U.S. Department of Commerce Publishes Text of Landmark Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) Supply Chain Agreement

The U.S. Department of Commerce today made publicly available the text of the proposed landmark Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) Supply Chain Agreement, marking another major milestone and accomplishment for the Biden-Harris Administration’s innovative approach to economic engagement. Following the release of the final text of the Agreement, the United States and partner countries will conduct their own domestic processes to prepare for signature of the Agreement. 

“The IPEF Supply Chain Agreement further delivers on President Biden’s commitment to revitalize American manufacturing and strengthen the critical supply chains our workers, companies, and consumers rely on,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “By working toward finalization of this monumental Agreement, the United States is taking an important step forward to fortify bonds with our partners throughout the Indo-Pacific. Working in lockstep, we will be prepared to best address our shared economic challenges together.”

The proposed Supply Chain Agreement is designed to enable IPEF partners to work together collaboratively to make supply chains more resilient, efficient, transparent, diversified, secure, and inclusive, including through information exchange, sharing of best practices, business matchmaking, collective response to disruptions, and supporting labor rights. This approach aims to create a commercial environment among IPEF partners that will make our supply chains more competitive and decrease costs for Americans. It is also designed to facilitate a reliable supply of critical goods during a time of crisis, working to ensure that American companies have access to key inputs and that American workers will not face unnecessary furloughs and work stoppages due to supply chain disruptions.

The IPEF partners continued collaboration would be accomplished through the formal establishment of three supply chain bodies.

Senior government officials from IPEF partners would form an IPEF Supply Chain Council responsible for overseeing collaboration on supply chain issues across the Indo-Pacific. This work would center around “critical sectors” and “key goods” identified by each partner as essential to its national security, public health and safety, or the prevention of widespread economic disruptions. The Council, envisioned to meet at least annually, would collaborate and organize teams of experts to assess capabilities, map supply chains, identify bottlenecks, and explore options for diversification of concentrated sources of supply for sectors and goods of shared interest. Read More→

https://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2023/09/us-department-commerce-publishes-text-landmark-indo-pacific-economic

United States Announces Resolution of the Outstanding WTO Poultry Dispute with India

WASHINGTON – United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai today announced that the United States and India have agreed to resolve their last outstanding dispute at the World Trade Organization, India — Measures Concerning the Importation of Certain Agricultural Products (DS 430). As part of the agreement, India also agreed to reduce tariffs on certain U.S. products, including frozen turkey, frozen duck, fresh blueberries and cranberries, frozen blueberries and cranberries, dried blueberries and cranberries, and processed blueberries and cranberries. These tariff cuts will expand economic opportunities for U.S. agricultural producers in a critical market and help bring more U.S. products to customers in India. The Exchange of Letters between the United States and India is available here. 

This announcement comes as President Biden met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi today in New Delhi, India for the G20 Leaders’ Summit. In August, Ambassador Tai met with India’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, following the G20 Trade and Investment Ministers’ Meeting. During that meeting, Ambassador Tai and Minister Goyal discussed this WTO dispute and expressed their shared desire to reach a solution soon.

“Resolving this last outstanding WTO dispute represents an important milestone in the U.S.-India trade relationship, while reducing tariffs on certain U.S. products enhances crucial market access for American agricultural producers,” said Ambassador Tai. “These announcements, combined with Prime Minister Modi’s State Visit in June and President Biden’s trip to New Delhi this week, underscores the strength of our bilateral partnership. I look forward to continuing to work with Minister Goyal to deliver inclusive economic opportunities for our people.”

In June, the United States and India agreed to terminate six outstanding disputes at the World Trade Organization. India also agreed to reduce tariffs on certain U.S. products, including chickpeas, lentils, almonds, walnuts, apples, boric acid, and diagnostic reagents.

Today’s agreement resolves the remaining long-standing dispute and opens a new chapter of bilateral cooperation that will deepen the trade relationship between the United States and India.

The Joint Statement on the 13th Ministerial-level meeting of the United States-India Trade Policy Forum, which was held on January 11, 2023, can be found here.

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https://ustr.gov/about-us/policy-offices/press-office/press-releases/2023/september/united-states-announces-resolution-outstanding-wto-poultry-dispute-india

Air Cargo Demand Strengthens Despite Challenges

Geneva - The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for July 2023 global air cargo markets, showing a continuing trend of recovering growth rates since February. July air cargo demand was tracking just 0.8% below the previous year’s levels. Although demand is now basically flat compared to 2022, this is an improvement on recent months’ performance that is particularly significant given declines in global trade volumes and rising concerns over China’s economy.

