the use of public and restricted data in current analysis, identifying gaps in data and/or in the economic literature, and proposed analysis that could be done with restricted data;

• include information gathered through a critical review of the economic literature on the distributional effects of trade and trade policy on under-represented and under-served communities, including among other things, the data limitations raised in these analyses; and

• identify information on effects on U.S. workers by the groups specified, identifying their specific U.S. region, and make recommendations on future research.

The Commission expects to submit its report to the USTR by October 14, 2022. Read More→

https://www.usitc.gov/press_room/news_release/2021/er1129ll1853.htm

Conforming Amendment to Product Exclusion and Extensions: China's Acts, Policies, and Practices Related to Technology Transfer, Intellectual Property, and Innovation

AGENCY:

Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR).

ACTION:

Notice.

SUMMARY:

On September 30, 2020, and effective November 30, 2020, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued a notice on the tariff classification of certain nonwoven wipes. To conform with the tariff classification set out in that notice, USTR is making a technical amendment to a product exclusion in the Section 301 investigation of China's Acts, Policies, and Practices Related to Technology Transfer, Intellectual Property, and Innovation.

DATES:

The conforming amendment in the Annex to this notice is effective November 30, 2020. CBP will issue instructions on entry guidance and implementation.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

For general questions about this notice, contact Associate General Counsel Philip Butler or Assistant General Counsel Rachel Komito at (202) 395-5725. For specific questions on customs classification or implementation of the product exclusion identified in the Annex to this notice, contacttraderemedy@cbp.dhs.gov. Read More→

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/12/07/2021-26482/conforming-amendment-to-product-exclusion-and-extensions-chinas-acts-policies-and-practices-related

Request for Public Comment on a Commercial Availability Request Under the United States-Korea Free Trade Agreement

AGENCY:

Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements (CITA).

ACTION:

Request for public comments concerning a request for modification of the United States-Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS) rules of origin for certain textile products.

SUMMARY:

The Government of the United States (“United States”) received a request from the Government of the Republic of Korea (“Korea”), submitted on November 9, 2021, to initiate consultations under Article 4.2.3 of the KORUS. Korea is requesting that the United States and Korea (“the Parties”) consider revising the rules of origin for certain woven fabrics to address availability of supply of yarns in the territories of the Parties.

The President of the United States may proclaim a modification to the KORUS rules of origin for textile and apparel products after the United States reaches an agreement with Korea on a modification under Article 4.2.5 of the KORUS to address issues of availability of supply of fibers, yarns, or fabrics in the territories of the Parties. CITA hereby solicits public comments on this request, in particular with regard to whether certain textured and non-textured triacetate filament yarns can be supplied by the U.S. domestic industry in commercial quantities in a timely manner. Read More→

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/12/06/2021-26342/request-for-public-comment-on-a-commercial-availability-request-under-the-united-states-korea-free

APHIS Updates Import Regulations for Sheep, Goats and Their Products

WASHINGTON, December 2, 2021 -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal Plant and Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has published a final rule updating its import regulations for sheep, goats and their products, such as meat. This rule removes remaining bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) import restrictions on sheep, goats and their products, and aligns the regulations with the current scientific understanding of BSE.

BSE is a fatal brain disease that is part of a group of diseases known as transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs). Other TSE diseases that can affect animals include scrapie in sheep and goats and chronic wasting disease in deer, elk and moose. When APHIS originally established BSE-related import restrictions, the potential risk of species other than cattle, including sheep and goats, was unknown. However, since BSE was first identified, scientists have learned much more about how BSE works, and their extensive research shows that sheep and goats pose a minimal risk of spreading BSE.

While BSE-related restrictions are no longer needed, APHIS is updating its scrapie requirements for importing live sheep and goats and their germplasm to continue to protect the U.S. herd. Any live sheep or goat not transported directly to slaughter, or to a designated feedlot and then to slaughter, must originate from a scrapie-free country or flock with a herd certification program equivalent to the U.S. Scrapie Flock Certification Program.

APHIS will also allow on a case-by-case basis the importation of certain wild, zoo or other non-bovine ruminant species. The Agency will evaluate the disease risk of each animal and the receiving entity’s ability to manage the risks before deciding whether to issue an import permit allowing the animal entry into the country.

