U.S. Department of Commerce Invites Industry Groups to Apply for Export Promotion Funding

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) today released its report African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA): Program Usage, Trends, and Sectoral Highlights (Inv. No. 332-589). This investigation and report were requested by the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Ways and Means in a letter received on January 19, 2022. 

As requested, the USITC, an independent nonpartisan factfinding federal agency, conducted an investigation to gather information on and analyze the AGOA program’s usage and impact in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). This report provides information and analysis on the background and requirements of the AGOA program, utilization rates, trends in U.S. imports under AGOA, and the impact of the program on regional integration, workers, underserved communities, economic development, job growth, and poverty reduction. The report also includes case studies on four industries present in SSA: apparel, cotton, cocoa, and certain chemicals. 

The report finds that the impact of the AGOA program on beneficiary countries can be substantial depending on the sector, especially apparel. Moreover, although the influence throughout SSA as a whole has been minimal, interviews by Commission staff, fieldwork, and some academic literature indicate that AGOA may have had a positive impact in key areas such as poverty reduction and job growth in some countries. The effect was found to be particularly important in the apparel sector and among underserved groups, such as women. Anecdotal evidence indicated that while meeting AGOA eligibility requirements created a positive impact on workers and poverty reduction, the loss of program eligibility due to failure to meet program requirements had a negative impact on beneficiary economies and regional integration. 

Additional highlights from the report include:

  • AGOA benefits accrue to a subset of countries and sectors within SSA. Over three-quarters of non-crude petroleum imports under AGOA originated from five countries during 2014–21: South Africa, Kenya, Lesotho, Madagascar, and Ethiopia. Countries with lower utilization rates typically have few exports to the United States in general, or their primary traded goods are not eligible for AGOA preferences or are already duty free under normal trade relations. Read More→

https://www.usitc.gov/press_room/news_release/2023/er0417_63816.htm

CBP and Customs Administrations Agree on Strengthening Supply Chain Security

BOSTON—U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) signed Monday a Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) with the Customs Administrations of Guatemala and Colombia at the  Trade Facilitation and Cargo Security Summit. 

Acting Commissioner Miller (left) and Marco Livio Diaz Reyes (right), Superintendent of Guatemala’s Superintendencia de Administracion Tributaria

“By cooperating with our regional partners through MRAs and other bilateral arrangements, we are able to create a unified and sustainable security posture,” said Pete Flores, Executive Assistant Commissioner for CBP Field Operations. “As a result, we are furthering our efforts to facilitate trade and enhance our economic security mission.”

Hosted by Debbie Seguin, Assistant Commissioner for International Affairs, guests included Marco Livio Diaz Reyes, Superintendent of Guatemala’s Superintendencia de Administracion Tributaria, and Ingrid Magnolia Diaz Rincon, Director for the Direccion de Impuestos y Aduanas Nacionales de Colombia.

MRAs are bilateral understandings between two customs administrations providing a platform for the exchange of membership information and recognizes the compatibility of the respective supply chain security program.  

CBP reached this MRA after the customs administrations of Guatemala and Colombia had agreed on a Joint Work Plan (JWP) during 2022 Trade Facilitation and Cargo Security Summit, held in Anaheim, California.  The JWP is a document that lays out the path towards MRAs between the two customs administrations’ Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) programs. A JWP shows commitment from both programs, requires high level support, and lays out detailed steps towards MRA.

The document, referred to as an “arrangement,” indicate the security requirements or standards of the foreign industry partnership program, as well as its verification procedures, are the same or like those of the Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT) program.  Read More→

https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/national-media-release/cbp-and-customs-administrations-agree-strengthening-supply-chain-1

APHIS Releases New Strategic Plan for 2023-2027

Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) published a new 5-year strategic plan. It incorporates input we received from stakeholders on the strategic framework—a summarized version of the plan that we published in June 2022. The plan includes six strategic goals.