Global demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometers (CTKs*), tracked at 0.8% below July 2022 levels (-0.4% for international operations). This was a significant improvement over the previous month’s performance (-3.4%).

Capacity, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometers (ACTKs), was up 11.2% compared to July 2022 (8% for international operations). The strong uptick in ACTKs reflects the growth in belly capacity (29.3% year-on-year) due to the summer season.

Several factors in the operating environment should be noted:

  • In July, both the manufacturing output Purchasing Managers Index or PMI (49.0) and new export orders PMI (46.4) were below the critical threshold represented by the 50 mark, indicating a decline in global manufacturing production and exports.

  • Global cross-border trade contracted for the third month in a row in June, decreasing 2.5% year-over-year, reflecting the cooling demand environment and challenging macroeconomic conditions. The difference between the annual growth rates of air cargo and the global goods trade narrowed to -0.8 percentage points in June. While air cargo growth is still lagging world trade, the gap is the narrowest since January 2022. Read More→

https://www.iata.org/en/pressroom/2023-releases/2023-09-05-01/

USITC MAKES DETERMINATIONS IN FIVE-YEAR (SUNSET) REVIEWS CONCERNING ALUMINUM FOIL FROM CHINA

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that revocation of the existing antidumping and countervailing duty orders on aluminum foil 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 determinations, the existing orders 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 these five-year (sunset) reviews.

The Commission’s public report Aluminum Foil from China (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-570 and 731-TA-1346 (First Review), USITC Publication 5459, September 2023) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the reviews.

The report will be available by October 20, 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/er0908_64296.htm

CBERA CONTINUES TO HAVE A MINOR EFFECT ON U.S. IMPORTS, PRODUCERS, AND CONSUMERS AND A SMALL BUT POSITIVE IMPACT ON BENEFICIARY COUNTRIES; IMPORTS INCREASED IN 2022, SAYS USITC

The overall effect of the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act (CBERA) on the U.S. economy generally, and U.S. imports, industries, and consumers is small, while the effect on beneficiary countries is positive, reports the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) in its publication Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act: Impact on U.S. Industries and Consumers and on Beneficiary Countries, Twenty-Sixth Report, 2021-22.

The USITC, an independent, nonpartisan, factfinding federal agency, recently issued its 26th biennial report monitoring U.S. imports under CBERA. The CBERA program, operative since January 1, 1984, affords preferential tariff treatment to most products of the 17 designated Caribbean beneficiaries that received CBERA benefits during the period covered in the report.

The latest USITC report covers the impact of CBERA, as modified by the Caribbean Basin Trade Partnership Act of 2000 (CBTPA), and the HOPE and HELP Acts, on the United States, with particular emphasis on calendar years 2021 and 2022. CBERA requires the USITC to prepare a biennial report assessing both the actual and the probable future effect of CBERA on the U.S. economy generally, on U.S. imports, industries, and on U.S. consumers. The report also covers the impact of the preference program on the beneficiary countries. The following are highlights from the latest report.

  • The overall effect of CBERA imports on the U.S. economy generally and on U.S. imports, industries, and consumers continued to be small in 2021–22. For U.S. industries in particular, the overall effect of the program on domestic production, employment, and operating profits was also small. The USITC identified two U.S. industries – methanol and T-shirts – that most likely have faced small negative effects due to competition from CBERA imports.

  • U.S. imports receiving preferential treatment under CBERA totaled $2.6 billion in 2022, a significant increase of 44.7 percent from $1.8 billion in 2020, when import values were lower due to COVID-19.

    The increase in 2021 was driven primarily by increasing imports of textiles and apparel (an increase of $256 million or 34.6 percent), mostly from Haiti, while the increase in 2022 was driven by methanol and energy products (an increase of $384 million or 43.7 percent), mostly from Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana. Read More→

https://www.usitc.gov/press_room/news_release/2023/er0908_64298.htm

USITC VOTES TO CONTINUE INVESTIGATIONS ON MATTRESSES FROM BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA, BULGARIA, BURMA, INDIA, INDONESIA, ITALY, KOSOVO, MEXICO, PHILIPPINES, POLAND, SLOVENIA, SPAIN, AND TAIWAN

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 mattresses from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Burma, India, Italy, Kosovo, Mexico, Philippines, Poland, Slovenia, Spain, and Taiwan that are allegedly sold in the United States at less than fair value and imports of mattresses from Indonesia that are allegedly subsidized by the government of Indonesia. 

