UREA AMMONIUM NITRATE SOLUTIONS FROM RUSSIA AND TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO DO NOT INJURE U.S. INDUSTRY, SAYS USITC

The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that a U.S. industry is not materially injured or threatened with material injury by reason of imports of urea ammonium nitrate solutions from Russia and Trinidad and Tobago that the U.S. Department of Commerce (Commerce) has determined are subsidized and sold in the United States at less than fair value.

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

As a result of the Commission’s negative determinations, Commerce will not issue countervailing duty orders and antidumping duty orders on imports of this product from Russia and Trinidad and Tobago.

The Commission’s public report Urea Ammonium Nitrate Solutions from Russia and Trinidad and Tobago (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-668-669 and 731-TA-1565-1566 (Final), USITC Publication 5338, August 2022) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.

The report will be available by August 22, 2022; when available, it may be accessed on the USITC website at: http://pubapps.usitc.gov/applications/publogs/qry_publication_loglist.asp.

UNITED STATES INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION

Washington, DC 20436

FACTUAL HIGHLIGHTS

Urea Ammonium Nitrate (UAN) Solutions from Russia and Trinidad and Tobago

Investigation Nos: 701-TA-668-669 and 731-TA-1565-1566 (Final)

Product Description:Urea ammonium nitrate solutions (UAN) are a class of nitrogen fertilizers primarily composed of urea, ammonium nitrate, and water. The production of UAN uses natural gas as the primary input to manufacture ammonia, which is subsequently and separately transformed into urea and ammonium nitrate. These two kinds of nitrogen fertilizers are then mixed in roughly equal amounts with water to yield a solution with 28-32 percent nitrogen content. Urea and ammonium nitrate provide crop nutrition at different stages of plant growth. As a liquid, UAN can easily be blended with other fertilizers and pesticides during application. The current popularity of UAN use in its major markets of the United States and Europe is incentivized where transportation, storage, and distribution infrastructure is available. Read More→

https://www.usitc.gov/press_room/news_release/2022/er0718ll1961.htm

New USDA Database Will Replace Three Import Manuals and the Fruit and Vegetable Imports Requirement (FAVIR) Database

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has developed a new database called “Agricultural Commodity Import Requirements” (ACIR). ACIR gives users a simple search interface for finding and displaying import requirements for agricultural commodities. It will become the official location for import requirements for commodities currently found in the Fruit and Vegetable Import Requirements (FAVIR) database and three import manuals:

  • Cut Flowers and Greenery Manual

  • Seeds Not for Planting Manual

  • Miscellaneous Processed Products Manual

On Sept. 30, 2022, the FAVIR web page will redirect users to the ACIR landing page, and FAVIR will no longer be available on the APHIS website. On October 3, APHIS will remove the three manuals from its public-facing USDA website. The manuals will remain available to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and APHIS staff on an internal website. They will remain there for a transition period extending through the end of the calendar year 2023.

ACIR provides a single source to search for and retrieve entry requirements for imported commodities. ACIR information includes treatment schedules, inspection procedures, and other necessary information to determine admissibility, without the need to access multiple manuals. Users can check ACIR to see if they need to apply for a permit. APHIS’ eFile system for permit, license, and registration applications uses the ACIR import requirement data when processing plant and plant product permit applications.

APHIS’ ACIR benefits include:

  • A user-friendly search tool for commodity import information

  • All relevant import requirements for a given commodity presented in one place

  • Self-service responses to entry requirement questions

APHIS created a series of short, online ACIR video tutorials for importers, brokers, and members of the public to quickly learn how to navigate the simple interface. To ensure a smooth transition, APHIS strongly recommends that users of FAVIR or the three import manuals begin to use ACIR now. ACIR already offers access to all the commodity import requirement information found in the manuals. Read More→

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/newsroom/stakeholder-info/stakeholder-messages/plant-health-news/acir-database

Extension and Amendment of Import Restrictions on Archaeological and Ethnological Material From Cyprus

AGENCY:

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

ACTION:

Final rule.