They focus on:

  • Protecting agriculture from plant and animal diseases and pests;

  • Positioning the Agency’s workforce to better meet current and future challenges;

  • Delivering solutions that reduce the impacts of zoonotic and emerging diseases, and ecosystem changes, such as climate change;

  • Expanding safe trade;

  • Managing wildlife diseases; and

  • Promoting the welfare of animals.

APHIS also released a strategic foresight report. It examines 10 societal, environmental, and technological trends and several future scenarios that the Agency must be prepared to navigate.

They include:

  1. Rise in security threats.

  2. Escalation of climate change threats.

  3. Political, geographical, and economic division.

  4. Increasing dependence on data analytics.

  5. Advances in science and technology.

  6. Changes in production practices.

  7. Evolving perceptions around animal welfare and wildlife in human society.

  8. Globalization.

  9. Rising global health threats.

  10. The changing federal workforce.

The strategic plan and foresight report are available on the APHIS website at https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/banner/aboutaphis/SA_Overview.

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https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/newsroom/stakeholder-info/sa_by_date/sa-2023/aphis-strategic-plan-23-27

Importing FDA regulated items:

All products regulated by the Food and Drug Administration must meet the same requirements, whether imported from abroad or produced domestically. The job of protecting consumers includes an ever-increasing need to oversee imports. 

Imported FDA-regulated products are electronically screened before they enter the U.S. Consumers and importers of imported FDA-regulated products will find helpful information detailed on this website.

How to start importing FDA-regulated products

USITC RELEASES REPORT CONCERNING THE AGOA PROGRAM AND ITS IMPACT ON SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA’S ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND WORKER

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) today released its report African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA): Program Usage, Trends, and Sectoral Highlights (Inv. No. 332-589). This investigation and report were requested by the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Ways and Means in a letter received on January 19, 2022. 

As requested, the USITC, an independent nonpartisan factfinding federal agency, conducted an investigation to gather information on and analyze the AGOA program’s usage and impact in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). This report provides information and analysis on the background and requirements of the AGOA program, utilization rates, trends in U.S. imports under AGOA, and the impact of the program on regional integration, workers, underserved communities, economic development, job growth, and poverty reduction. The report also includes case studies on four industries present in SSA: apparel, cotton, cocoa, and certain chemicals. 

The report finds that the impact of the AGOA program on beneficiary countries can be substantial depending on the sector, especially apparel. Moreover, although the influence throughout SSA as a whole has been minimal, interviews by Commission staff, fieldwork, and some academic literature indicate that AGOA may have had a positive impact in key areas such as poverty reduction and job growth in some countries. The effect was found to be particularly important in the apparel sector and among underserved groups, such as women. Anecdotal evidence indicated that while meeting AGOA eligibility requirements created a positive impact on workers and poverty reduction, the loss of program eligibility due to failure to meet program requirements had a negative impact on beneficiary economies and regional integration. 

Additional highlights from the report include:

  • AGOA benefits accrue to a subset of countries and sectors within SSA. Over three-quarters of non-crude petroleum imports under AGOA originated from five countries during 2014–21: South Africa, Kenya, Lesotho, Madagascar, and Ethiopia. Countries with lower utilization rates typically have few exports to the United States in general, or their primary traded goods are not eligible for AGOA preferences or are already duty free under normal trade relations.

Commerce Department Expands Restrictions on Exports to Russia and Belarus in Response to Ongoing Aggression in Ukraine

Today, the Department of Commerce, through the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), is issuing a final rule that expands its highly restrictive controls on the export and reexport of U.S.-origin and certain foreign-produced commodities, software, and technologies to Russia and Belarus, further choking off access to inputs and products needed to sustain their military capabilities.

As a result of the rule issued today, BIS has imposed highly restrictive license requirements on all categories of items on the Commerce Control List (CCL) to Russia and Belarus, which expands U.S. scrutiny of transactions to almost any sensitive dual-use technology, software, or commodities that could be used to support Russia’s war effort. Furthermore, by applying a policy of denial to applications involving these items, the U.S. is effectively cutting off Russia and Belarus from access to a range of items. These restrictions should continue to severely degrade Russia’s ability to sustain its aggression, as supported by Belarus.