Chairman David S. Johanson and Commissioners Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, Jason E. Kearns, Randolph J. Stayin, 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 mattresses from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Burma, India, Indonesia, Italy, Kosovo, Mexico, Philippines, Poland, Slovenia, Spain, and Taiwan, with its preliminary countervailing duty determination due on or about October 23, 2023, and its preliminary antidumping duty determinations due on or about January 4, 2024.

The Commission’s public report Mattresses from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Burma, India, Indonesia, Italy, Kosovo, Mexico, Philippines, Poland, Slovenia, Spain, and Taiwan (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-693 and 731-TA-1629-1640 (Preliminary), USITC Publication 5460, September 2023) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.

The report will be available by October 20, 2023; when available, it may be accessed on the USITC website at:  https://www.usitc.gov/commission_publications_library. Read More→
https://www.usitc.gov/press_room/news_release/2023/er0908_64297.htm

FDA Signs Partnership with Ecuador to Enhance Safety of Shrimp Imports

Yesterday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) signed a Regulatory Partnership Arrangement (RPA) with Ecuador’s seafood regulatory authority to strengthen food safety in shrimp intended for the U.S. market. Shrimp is the most consumed seafood in the United States, the vast majority of which is imported. Ecuador is one of the leading exporters of aquacultured shrimp to the United States.  

The first of its kind, this regulatory partnership serves as an arrangement between the FDA and the Vice Ministry of Aquaculture and Fisheries (VMAF) to work more closely to reinforce food safety practices along the entire supply chain. Such arrangements aim to leverage commodity-specific oversight systems — in this case, involving imported aquacultured shrimp — along with data and information, to strengthen food safety before and at the port of entry.

In preparing for the RPA with Ecuador, in August 2022, the FDA and VMAF signed a confidentiality commitment (CC) that allows for the exchange of confidential information, including inspection records, sample findings, and other non-public documents.

In addition, the FDA did a rigorous assessment of the strength of Ecuador’s aquacultured seafood safety system and examined important parts of VMAF’s programs and capabilities. This includes assessment of key aspects of Ecuador’s regulatory framework for shrimp, including review of its:

  • Legal framework;

  • Inspection and enforcement capabilities;

  • Verification and audit programs;

  • Aquatic animals’ disease prevention and surveillance programs;

  • Illness outbreak responses;

  • Training; and

  • Laboratory resources. Read More→

https://www.fda.gov/food/cfsan-constituent-updates/fda-signs-partnership-ecuador-enhance-safety-shrimp-imports

USITC VOTES TO CONTINUE INVESTIGATIONS ON CERTAIN PEA PROTEIN 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 certain pea protein from China that are allegedly sold in the United States at less than fair value and subsidized by the government of China.

Chairman David S. Johanson and Commissioners Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, Jason E. Kearns, Randolph J. Stayin, 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 certain pea protein from China, with its preliminary countervailing duty determination due on or about October 5, 2023, and its preliminary antidumping duty determinations due on or about December 19, 2023.

The Commission’s public report Certain Pea Protein from China (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-692 and 731-TA-1628 (Preliminary), USITC Publication 5457, September 2023) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.

The report will be available by October 6, 2023; when available, it may be accessed on the USITC website at:  https://www.usitc.gov/commission_publications_library.

UNITED STATES INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION

Washington, DC 20436

FACTUAL HIGHLIGHTS

Certain Pea Protein from China

Investigation Nos: 701-TA-692 and 731-TA-1628 (Preliminary)

Product Description: The product covered by these investigations is high protein content (HPC) pea protein (containing at least 65 percent protein on a dry weight basis). HPC pea protein is generally used to add protein content to a wide range of food and beverage products. It is commonly a dry powder but can also be sold in liquid form.

Status of Proceedings:

1.    Type of investigations:  Preliminary countervailing duty and antidumping duty investigations.

2.    Petitioner:  Puris Proteins LLC, Minneapolis, Minnesota

3.    USITC Institution Date:  Wednesday, July 12, 2023.

4.    USITC Conference Date:  Wednesday, August 02, 2023.

5.    USITC Vote Date:  Friday, August 25, 2023.

6.    USITC Notification to Commerce Date:  Monday, August 28, 2023. Read More→

Final Affirmative Determination in the Antidumping Duty Investigation of Gas Powered Pressure Washers from the Socialist Republic of Vietnam

On August 23, 2023, the Department of Commerce (Commerce) announced its affirmative final determination in the antidumping duty (AD) investigation of gas powered pressure washers from the Socialist Republic of Vietnam (Vietnam).