SUMMARY:

This document amends the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations to reflect an extension and amendment of import restrictions on Pre-Classical and Classical archaeological objects, and Byzantine and Post-Byzantine ecclesiastical and ritual ethnological materials of the Republic of Cyprus. To fulfill the terms of the new agreement, titled “Agreement Between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Republic of Cyprus Concerning the Imposition of Import Restrictions on Categories of Archaeological and Ethnological Material of the Republic of Cyprus”, the Designated List, which was last described in CBP-Dec. 12-13, is amended in this document to reflect additional categories of archaeological material from an extended date range from the end of the Classical Period to A.D. 1770 and additional categories of ethnological material including architectural material, documents and manuscripts, traditional clothing, and emblems of the state. Read More→

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2022/07/18/2022-15398/extension-and-amendment-of-import-restrictions-on-archaeological-and-ethnological-material-from

APHIS Invites U.S. Stakeholders to Comment on IPPC Standards and Documents

PPQ is pleased to announce that the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) opened consultation on draft standards and specifications beginning July 1, 2022.

The IPPC has made several draft International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPMs), draft phytosanitary treatments, draft diagnostic protocols and draft specifications available for consultation (review and commenting). APHIS is inviting all interested U.S. stakeholders to participate in this consultation. You can find the list of available drafts, deadlines for commenting, and instructions for submitting comments on the APHIS website.

If you have any questions about IPPC consultation, please email Dr. Marina Zlotina, PPQ’s IPPC Technical Director, at marina.a.zlotina@usda.gov.

We look forward to receiving comments from your industry or organization.

Stay Involved!

U.S. stakeholders are vital to the work of the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) and North American Plant Protection Organization (NAPPO). Your input on proposed projects, review of draft standards and documents, and participation in IPPC and NAPPO events ensures we are developing relevant standards that advance U.S. harmonization goals. Standards facilitate the safe trade of plants, plant products and other regulated articles while protecting the environment, harmonize plant protection policies and practices among and between trading partners in North America and internationally, and provide a critical framework for addressing phytosanitary trade issues and negotiating market access requests.

Spread the Word! If you represent a large organization or association, please distribute this message to your membership.

Stay Connected! To receive these updates in your inbox, please subscribe to the APHIS Stakeholder Registry and select the “International Phytosanitary Standards” topic. Read More→

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/newsroom/stakeholder-info/stakeholder-messages/plant-health-news/ippc-standards-documents

TEXTILES AND APPAREL IMPORT REPORT

July 7, 2022

FROM: CONTACT:

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

INTERNATIONAL TRADE ADMINISTRATION

TEXTILES AND APPAREL IMPORT REPORT

OFFICE OF TEXTILES AND APPAREL WASHINGTON, D.C. 20230

BECKY L GEIGER (202) 482-3117

Do not Release to the Public until July 7, 2022

The Office of Textiles and Apparel reported today that imports of cotton, wool, man-made fiber, silk blends, and non-cotton vegetable fiber textile and apparel products totaled 10,682.8 million square meter equivalents (MSME) in May 2022, an increase of 42.7 percent compared to May 2021. Imports of textiles were 7,909.3 MSME in May 2022, up 51.9 percent from May 2021. Imports of apparel were 2,773.5 MSME in May 2022, up 21.6 percent from May 2021.

Imports of textiles and apparel were 46,955.7 MSME for the year-to-date May 2022, an increase of 44.9 percent from year-to-date May 2021. Imports of textiles were 33,152.9 MSME for the year-to-date May 2022, an increase of 55.1 percent from the year-to-date May 2021. Apparel imports for the year-to-date May 2022 were 13,802.7 MSME, up 25.0 percent from the year-to-date May 2021.

https://otexa.trade.gov/PDFs/Monthly%20Press%20Release/Press%20Release%20May%202022%20Data.pdf

CENSORSHIP-RELATED MEASURES IN CHINA CAUSE SIGNIFICANT ANNUAL REVENUE LOSSES FOR CERTAIN U.S. INDUSTRIES, REPORTS USITC

Foreign censorship and related measures led to significant foregone revenues for U.S. businesses annually and restricted the opportunity of U.S. businesses to provide services to hundreds of millions of users in China, according to a new report by the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC or Commission). 