APHIS issued a proposed rule outlining these changes in September 2016. This proposal was based on a thorough review of relevant scientific literature, international guidelines, and a comprehensive evaluation. After considering all comments received on the proposed rule, APHIS determined that these changes will continue to guard against TSEs entering the United States, while allowing additional animals and animal products to be imported into this country. View the final rule at https://www.federalregister.gov/public-inspection/2021-26302/importation-of-sheep-goats-and-certain-other-ruminants. Read More→

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/newsroom/news/sa_by_date/sa-2021/ruminants-import-regulations

APHIS Announces $16.3 Million in Farm Bill Funding to Protect Animal Health

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is awarding more than $16.3 million to 64 projects with states, universities, and other partners to strengthen our programs to protect animal health. Ensuring the health of animals helps protect and preserve U.S. export markets and keeping foreign animal diseases out of the U.S. helps us expand export opportunities for rural America to more and better markets.

This critical funding supports projects focused on enhancing vaccine distribution plans and supporting animal movement decisions in high-consequence animal disease outbreaks, delivering outreach and education on animal disease prevention and preparedness, and developing point-of-care diagnostic tests to rapidly detect foreign animal diseases. It also supports projects to enhance early detection of high-impact animal diseases and improve emergency response capabilities at veterinary diagnostic laboratories that are part of the National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN).

“These funding awards will help ensure the ongoing health of our nation’s livestock and poultry,” said Jenny Lester Moffitt, Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs. “Safeguarding U.S. animal health helps us expand export opportunities for rural America to more and better markets, while providing consistent access to safe, healthy, and affordable food for U.S. consumers. The preparedness and response activities we are funding today will help us address the animal disease issues of tomorrow and arm us with the best science available to retain international markets and feed our families and the world. I look forward to seeing the progress USDA and its partners make with these funds.”

The 2018 Farm Bill provided funding for these programs as part of an overall strategy to help prevent animal pests and diseases from entering the United States and reduce the spread and impact of potential disease incursions with the goal or protecting and expanding market opportunities for U.S. agricultural products. This is the third year APHIS is providing this Farm Bill funding. Last year, APHIS provided $14.4 million that funded 76 projects.

NADPRP
APHIS is awarding $7.6 million through the National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program (NADPRP). The 36 NADPRP funded projects will individually and collectively address critical concerns in areas of vaccine distribution, animal movement and business continuity during a disease outbreak, and disease prevention and preparedness outreach and education. These projects will be led by State animal health authorities in 21 states, land-grant universities, and industry/veterinary organizations. Read More→

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/newsroom/news/sa_by_date/sa-2021/farm-bill-funding-animal-health

FDA IMPORT BASICS

All products offered for entry into the United States, including items for personal use, must be declared to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).  CBP refers all FDA-regulated products to the FDA for review. CBP's regulations and requirements are at its website.

Most importers choose to hire licensed representatives when offering the products for entry. These representatives are known as customs brokers or entry filers.  The entry filers can assist the importer by submitting necessary entry information and appropriate payments to CBP on behalf of the importer. CBP’s website has a clickable US map that will provide a list of specific ports, and under each port, you will find a list of brokers. 

FDA Review

All imported shipments of FDA-regulated products are reviewed by the FDA and must comply with the same standards as domestic products.  The FDA determines whether products are admissible into U.S. commerce and may refuse entry to any that violate or appear to violate any provisions of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act).

FDA Entry Types

The FDA receives many different types of entries (consumption, informal, warehouse, import for export, etc.). Most questions revolve around the difference between commercial and personal shipments.  

• Commercial Shipments: Imported goods brought into U.S. commerce for sale or distribution. To find out more information about the different types of entries visit our Common Entry Types page.

• Personal Shipments: Imported goods brought into the U.S. for personal use. Read More→

https://www.fda.gov/industry/import-program-food-and-drug-administration-fda/import-basics

USITC VOTES TO CONTINUE INVESTIGATIONS CONCERNING OIL COUNTRY TUBULAR GOODS FROM ARGENTINA, MEXICO, RUSSIA, AND SOUTH KOREA

The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that there is a reasonable indication that a U.S. industry is materially injured by reason of imports of oil country tubular goods from Argentina, Mexico, and Russia that are allegedly sold in the United States at less than fair value and imports of these products that are allegedly subsidized by the governments of Russia and South Korea.

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. 