FDA Import Alert "Detention Without Physical Examination of New Tobacco Products Without Required Marketing Authorization

Import Alert Name:

"Detention Without Physical Examination of New Tobacco Products Without Required Marketing Authorization"

Reason for Alert:

In June 2009, the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act provided FDA with authority to regulate tobacco products by recognizing it as the primary Federal regulatory authority with respect to the manufacture, marketing, and distribution of cigarettes, cigarette tobacco, roll-your-own tobacco, and smokeless tobacco. The Deeming rule, which published in the Federal Register on May 10, 2016, and took effect on August 8, 2016, extended FDA's authority to deemed tobacco products such as electronic cigarettes, cigars, hookah tobacco, and pipe tobacco, as well as their components and parts, but not their accessories.

The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act) generally requires premarket review for any "new tobacco product," which means any tobacco product that was not commercially marketed in the United States as of February 15, 2007, or any modification of a tobacco product where the modified product was commercially marketed in the United States after February 15, 2007 (section 910(a) of the FD&C Act; 21 U.S.C. 387j(a)). A marketing authorization order under section 910(c)(1)(A)(i) of the FD&C Act (21 U.S.C. 387j(c)(1)(A)(i)) is required for a new tobacco product unless (1) FDA issues an order finding the product substantially equivalent to a predicate tobacco product (section 910(a)(2)(A) of the FD&C Act) or (2) FDA issues an order finding the product to be exempt from the requirements of substantial equivalence and the required submission is made under section 905(j)(1)(A)(ii) of the FD&C Act (21 U.S.C. 387e(j)(1)(A)(ii)).

Deemed products that meet the definition of a "new tobacco product" are subject to the premarket requirements in sections 910 and 905 of the FD&C Act.

New tobacco products that do not have the required FDA marketing authorization are adulterated under section 902(6)(A) of the FD&C Act, and misbranded under section 903(a)(6) of the FD&C Act because a notice or other information respecting these products was not provided as required by section 905(j) of the FD&C Act (21 U.S.C. 387e(j)).

Guidance:

Divisions may detain, without physical examination, the tobacco products identified on the Red List of this Import Alert. If the division is not sure whether a tobacco product is the same product as one identified on the Red List, the division should consult with the Center for Tobacco Products (CTP). CTP concurrence is required to add a product to the Red List. Read More→
https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/cms_ia/importalert_1163.html

USITC VOTES TO CONTINUE INVESTIGATIONS ON CERTAIN PEA PROTEIN 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 certain pea protein from China that are allegedly sold in the United States at less than fair value and subsidized by the government of China.

Chairman David S. Johanson and Commissioners Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, Jason E. Kearns, Randolph J. Stayin, 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 certain pea protein from China, with its preliminary countervailing duty determination due on or about October 5, 2023, and its preliminary antidumping duty determinations due on or about December 19, 2023.

The Commission’s public report Certain Pea Protein from China (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-692 and 731-TA-1628 (Preliminary), USITC Publication 5457, September 2023) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.

The report will be available by October 6, 2023; when available, it may be accessed on the USITC website at:  https://www.usitc.gov/commission_publications_library.
 

 

UNITED STATES INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION

Washington, DC 20436

FACTUAL HIGHLIGHTS

Certain Pea Protein from China

Investigation Nos: 701-TA-692 and 731-TA-1628 (Preliminary)

Product Description: The product covered by these investigations is high protein content (HPC) pea protein (containing at least 65 percent protein on a dry weight basis). HPC pea protein is generally used to add protein content to a wide range of food and beverage products. It is commonly a dry powder but can also be sold in liquid form. Read More→
https://www.usitc.gov/press_room/news_release/2023/er0825_64257.htm

USITC MAKES DETERMINATION IN FIVE-YEAR (SUNSET) REVIEW CONCERNING POLYESTER STAPLE FIBER FROM CHINA

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that revocation of the existing antidumping duty order on polyester staple fiber 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 Polyester Staple Fiber from China (Inv. No. 731-TA-1104 (Third Review), USITC Publication 5456, August 2023) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the review. 

The report will be available by September 27, 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 terminating the suspended investigation 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/er0816_64241.htm

United States Establishes USMCA Dispute Panel on Mexico’s Agricultural Biotechnology Measures

WASHINGTON ­– United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai today announced that the United States is establishing a dispute settlement panel under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) regarding certain Mexican measures concerning biotech corn.  The United States is challenging measures set out in Mexico’s February 13, 2023 decree, specifically the ban on use of biotech corn in tortillas or dough, and the instruction to Mexican government agencies to gradually substitute—i.e., ban—the use of biotech corn in all products for human consumption and for animal feed.  Mexico’s measures are not based on science and undermine the market access it agreed to provide in the USMCA.
 