The investigation, Foreign Censorship, Part 2: Trade and Economic Effects on U.S. Businesses, was requested by the Senate Committee on Finance (Committee) in a letter received on April 8, 2021. This report is the second of two reports on foreign censorship requested by the Committee. 

As requested, the USITC, an independent, nonpartisan, factfinding federal agency, reported on the impacts to U.S. businesses of foreign censorship in the key markets of China, Russia, Turkey, Vietnam, India, and Indonesia through the application of case studies and a survey. Findings from the report include:

  • Based on the survey results, businesses providing media and digital services are those most likely to be affected by censorship-related measures in China. Almost a quarter of U.S. media and digital service providers in China that were able to enter the Chinese market, representing more than half of the 2020 global revenue of all U.S. media and digital service providers active in China, experienced censorship-related measures. A significantly higher share of large businesses experienced censorship-related measures in China than small and medium-sized businesses. For U.S. media and digital service providers that experienced censorship:

    • Almost three-quarters were concerned about negative impacts on their operations in China, including their ability to provide products and services in China. Most also noted that censorship-related measures in China have become more challenging to manage in the past few years.

    • Almost 40 percent indicated that they had to self-censor to provide their products or services in China.

    • Over 40 percent experienced increased costs of doing business in China and/or lost revenue in China as a result of censorship-related measures.

  • Based on the case studies, the Commission estimates that the largest impacts associated with censorship-related measures are the forgone revenues from market access denial to businesses that provide social media platforms, over-the-top communications services, and internet search services, as well as audiovisual content.

Foreign Censorship, Part 2: Trade and Economic Effects on U.S. Businesses (Investigation No. 332-586, USITC Publication 5334, July 2022) is available on the USITC’s website at https://www.usitc.gov/publications/332/pub5334.pdf. The first report, Foreign Censorship, Part 1: Policies and Practices Affecting U.S. Businesses (Investigation No. 332-585, USITC Publication 5244, December 2021), is available on the USITC’s website at https://www.usitc.gov/publications/332/pub5244.pdf.

USITC general factfinding investigations, such as this one, cover matters related to tariffs or trade and are generally conducted under section 332(g) of the Tariff Act of 1930 at the request of the U.S. Trade Representative, the House Committee on Ways and Means, or the Senate Committee on Finance. The resulting report conveys the Commission’s objective findings and independent analyses on the subjects investigated. The Commission makes no recommendations on policy or other matters in its general factfinding reports. Upon completion of each investigation, the USITC submits its findings and analyses to the requester. General factfinding investigation reports are subsequently released to the public, unless they are classified by the requester for national security reasons. 

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https://www.usitc.gov/press_room/news_release/2022/er0707ll1958.htm

ACRYLONITRILE-BUTADIENE RUBBER FROM FRANCE, MEXICO, AND SOUTH KOREA, DOES NOT INJURE U.S. INDUSTRY, SAYS USITC

The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that a U.S. industry is not materially injured or threatened with material injury by reason of imports of Acrylonitrile-Butadiene Rubber from France, Mexico, and South Korea that the U.S. Department of Commerce (Commerce) has determined are sold in the United States at less than fair value.

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

As a result of the Commission’s negative determinations, Commerce will not issue antidumping duty orders on imports of this product from France, Mexico, and South Korea.

The Commission’s public report Acrylonitrile-Butadiene Rubber from France, Mexico, and South Korea (Inv. Nos. Inv. No. 731 TA-1567-1569 (Final), USITC Publication 5336, August 2022) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.