As a result of the Commission’s affirmative determinations, the U.S. Department of Commerce will continue its investigations of imports of oil country tubular goods from Argentina, Mexico, Russia, and South Korea, with its preliminary countervailing duty determinations due on or about December 30, 2021, and its preliminary antidumping duty determinations due on or about March 15, 2022.

The Commission’s public report Oil Country Tubular Goods from Argentina, Mexico, Russia, and South Korea (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-671-672 and 731-TA-1571-1573 (Preliminary), USITC Publication 5248, November 2021) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.

The report will be available after December 21, 2021; when available, it may be accessed on the USITC website at:  https://www.usitc.gov/commission_publications_library.

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UNITED STATES INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20436

FACTUAL HIGHLIGHTS

Oil Country Tubular Goods (OCTG) from Argentina, Mexico, Russia, and South Korea
Investigation Nos. 701-TA-671-672 and 731-TA-1571-1573 (Preliminary)

Product Description:  The merchandise covered by the investigations is certain oil country tubular goods (OCTG), which are hollow steel products of circular cross-section, including oil well casing and tubing, of iron (other than cast iron) or steel (both carbon and alloy), whether seamless or welded, regardless of end finish ( e.g., whether or not plain end, threaded, or threaded and coupled) whether or not conforming to American Petroleum Institute (API) or non-API specifications, whether finished (including limited service OCTG products) or unfinished (including green tubes and limited service OCTG products), whether or not thread protectors are attached. The scope of the investigations also covers OCTG coupling stock. Read More→

https://www.usitc.gov/press_room/news_release/2021/er1119ll1851.htm

U.S. Statement on Working With Japan to Address Global Steel and Aluminum Excess Capacity

November 12, 2021

WASHINGTON – United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai and United States Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo today announced the start of consultations with Japan to address global steel and aluminum excess capacity, take effective measures to ensure the long-term viability of our steel and aluminum industries, and find solutions to strengthen our democratic alliance. 

Secretary Raimondo and Ambassador Tai reiterated concerns about the impact on U.S. industries stemming from global non-market excess capacity driven largely by China.  The distortions that result from this excess capacity pose a serious threat to the market-oriented U.S. steel and aluminum industries and the workers in those industries.  The United States and Japan have a historic alliance, built on mutual trust and respect, and reflecting shared values and a strong commitment to resolving global challenges through closer cooperation. The two countries accordingly share similar national security interests as democratic, market economies. These consultations present an opportunity to promote high standards, address shared concerns, including climate change, and hold countries like China that support trade-distorting non-market policies and practices to account. 

The United States and Japan will seek to resolve bilateral concerns in this area, including the application of Section 232 measures, trade flows, and the sufficiency of actions that address steel and aluminum excess capacity with the aim of taking mutually beneficial and effective actions to restore market-oriented conditions and preserve our critical industries.  

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https://ustr.gov/about-us/policy-offices/press-office/press-releases/2021/november/us-statement-working-japan-address-global-steel-and-aluminum-excess-capacity

POLYESTER TEXTURED YARN FROM INDONESIA, MALAYSIA, THAILAND, AND VIETNAM INJURES U.S. INDUSTRY, SAYS USITC

The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that a U.S. industry is materially injured by reason of imports of polyester textured yarn from Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam that the U.S. Department of Commerce (Commerce) has determined are sold in the United States at less than fair value.

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. 

As a result of the Commission’s affirmative determinations, Commerce will issue antidumping duty orders on imports of this product from Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam.

The Commission’s public report Polyester Textured Yarn from Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam (Inv. Nos. 731-TA-1550-1553 (Final), USITC Publication 5246, December 2021) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations. 

The report will be available by December 28, 2021; when available, it may be accessed on the USITC website at: http://pubapps.usitc.gov/applications/publogs/qry_publication_loglist.asp.

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UNITED STATES INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20436

FACTUAL HIGHLIGHTS

Polyester Textured Yarn from Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam
Investigation Nos. 731-TA-1550-1553 (Final)

Product Description:  Polyester textured yarn is synthetic multifilament yarn that is manufactured from polyester (polyethylene terephthalate) and produced through a texturing process, which imparts special properties to the filaments of the yarn, including stretch, bulk, strength, moisture absorption, insulation, and the appearance of a natural fiber. Read More→

https://www.usitc.gov/press_room/news_release/2021/er1116ll1849.htm

USITC VOTES TO CONTINUE INVESTIGATIONS CONCERNING FREIGHT RAIL COUPLER SYSTEMS AND COMPONENTS FROM CHINA

The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that there is a reasonable indication that a U.S. industry is materially injured by reason of imports of freight rail coupler systems and components from China that are allegedly subsidized and sold in the United States at less than fair value.