“Last weekend’s horrific revelations are further evidence that Russia’s brutality must be met strongly by the international community. The Department of Commerce is using the authorities it has to respond to Putin’s depravity,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo. “Today’s action by BIS, in cooperation with our international allies and partners, shows that we will continue to apply pressure on Russia’s and Belarus’s strategic sectors to degrade their military capabilities.”

“It’s difficult to see the images and hear the reports from Bucha and not be deeply affected. Vladimir Putin’s campaign of destruction is appalling, and the United States and our allies and partners will continue applying severe pressure in multiple ways to bring an end to this carnage,” said Deputy Secretary of Commerce Don Graves. “The Department of Commerce will continue to use the authorities it has to do its part in that international and interagency effort.”

“Vladimir Putin’s absolute disregard for the humanity of the people of Ukraine demonstrates why Russia’s military must be cut off from the high-tech commodities, software, and technologies that the U.S. and our allies and partners produce,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Export Administration Thea D. Rozman Kendler. “Russia and Belarus have used their access to inputs and products not to purse peaceful prosperity but instead to commit atrocities. Today’s action will further isolate Russia and Belarus and stifle their military capacity.” Read More→

https://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2022/04/commerce-department-expands-restrictions-exports-russia-and-belarus

CBP Provides Guidance on Cybersecurity Best Practices to Increase Supply Chain Resiliency

WASHINGTON — U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) released Monday a new guidance document containing best practices for customs brokers on how to prepare for and respond to a cyber-attack.

The new resource makes recommendations on how to prevent, respond to, and recover from potential cyber-attacks on customs broker data systems, from proactively putting in place plans and preventative IT controls to resuming normal business operations upon system remediation.

“Preparing for a disaster means thinking about the worst things that could happen, or even things that are just disruptive, and having a plan in place to handle each of those scenarios,” said Office of Trade’s Executive Assistant Commissioner AnnMarie R. Highsmith during her opening remarks at the tabletop exercise. “The time for preparedness is now.”

This document is part of a broader CBP supply chain resiliency focus and reflects insights gathered from recent cyber-attacks and a tabletop exercise CBP held this February in Washington, D.C. That event brought together representatives from CBP, partner government agencies, and licensed customs brokers to test the customs environment’s existing cyber security guidance and identify opportunities to improve supply chain resiliency.

In addition to the Cyber Incident Guidance for Customs Brokers, CBP is developing more detailed cyber-attack guidance that will be shared on CBP.gov.

CBP is focusing on supply chain resiliency to establish clear expectations for both industry and government actors on processes, procedures, and responsibilities in the face of man-made supply chain disruptions. Recent events have resulted in significant disruptions to commercial and consumer activity, including shortages of personal protective equipment, baby formula, and other critical goods.

Cybersecurity is the first topic CBP is exploring as part of supply chain resiliency efforts.

CBP looks forward to continued collaboration with government and industry partners to improve collective readiness and mitigate the negative impacts of future supply chain disruptions on consumers and businesses in the U.S.

You can access the guidance at https://www.cbp.gov/document/guidance/cyber-incident-guidance-customs-brokers!

https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/national-media-release/cbp-provides-guidance-cybersecurity-best-practices-increase-supply

USITC INSTITUTES SECTION 337 INVESTIGATION OF CERTAIN PORTABLE BATTERY JUMP STARTERS AND COMPONENTS THEREOF (II

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) voted to institute an investigation of certain portable battery jump starters 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 The NOCO Company of Glenwillow, OH, on February 13, 2023. An amended complaint was filed on March 13, 2023. The complaint alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in the importation into the United States and sale of certain portable battery jump starters and components thereof that infringe patents asserted by the complainant. The complainant requests that the USITC issue a permanent limited exclusion order and cease and desist orders. 