The report will be available by August 22, 2022; when available, it may be accessed on the USITC website at: http://pubapps.usitc.gov/applications/publogs/qry_publication_loglist.asp.

UNITED STATES INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20436

FACTUAL HIGHLIGHTS

Acrylonitrile-Butadiene Rubber from France, Mexico, and South Korea
Investigation Nos. 731 TA-1567-1569 (Final)

Product Description: 

The product covered by these investigations is commonly referred to as acrylonitrile butadiene rubber or nitrile rubber, a synthetic rubber produced by the emulsion polymerization of butadiene and acrylonitrile with or without the incorporation of a third component selected from methacrylic acid or isoprene. Coverage includes the product in solid or non-aqueous liquid form and includes carboxylated acrylonitrile butadiene rubber. The product is sold to customers who use it in downstream production of various products. It is most used in applications where a moderate level of heat and oil or fuel resistance is required, such as applications in the industrial hose, automotive, and the oil and gas industries. Downstream product applications include, but are not limited to, hoses, air ducts, oil and gas components, construction insulation, adhesives, mats, wires and cables, and seals for automotive and industrial use.

Read More→

https://www.usitc.gov/press_room/news_release/2022/er0711ll1959.htm

USITC MAKES DETERMINATIONS IN FIVE-YEAR (SUNSET) REVIEWS CONCERNING CORROSION-RESISTANT STEEL PRODUCTS FROM CHINA, INDIA, ITALY, SOUTH KOREA, AND TAIWAN

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that revoking the existing antidumping and countervailing duty orders on imports of corrosion-resistant steel products from China, India, Italy, South Korea, and Taiwan 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, India, Italy, South Korea, and Taiwan will remain in place. 

Chairman David S. Johanson and Commissioners Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, Jason E. Kearns, Randolph J. Stayin, 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 Corrosion-Resistant Steel Products from China, India, Italy, South Korea, and Taiwan (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-534-537 and 731-TA-1274-1278 (First Review), USITC Publication 5337, August 2022) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the reviews.

The report will be available by August 27, 2022; 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 Corrosion-Resistant Steel Products from China, India, Italy, South Korea, and Taiwan was instituted on June 1, 2021.

On September 7, 2021, the Commission voted to conduct full reviews. Chairman David S. Johanson and Commissioners Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, Jason E. Kearns, Randolph J. Stayin, and Amy A. Karpel concluded that for the reviews concerning China, India, Italy, and South Korea, the domestic group response was adequate and the respondent group responses were inadequate and voted for full reviews. For the review concerning Taiwan, Chairman David S. Johanson and Commissioners Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, Jason E. Kearns, Randolph J. Stayin, and Amy A. Karpel concluded that the domestic group response was adequate and the respondent group responses were adequate and voted for full reviews.

A record of the Commission’s vote to conduct full reviews 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/2022/er0713ll1960.htm

USITC INSTITUTES SECTION 337 INVESTIGATION OF CERTAIN UNIVERSAL GOLF CLUB SHAFT AND GOLF CLUB HEAD CONNECTION ADAPTORS, CERTAIN COMPONENTS THEREOF, AND PRODUCTS CONTAINING THE SAME

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) voted to institute an investigation of certain universal golf club shaft and golf club head connection adaptors, certain components thereof, 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 Club-Conex, LLC of Scottsdale, AZ on May 19, 2022.  The complaint alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in the importation into the United States and sale of certain universal golf club shaft and golf club head connection adaptors, certain components thereof, and products containing the same 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 Top Golf Equipment Co. Limited of Shenzen, GuangDong, China as the respondent this investigation.

By instituting this investigation (337-TA-120x), 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/2022/er0621ll1952.htm

DAVID S. JOHANSON BECOMES CHAIR OF U.S. INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION

David S. Johanson today becomes Chair of the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC).  He succeeded outgoing Chair Jason E. Kearns, whose term as Chair expired on June 16, 2022. Johanson, the senior Republican on the Commission, became Chair by operation of law in the absence of a Presidential designation.