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. 

As a result of the Commission’s affirmative determinations, the U.S. Department of Commerce will continue its investigations of imports of freight rail coupler systems and components from China, with its preliminary countervailing duty determination due on or about December 23, 2021, and its preliminary antidumping duty determination due on or about March 8, 2022.

The Commission’s public report Freight Rail Coupler Systems and Components from China (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-670 and 731-TA-1570 (Preliminary), USITC Publication 5243, November 2021) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.

The report will be available after December 13, 2021; when available, it may be accessed on the USITC website at:  https://www.usitc.gov/commission_publications_library.

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UNITED STATES INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20436

FACTUAL HIGHLIGHTS

Freight Rail Coupler Systems and Components from China
Investigation Nos. 701-TA-670 and 731-TA-1570 (Preliminary)

Product Description:  Freight rail coupler systems and components (“FRC”) are metal structures used to connect freight rail cars together. FRC are comprised of a system of four main metal components: knuckles, coupler bodies, coupler yokes, and follower blocks. Knuckles are typically metal castings in the shape of a hook that pivot on a vertical hinge between a "locked" and an "unlocked" position to allow for interlocking with knuckles of adjacent FRC. Coupler bodies are a metal casting that hold the knuckle and allow it to pivot. The coupler body fits within the coupler yoke, which is a metal casting that attaches the FRC to a freight car. The follower block is a rectangular piece of metal that separates the FRC with the adjacent draft gear of a freight car (designed to absorb some of the forces when connecting freight rail cars). FRC are designed to connect two freight cars together by automatically interlocking the knuckles of both FRC when the freight cars are pushed together. Read More→

https://www.usitc.gov/press_room/news_release/2021/er1112ll1847.htm

USITC RELEASES SHIFTS IN U.S. MERCHANDISE TRADE 2020

Shifts in U.S. Merchandise Trade 2020 (2020 Trade Shifts) is now available on the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) internet site.

The USITC, an independent, nonpartisan federal agency, released its annual web-based report on changes in U.S. merchandise trade patterns. 

2020 Trade Shifts highlights changes in U.S. exports and imports by merchandise sector and select trading partners in terms of absolute value changes, relative percent changes, and changes in rank.  It includes interactive features, such as tables and graphics that allow users to view and refine, as they choose, the official government data presented.

Highlights from the 2020 Trade Shifts report include:

• In 2020, U.S. total exports and general imports both decreased. These declines were largely driven by supply and demand factors associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting contraction of the global economy.

• The 2020 report includes a special topic section that examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on freight transportation services and U.S. merchandise imports. In particular, the section discusses the nature of both maritime and air cargo shipping disruptions during the pandemic, and the effects of these disruptions on freight rates, shipping modes, and arrival times of U.S. merchandise imports.

• U.S. exports in 9 of the 10 merchandise sectors included in this report decreased from 2019 to 2020. The only merchandise sector that had an increase was agricultural products.

• U.S. imports decreased for half of the 10 merchandise sectors. Most of the drop in U.S. imports was driven by two sectors, transportation equipment and energy-related products.

• China returned to its position as the top U.S. trade partner in 2020; Mexico and Canada fell to second and third place, respectively. The largest destination markets for U.S. exports were Canada and Mexico. China continued to be the top source of U.S. imports and remained the third largest destination market for U.S. exports.

Shifts in U.S. Merchandise Trade 2020 can be accessed at https://www.usitc.gov/research_and_analysis/tradeshifts/2020/index.html.

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https://www.usitc.gov/press_room/news_release/2021/er1112ll1848.htm

CERTAIN SUBSIDIZED MOBILE ACCESS EQUIPMENT AND SUBASSEMBLIES THEREOF INJURE U.S. INDUSTRY, SAYS USITC

The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that a U.S. industry is threatened with material injury by reason of imports of certain mobile access equipment and subassemblies thereof from China that the U.S. Department of Commerce (Commerce) has determined are subsidized by the government of China.

Chair Jason E. Kearns, Vice Chair Randolph J. Stayin, and Commissioners David S. Johanson, Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, and Amy A. Karpel made affirmative threat determinations. 