The USITC has identified the following respondents in this investigation:

  • Shenzhen Carku Technology Co., Ltd., of Shenzhen, Guangdong, China; 

  • Aukey Technology Co., Ltd., of Shenzhen, China; 

  • Metasee LLC of Pearland, TX; 

  • Ace Farmer LLC of Houston, TX;  

  • Shenzhen Gooloo E-Commerce Co., Ltd., of Shenzhen China; 

  • Gooloo Technologies LLC of Shenzhen, China; 

  • Shenzhen Konghui Trading Co., Ltd., d/b/a Hulkman Direct of Shenzhen, Guangdong, China; 

  • HULKMAN LLC of Santa Clara, CA; 

  • Shenzhen Take Tools Co. Ltd. of Shenzhen, Guangdong, China; 

  • Shenzhenshi Daosishangmao Youxiangongsi d/b/a/ Fanttik Direct of Shenzhen, Guangdong, China;

  • Shenzhenshi Dianjia Technology Co., Ltd. d/b/a Yesper Direct (Hong Kong Haowei Technology Co. Ltd.) of Hong Kong; 

  • Shenzhenshi Xinmeitemuxiangbao Zhuangyouxiangongsi d/b/a Thikpo (Spanarci) of Shenzhen, Guangdong, China; 

  • Guangzhou Sihao Trading Co., Ltd d/b/a Snailhome (Audew) of Shenzhen, China; 

  • ChangShaHongMaoKai KeJiYouXianGongSi d/b/a TopdonStarter of ChangSha HuNan China; 

  • Shenzhenshi Shoudiankejiyouxiangongsi d/b/a Solvtin of Sshenzhen Longhuaqu China; 

  • Shenzhen Winplus Shenzhen Pinwang Industrial Technology Co., Ltd. of Shenzhen, China; 

  • Winplus North America, Inc. of Costa Mesa, CA; 

  • Winplus NA, LLC of Costa Mesa, CA

  • ADC Solutions Auto LLC d/b/a Type S Auto of Costa Mesa, CA.

By instituting this investigation (337-TA-1359), 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/2023/er0412_63807.htm

USITC INSTITUTES SECTION 337 INVESTIGATION OF CERTAIN LED LANDSCAPE LIGHTING DEVICES, COMPONENTS THEREOF, AND PRODUCTS CONTAINING SAME

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) voted to institute an investigation of certain LED landscape lighting devices, components thereof, and products containing 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 Wangs Alliance Corporation d/b/a WAC Lighting of Port Washington, NY, on March 10, 2023, and supplemented on March 23, 2023. The complaint alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in the importation into the United States and sale of certain LED landscape lighting devices, components thereof, and products containing same that infringe patents asserted by the complainant. The complainant requests that the USITC issue a permanent limited exclusion order and a permanent cease and desist order. 

The USITC has identified Hinkley Lighting, Inc., of Avon Lake, OH as the respondent in this investigation.

By instituting this investigation (337-TA-1358), 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/2023/er0410_63791.htm

USITC MAKES DETERMINATIONS IN FIVE-YEAR (SUNSET) REVIEWS CONCERNING PNEUMATIC OFF-THE-ROAD TIRES FROM INDIA

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that revoking the existing antidumping and countervailing duty orders on pneumatic off-the-road tires from India 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 India 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 Pneumatic Off-the-Road Tires from India (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-552 and 731-TA-1308 (Review), USITC Publication 5417, April 2023) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the review. 

The report will be available by May 25, 2023; 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.  Read More→

https://www.usitc.gov/press_room/news_release/2023/er0407_63762.htm

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that after March 31, 2023, it will not be enforcing the juice content requirements for the 2023-24 season.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that after March 31, 2023, it will not be enforcing the juice content requirements for the 2023-24 season as it works with industry to review the imported grapefruit juice content requirements. While these specific import regulation requirements, issued under Section 608e of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1937 Act, will not be enforced, all other standards for grade, size, and maturity remain unchanged. 

In August 2022, USDA notified the industry that the juice content requirements would be enforced from October 1, 2022, to March 31, 2023, while these requirements were reviewed by the Department. USDA is conducting extensive outreach to citrus industry representatives to develop a permanent solution that will meet the needs of the industry while also addressing trade policy concerns.  