Johanson was nominated to the USITC by President Barack Obama on April 8, 2011, and confirmed by the U.S. Senate on October 31, 2011.  He was sworn in as a member of the Commission on December 8, 2011, for the Commission term expiring on December 16, 2018.  He served as Chair of the USITC from June 17, 2018, to June 16, 2020, and Vice Chair from August 11, 2016, to June 16, 2018.

Johanson served as International Trade Counsel on the Republican staff of the Committee on Finance of the U.S. Senate from 2003 until his USITC appointment.  While on the staff of the Committee on Finance, he was responsible for legislative and policy matters involving negotiations of the World Trade Organization, the Free Trade Area of the Americas, the Trans-Pacific Partnership, and numerous free trade agreements.  He assisted in the passage of implementing legislation for free trade agreements between the United States and Australia, Bahrain, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Korea, Morocco, Nicaragua, Oman, Panama, Peru, and Singapore.  He also worked on legislative matters concerning trade preference programs (the Generalized System of Preferences, the African Growth and Opportunity Act, the Caribbean Basin Initiative, and the Andean Trade Preference Act), Miscellaneous Tariff Bills, Trade Adjustment Assistance, and the trade-related provisions of the 2008 Farm Bill.

Prior to his employment at the Committee on Finance, he practiced international trade law for six years at the law firm of Stewart and Stewart in Washington, D.C.  Earlier in his career, he worked for Senator Phil Gramm (R-TX), Representative Wally Herger (R-CA), and Representative George Radanovich (R-CA).

Johanson holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Stanford University, a Master of Philosophy degree from Cambridge University, and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Texas School of Law.  Chair Johanson is an Eagle Scout. He is originally from Austin, Texas.

 The USITC is an independent, nonpartisan, quasi-judicial federal agency that makes determinations in proceedings involving imports claimed to injure a domestic industry or violate U.S. intellectual property rights; provides independent tariff, trade, and competitiveness-related analysis and information to the legislative and executive branches of government; and maintains the U.S. tariff schedule.  Commissioners are appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate for nine year terms, unless they are appointed to fill unexpired terms.

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https://www.usitc.gov/press_room/news_release/2022/er0617ll1951.htm

Preliminary Determination in the Antidumping Duty Investigation of Emulsion Styrene-Butadiene Rubber from the Czech Republic and Russia

On June 15, 2022, the Department of Commerce (Commerce) announced its affirmative preliminary determinations in the antidumping duty (AD) investigations of emulsion styrene-butadiene rubber from the Czech Republic and Russia

USDA will Partner with Ukraine to Strengthen Agricultural Collaboration and Fight Global Food Insecurity

NEW YORK, June 16, 2022 – Today during a meeting with U.N. ambassadors and officials at the U.S. Mission to the U.N., United States Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and The Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine are entering into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to enhance coordination between the U.S. and Ukrainian agriculture and food sectors and build a strategic partnership to address food security.

“Since February the world has witnessed Russia’s unjustified invasion of Ukraine and the disruption it is causing to agricultural production, trade, and most importantly, food security,” said Secretary Vilsack. “Russia’s actions are posing major threats not only to the people of Ukraine but to countries in Africa and the Middle East that rely on the grains and other staples produced in Ukraine. Russia is using food as a weapon and a tool of war to threaten the livelihoods of those around the world, and that is something the agriculture community cannot and will not stand for.

“Ukraine needs the world’s support and this week I met with Ukrainian Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food Mykola Solskyi to express USDA’s commitment to helping rebuild and strengthen Ukraine’s agriculture sector. This MOU will amplify the strategic partnership between our two nations and leverage our collective strength to enhance productivity, address supply chain issues, and identify food security challenges. This is an important step forward and when implemented will allow us to better fight global food insecurity together.”