As a result of the Commission’s affirmative threat determination, Commerce will issue a countervailing duty order on imports of this product from China.

The Commission’s public report Certain Mobile Access Equipment and Subassemblies Thereof from China (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-665 (Final), USITC Publication 5242, December 2021) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigation.

The report will be available by December 20, 2021; when available, it may be accessed on the USITC website at: http://pubapps.usitc.gov/applications/publogs/qry_publication_loglist.asp.

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UNITED STATES INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20436

FACTUAL HIGHLIGHTS

Certain Mobile Access Equipment and Subassemblies Thereof from China
Investigation No. 701-TA-665 (Final)

Product Description:  Mobile access equipment (MAE) consists primarily of boom lifts, scissor lifts, and telehandlers, and subassemblies thereof. MAE combines a mobile (self-propelled or towed) chassis, with a lifting device (e.g., scissor arms, boom assemblies) for mechanically lifting persons, tools and/or materials capable of reaching a working height of ten feet or more, and a coupler that provides an attachment point for the lifting device, in addition to other components. MAE includes mobile access equipment and subassemblies thereof whether finished or unfinished, whether assembled or unassembled, and whether the equipment contains any additional features that provide for functions beyond the primary lifting function. Read More→

https://www.usitc.gov/press_room/news_release/2021/er1110ll1846.htm

U.S., EU Launch Collaboration Platform on Agriculture

BRUSSELS, BELGIUM, Nov. 3, 2021 – European Union Commissioner for Agriculture Janusz Wojciechowski and United States Secretary of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today issued the following statement on a newly created transatlantic collaboration platform on agriculture designed to take on the global challenges of sustainability and climate change.

“International collaboration to confront climate change and foster sustainability is paramount to mitigating the harsh and difficult future that awaits us as a global society. Climate change is already affecting the livelihoods of our farmers in deep and profound ways, from extreme weather volatility, to severe drought, to flooding, to wildfires and other catastrophic events that threaten our towns, cities and communities. We must rise to the challenge.

“Today we begin a new chapter in EU-U.S. collaboration with a new platform for the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the EU Directorate General for Agriculture and Rural Development to exchange knowledge and information, and to promote mutual understanding and trust, as we work together to address global challenges and achieve common goals.

“We are reaffirming our mutual commitment to sustainable and climate-smart agricultural production, recognizing that we are both engaged in multiple, effective ways to achieve mutually desired outcomes.

“We believe that, science and innovation will bring about a more sustainable agriculture. We must work together to devise systems and solutions that are good for agricultural producers, good for consumers, good for businesses, good for our communities, and good for our planet. This includes fair and open markets at the local, regional, and international levels that bolster food security and sustainable food systems.

“The European Union and the United States are committed globally to enhanced and sustainable production, alleviating poverty and hunger, protecting our environment, and confronting climate change. This transformational initiative provides a platform for us to work cooperatively towards these goals.”

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https://www.usda.gov/media/press-releases/2021/11/03/us-eu-launch-collaboration-platform-agriculture

Onions Grown in South Texas and Imported Onions; Termination of Marketing Order 959 and Change in Import Requirements

AGENCY:

Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA.

ACTION:

Proposed rule; Reopening of comment period.

SUMMARY:

The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is providing an additional thirty (30) days for public comments on a proposed rule that would terminate the Federal marketing order regulating the handling of onions grown in South Texas and the rules and regulations issued thereunder. A corresponding change would be made to the onion import regulation as required under section 8e of the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937. Reopening the comment period gives interested persons an additional opportunity to comment on the proposed termination.

DATES:

The comment period for the proposed rule published on August 5, 2021, at 86 FR 42748, is reopened. Comments must be received by December 8, 2021.

ADDRESSES:

Interested persons are invited to submit written comments concerning this proposal. Comments must be submitted to the Docket Clerk electronically by Email:MarketingOrderComment@usda.gov or internet: http://www.regulations.gov. All comments should reference the document number and the date and page number of this issue of the Federal Register and can be viewed at:http://www.regulations.gov. All comments submitted in response to this proposal will be included in the record and will be made available to the public. Please be advised that the identity of the individuals or entities submitting the comments will be made public on the internet at the address provided above. Read More→

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/11/08/2021-24301/onions-grown-in-south-texas-and-imported-onions-termination-of-marketing-order-959-and-change-in