More information about the import requirements regulating grapefruit is available on the Section 8e & Imports webpage for grapefruit. More information about federal marketing orders is available on the Market Development Division webpage or by contacting the Market Development Division at (202) 720-2491. 

The Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937 (AMMA) applies to specific fruit, vegetable, and specialty crop imports into the United States and requires imported products to meet the same or comparable grade, size, quality, and maturity standards as domestic products covered by Federal marketing orders.   

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https://www.ams.usda.gov/content/usda-announces-juice-content-requirements-imported-grapefruit-juice-will-not-be-enforced

CBP announces update to hours of operation at four additional northern border Ports of Entry

WASHINGTON—U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced today that it will update hours of operations at an additional four northern border ports of entry (POE) starting April 15, 2023.  The locations, located geographically within the Boston and Seattle Field Offices, will be the North Troy and West Berkshire POEs in Vermont, the Del Bonita POE in Montana, and the Laurier POE in Washington. 

The North Troy and West Berkshire POEs will both extend to 24 hours of operation seven days a week and will align with the Canada Border Services Agency’s hours of operation.

The Del Bonita, MT POE will resume operations on weekends, and will open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week. The Laurier, WA POE will extend its hours from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. to 8 a.m.-10 p.m. seven days a week.

For several years, CBP has documented a reduction in privately-owned vehicle and pedestrian traffic at some POEs along its northern border. As part of CBP’s obligation to use its resources responsibly and most efficiently, continual evaluations of workload, staffing, operating costs, and traffic volumes are performed to align operating hours that reflect traffic patterns and place employees where they can be most useful.

CBP is sensitive to the concerns raised by local communities regarding reduced hours of operation and is working closely with its partners to discuss the operational details surrounding changes to port hours and is in close coordination with local governmental officials and congressional stakeholders.  CBP continues to work with CBSA to address shared concerns along the northern border and will continue to evaluate traffic volumes and other relevant data points when making decisions related to hours of operation and staffing. These efforts enable CBP to better align staffing during peak hours, which in turn, allows CBP to better serve the public and complete its border security mission.

https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/local-media-release/cbp-announces-update-hours-operation-four-additional-northern-border

USITC MAKES DETERMINATION IN FIVE-YEAR (SUNSET) REVIEW CONCERNING PAPER CLIPS FROM CHINA

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that revocation of the existing antidumping duty order on paper clips 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. 

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 this five-year (sunset) review.

The Commission’s public report Paper Clips from China (Inv. No. 731-TA-663 (Fifth Review), USITC Publication 5418, April 2023) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the review. 

The report will be available by May 9, 2023; 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. Read More→

https://www.usitc.gov/press_room/news_release/2023/er0330_63728.htm

Final Affirmative Determinations in the Antidumping Duty Investigations of Certain Preserved Mushrooms from the Netherlands, Poland, and Spain

On March 21, 2023, the Department of Commerce (Commerce) announced its affirmative final determinations in the antidumping duty (AD) investigations of certain preserved mushrooms from the Netherlands, Poland, and Spain.

U.S. COMMERCE DEPARTMENT REACHES SUSPENSION AGREEMENTS WITH ARGENTINA ON WHITE GRAPE JUICE CONCENTRATE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 20, 2023
Contact: Office of Public Affairs
publicaffairs@trade.gov

WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Department of Commerce announced the successful negotiation of antidumping and countervailing duty (AD/CVD) suspension agreements on White Grape Juice Concentrate (WGJC) from Argentina. This outcome is a critical win for the domestic industry, as it will provide certainty and relief to U.S. domestic producers facing unfair trade practices, including unfair foreign pricing and subsidization.

The agreements impose an export limit and minimum selling prices for imports from Argentina and will suspend Commerce’s AD/CVD investigations that were initiated after a domestic producer filed a complaint in 2022 alleging unfair trade practices and requesting the imposition of U.S. antidumping and countervailing duties.

“Our investigators work hard to protect U.S. industries and workers against the harm imposed by unfair foreign trade practices by rigorously enforcing U.S. trade law,” said Lisa Wang, Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Enforcement and Compliance. “These agreements will provide an effective remedy for grape farmers and processors of white grape juice concentrate alike, while establishing certainty for fair competition in the years ahead.”