The MOU will establish a three-year partnership driven by the need to address the economic disruptions in the United States and worldwide due to the Russian war on Ukraine. It is the latest action being taken by the USDA as the Biden-Harris Administration addresses these problems through an all-of-government approach.

Through the MOU, the United States and Ukraine will agree to the consistent exchange of information and expertise regarding crop production, emerging technologies, climate-smart practices, food security, and supply chain issues to boost productivity and enhance both agricultural sectors. USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service will also mobilize its resources to provide Ukraine technical assistance for animal health, biosecurity, and sanitary and phytosanitary controls, and utilize the Borlaug Fellowship Program and re-establish the Cochran Fellowship Program to enhance U.S.– Ukraine collaboration and research as Ukraine rebuilds its agricultural sector.

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https://www.fas.usda.gov/newsroom/usda-will-partner-ukraine-strengthen-agricultural-collaboration-and-fight-global-food

STATEMENT: USDA Trade Mission Underway in London

LONDON, United Kingdom, June 21, 2022 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Secretary Dr. Jewel Bronaugh arrived today in London to launch a USDA agribusiness trade mission to the United Kingdom. Deputy Secretary Bronaugh is joined by a delegation of representatives from U.S. agribusinesses, farm organizations and state departments of agriculture who are interested in exploring export opportunities in this important market.

“I am honored to lead this diverse group of U.S. agribusinesses and representatives to the United Kingdom,” Dr. Bronaugh said. “The United Kingdom is a valued trading partner whose consumers demand the best quality products at a competitive price. I’m excited for mission participants to engage with potential customers for their world-class agricultural products. In 2021, the United Kingdom imported $1.9 billion of U.S. agricultural products and I’m confident this visit will help us continue to exceed expectations and meet the needs of UK consumers for years to come.”

Trade mission participants will engage directly with potential customers, receive in-depth market briefings, and participate in site visits.

Deputy Secretary Bronaugh will hold a media teleconference from London on June 24, at 12 p.m. ET. Credentialed reporters interested in participating should RSVP to press@usda.gov by 1 p.m. ET on June 23, for dial-in instructions.

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https://www.fas.usda.gov/newsroom/statement-usda-trade-mission-underway-london

FDA Announces Plans for Proposed Rule to Reduce Addictiveness of Cigarettes and Other Combusted Tobacco Products

Today, the Biden-Harris Administration published plans for future potential regulatory actions that include the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s plans to develop a proposed product standard that would establish a maximum nicotine level to reduce the addictiveness of cigarettes and certain other combusted tobacco products. The goal of the potential rule would be to reduce youth use, addiction and death. 

Each year, 480,000 people die prematurely from a smoking-attributed disease, making tobacco use the leading cause of preventable disease and death in the United States. Additionally, tobacco use costs nearly $300 billion a year in direct health care and lost productivity. 

While nicotine is not what makes smoking cigarettes so toxic, it’s the ingredient that makes it very hard to quit smoking. Addiction to nicotine in combusted products is the main driver of sustained use of these products. In fact, more than half of adult cigarette smokers make a serious quit attempt each year (quitting for at least a day), but most do not succeed due to the addictive nature of cigarettes. Such a product standard, if proposed and then finalized after a thorough process, would make those products minimally- or non-addictive.

“Nicotine is powerfully addictive,” said FDA Commissioner Robert M. Califf, M.D. “Making cigarettes and other combusted tobacco products minimally addictive or non-addictive would help save lives. The U.S. Surgeon General has reported that 87 percent of adult smokers start smoking before age 18, and about two-thirds of adult daily smokers began smoking daily by 18 years of age. Lowering nicotine levels to minimally addictive or non-addictive levels would decrease the likelihood that future generations of young people become addicted to cigarettes and help more currently addicted smokers to quit.” 

A paper published by the FDA in the New England Journal of MedicineExternal Link Disclaimer in 2018 projected that by year 2100, a potential nicotine product standard could result in more than 33 million people not becoming regular smokers, a smoking rate of only 1.4%, and more than 8 million fewer people dying from tobacco-related illnesses. The current smoking rate is 12.5%. Read More→

https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-announces-plans-proposed-rule-reduce-addictiveness-cigarettes-and-other-combusted-tobacco

FDA Infant Formula Update: June 17, 2022

Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is providing an update on additional steps it has taken that will lead to more infant formula available in the U.S. under the agency’s recent increased flexibilities.

Company (Product Origin): Danone (Ireland)

Product(s): Aptamil First Infant Milk Stage 1 (This infant formula is appropriate for most infants and meets U.S. nutrient requirements, but it may not be suitable for infants born prematurely, or with a low birth weight, infants who had low iron levels at birth, or infants who are at risk for becoming iron deficient due to illness. Parents and caregivers of infants born prematurely, or with a low birth weight, infants who had low iron levels at birth, or infants who are at risk for becoming iron deficient due to illness should check with their child’s health care provider to determine if this formula is appropriate for their child.  Additional iron may be needed in these instances.)

Type of Formula: General

Estimated Quantity: About 750,000 cans (about 1.3 million pounds or nearly 19 million full-size, 8-ounce bottles)

Availability: Expected in July - the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is evaluating options for getting the products to the U.S. as quickly as possible.

More Information and Where to Find the Products: Expected to be sold at major retailers. In July, consumers can learn more about Aptamil in the U.S. at us.aptamil.comExternal Link Disclaimer.

The FDA is exercising enforcement discretion for the importation of the infant formula products listed above following the review of information provided pertaining to nutritional adequacy and safety, including microbiological testing, labeling and additional information about facility production and inspection history. 

The agency is leveraging a number of flexibilities to bolster the supply of products that serve as the sole source of nutrition for many infants while ensuring the infant formula can be used safely and provides adequate nutrition. The FDA remains in further discussions with manufacturers and suppliers regarding additional supply to ensure there’s adequate infant formula available wherever and whenever parents and caregivers need it.

The FDA issued guidance on May 16 that outlined a process by which the agency would not object to the importation of certain infant formula products intended for a foreign market or distribution in the U.S. of products manufactured here for export to foreign countries. This guidance also may provide flexibilities to those who manufacture infant formula products domestically and may be able to further increase the quantity of domestically-produced product for the U.S. market. The agency has posted a webpage that will be updated with information about additional products headed to the U.S. Read More→

https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-infant-formula-update-june-17-2022

FREIGHT RAIL COUPLER SYSTEMS AND COMPONENTS FROM CHINA DO NOT INJURE U.S. INDUSTRY, SAYS USITC

The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that a U.S. industry is not materially injured or threatened with material injury by reason of imports of freight rail coupler systems and components from China that the U.S. Department of Commerce (Commerce) has determined are 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 negative. 

As a result of the Commission’s negative determinations, Commerce will not issue antidumping duty and countervailing duty orders on imports of these products from China.

The Commission’s public report Freight Rail Coupler Systems and Components from China (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-670 and 731-TA-1570 (Final), USITC Publication 5331, July 2022) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.

The report will be available by July 21, 2022; when available, it may be accessed on the USITC website at: http://pubapps.usitc.gov/applications/publogs/qry_publication_loglist.asp.