The Enforcement and Compliance division of Commerce’s International Trade Administration (ITA) will track import volumes and prices of Argentine WGJC in the United States and monitor compliance of these agreements through well-established mechanisms that include quarterly signatory reporting requirements and on-site examinations of signatory producers’ and exporters’ pricing and distribution practices.

ITA’s Enforcement and Compliance (E&C) division works to ensure a level playing field for U.S. industries by defending against unfair trade and ensuring compliance with existing trade agreements. Currently, E&C administers 665 AD/CVD orders and now eight suspension agreements.

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https://www.trade.gov/press-release/us-commerce-department-reaches-suspension-agreements-argentina-white-grape-juice

UCBP UFLPA Region Alert FAQs

Document Posting Date

Thu, 03/23/2023 - 12:00

On March 18, 2023, CBP deployed the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) Region Alert enhancement to the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE). This enhancement provides an early notification to importers and their representative of goods that may have been produced in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (Xinjiang or XUAR) and may be excluded from importation into the United States. This enhancement includes electronic data interchange (EDI) impacts.

Here are some frequently asked questions about the Region Alert and its impact on Chinese postal code requirements.

Tags: 

Forced Labor

https://www.cbp.gov/document/faqs/uflpa-region-alert-faqs

USITC MAKES DETERMINATION IN FIVE-YEAR (SUNSET) REVIEW CONCERNING URANIUM FROM RUSSIA

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that termination of the suspended investigation on uranium from Russia 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 suspension agreement on imports of this product from Russia will remain in effect. 

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 this five-year (sunset) review.

The Commission’s public report Uranium from Russia (Inv. No. 731-TA-539-C (Fifth Review), USITC Publication 5416, March 2023) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the review. 

The report will be available by April 28, 2023; 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. Read More→

https://www.usitc.gov/press_room/news_release/2023/er0323_63706.htm

USITC MAKES DETERMINATIONS IN FIVE-YEAR (SUNSET) REVIEWS CONCERNING STAINLESS STEEL BUTT-WELD PIPE FITTINGS FROM ITALY, MALAYSIA, AND THE PHILIPPINES

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that revocation of the existing antidumping duty orders on stainless steel butt-weld pipe fittings from Italy, Malaysia, and the Philippines 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 Italy, Malaysia, and the Philippines 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 Stainless Steel Butt-Weld Pipe Fittings from Italy, Malaysia, and the Philippines (Inv. Nos. 731-TA-865-867 (Fourth Review), USITC Publication 5415, March 2023) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the reviews. 

The report will be available by April 28, 2023; 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. Read More→

https://www.usitc.gov/press_room/news_release/2023/er0322_63700.htm

CERTAIN EFFECTS OF SECTION 232 AND 301 TARIFFS REDUCED IMPORTS AND INCREASED PRICES AND PRODUCTION IN MANY U.S. INDUSTRIES

Additional U.S. tariffs imposed under section 232 on imports of steel and aluminum products and under section 301 on certain imports from China reduced U.S. imports of these products and increased U.S. production and prices of these products, affecting the many industries that produce or sell these products or use them as inputs, according to the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) in a report released today.

The report, Economic Impact of Section 232 and 301 Tariffs on U.S. Industries, was prepared in response to a direction by the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations in an explanatory statement accompanying the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022, enacted on March 15, 2022. 

As directed by the explanatory statement, the USITC, an independent, nonpartisan, factfinding federal agency, conducted a retrospective analysis of any tariffs imposed under section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 and under section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 that were active as of March 15, 2022. These actions included section 232 tariffs imposed on certain steel and aluminum products beginning in March 2018 and section 301 tariffs imposed on thousands of products imported from China beginning in July 2018. The explanatory statement directed that the report focus on the effects on trade, production, and prices in the industries directly and most affected. Read More→

https://www.usitc.gov/press_room/news_release/2023/er0315_63679.htm