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 (Final)

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/2022/er0614ll1950.htm

USITC INSTITUTES SECTION 337 INVESTIGATION OF CERTAIN ELECTRONIC DEVICES AND SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES WITH TIMING-AWARE DUMMY FILL AND COMPONENTS THEREOF

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) voted to institute an investigation of certain electronic devices and semiconductor devices with timing-aware dummy fill 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 Bell Semiconductor, LLC of Bethlehem, PA on April 28, 2022 and supplemented on May 6, 2022, May 13, 2022, and May 19, 2022 (as revised on May 25, 2022). The complaint, as supplemented, alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in the importation into the United States, the sale for importation, and the sale within the United States after importation of certain electronic devices and semiconductor devices with timing-aware dummy fill and components thereof that infringe the patent 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 the respondents this investigation:

NXP Semiconductors, N.V. of Eindhoven, The Netherlands;
NXP B.V. of Eindhoven, The Netherlands;
NXP USA, Inc. of Austin, TX;
SMC Networks, Inc. d/b/a IgniteNet of Irvine, CA;
Micron Technology, Inc. of Boise, ID;
NVIDIA Corporation of Santa Clara, CA;
Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. of Santa Clara, CA;
Acer, Inc. of New Taipei City, Taiwan;
Acer America Corporation of San Jose, CA;
Infineon Technologies America Corp. of Milpitas, CA;
Analog Devices Inc. of Norwood, MA;
Bose Corporation of Framingham, MA;
Marvell Technology Group, Ltd. of Hamilton, Bermuda;
Marvell Semiconductor, Inc. of Santa Clara, CA;
Suteng Innovation Technology Co., Ltd. d/b/a RoboSense of Shenzen, China;
Kioxia Corporation of Tokyo, Japan;
Kioxia America, Inc. of San Jose, CA;
Socionext Inc. of Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan;
Socionext America, Inc. of Santa Clara, CA;
Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. of San Diego, CA;
Lenovo Group Ltd. of Haidan District, China; and
Motorola Mobility LLC of Chicago, IL.

By instituting this investigation (337-TA-1319), 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/2022/er0607ll1949.htm

U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services, April 2022

The U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis announced today that the goods and services deficit was $87.1 billion in April, down $20.6 billion from $107.7 billion in March, revised.

Exports, Imports, and Balance (exhibit 1)

April exports were $252.6 billion, $8.5 billion more than March exports. April imports were $339.7 billion, $12.1 billion less than March imports.

The April decrease in the goods and services deficit reflected a decrease in the goods deficit of $19.1 billion to $107.7 billion and an increase in the services surplus of $1.5 billion to $20.7 billion.

Year-to-date, the goods and services deficit increased $107.9 billion, or 41.1 percent, from the same period in 2021. Exports increased $151.3 billion or 18.8 percent. Imports increased $259.2 billion or 24.3 percent.

The average goods and services deficit decreased $0.3 billion to $94.3 billion for the three months ending in April.

  • Average exports increased $8.3 billion to $243.2 billion in April..

  • Average imports increased $8.0 billion to $337.4 billion in April.

Year-over-year, the average goods and services deficit increased $27.9 billion from the three months ending in April 2021.

  • Average exports increased $40.4 billion from April 2021.

  • Average imports increased $68.3 billion from April 2021. Read More→

Fifteenth Annual Federal Trade Commission Microeconomics Conference

Thursday, November 3, 2022 - Friday, November 4, 2022

Constitution Center
400 7th St SW
Washington, DC 20024
United States

Directions & Nearby

Event Description

The Federal Trade Commission's Bureau of Economics and the Tobin Center for Economic Policy at Yale University will host the 15th Annual FTC Microeconomics Conference on November 3 and 4, 2022 in Washington, D.C. This event will bring together scholars working in areas related to the FTC’s antitrust, consumer protection, and public policy missions.
The scientific committee for the conference is:

  • Dirk Bergemann (Yale University)

  • Julie Holland Mortimer (Boston College)

  • Catherine Tucker (Massachusetts Institute of Technology)

Organizers: Tom Koch (FTC) and Will Violette (FTC)
Staff Contact: Stephanie Aaron (202-326-3099)

We are continually monitoring the coronavirus situation as it pertains to our conference. If circumstances are such that an in-person conference would not be wise or feasible, we are making contingency plans to have an online event. Read More→

https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/events/2022/11/fifteenth-annual-federal-trade-commission-microeconomics-conference