“The United States has used the tools provided by the USMCA in attempting to resolve concerns with Mexico’s biotechnology measures. Today, the United States is taking the next step in enforcing Mexico’s obligations under the USMCA,” said Ambassador Katherine Tai. “Through the USMCA dispute panel, we seek to resolve our concerns and help ensure consumers can continue to access safe and affordable food and agricultural products. It is critical that Mexico eliminate its USMCA-inconsistent biotechnology measures so that American farmers can continue to access the Mexican market and use innovative tools to respond to climate and food security challenges. Our bilateral relationship with Mexico, one of our oldest and strongest trading partners, is rooted in trust and honesty, and there are many areas where we will continue to cooperate and work together.”

“Mexico’s approach to biotechnology is not based on science and runs counter to decades’ worth of evidence demonstrating its safety and the rigorous, science-based regulatory review system that ensures it poses no harm to human health and the environment. Innovations in agricultural biotechnology play a key role in advancing solutions to our shared global challenges, including food and nutrition insecurity, the climate crisis and the lingering effects of food price inflation,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “By requesting the establishment of a dispute settlement panel with Mexico, the United States is continuing to exercise its rights under the USMCA to ensure that U.S. producers and exporters have full and fair access to the Mexican market. We will continue to support fair, open, science- and rules-based trade, which serves as the foundation of the USMCA as it was agreed to by all parties.” Read More→

https://ustr.gov/about-us/policy-offices/press-office/press-releases/2023/august/united-states-establishes-usmca-dispute-panel-mexicos-agricultural-biotechnology-measures

United States and Taiwan Hold Second Negotiating Round for the U.S.-Taiwan Initiative on 21st Century Trad

WASHINGTON – The United States and Taiwan, under the auspices of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States (TECRO), held an in-person negotiating round for the U.S.-Taiwan Initiative on 21st Century Trade in Washington, D.C. from August 14-18, 2023.

The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) led the U.S. delegation as the designated representative of AIT. The U.S. delegation was led by Assistant United States Trade Representative Terry McCartin and included representatives from other U.S. government agencies.

During the negotiating round, the two sides exchanged views on proposed texts covering agriculture, labor, and the environment. The conversations were productive and officials will continue to hold discussions in the months ahead in order to reach consensus.

Additional details about subsequent negotiating rounds will be provided at a later date.

This negotiating round comes after the United States and Taiwan, under the auspices of AIT and TECRO, signed an initial agreement under the initiative covering customs administration and trade facilitation, good regulatory practices, services domestic regulation, anticorruption, and small- and medium-sized enterprises. As a result of this agreement, U.S. businesses will be able to bring more products to Taiwan and customers there, while creating more transparent and streamlined regulatory procedures that can facilitate investment and economic opportunities in both markets, particularly for small- and medium-sized enterprises.

The first agreement was signed by representatives of AIT and TECRO on June 1, 2023. The text of this agreement can be found on USTR’s website.

These trade negotiations are being conducted consistent with the United States’ one China policy, which is guided by the Taiwan Relations Act, the three U.S.-China Joint Communiques, and the Six Assurances.

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https://ustr.gov/about-us/policy-offices/press-office/press-releases/2023/august/united-states-and-taiwan-hold-second-negotiating-round-us-taiwan-initiative-21st-century-trade-1

USITC MAKES DETERMINATIONS IN FIVE-YEAR (SUNSET) REVIEWS CONCERNING CUT-TO-LENGTH CARBON-QUALITY STEEL PLATE FROM INDIA, INDONESIA, AND SOUTH KOREA

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that revocation of the existing countervailing duty orders on cut-to-length carbon-quality steel plate (‘‘CTL plate’’) from India, Indonesia, and South Korea and revocation of the antidumping duty orders on CTL plate from India, Indonesia, and South Korea 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, Indonesia, and South Korea 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 for the reviews involving India, Indonesia, and South Korea. 

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 Cut-to-Length Carbon-Quality Steel Plate from India, Indonesia, and South Korea (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-388, 389, and 391 and 731-TA-817, 818, and 821 (Fourth Review), USITC Publication 5455, August 2023) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during these reviews. 

The report will be available by September 22, 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/er0810_64222.htm

USITC SUBMITS EVALUATION REPORT ON THE EFFECTIVENESS OF SAFEGUARD MEASURE ON LARGE RESIDENTIAL WASHERS TO THE PRESIDENT AND THE CONGRESS

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) today submitted to the President and the Congress a report evaluating the effectiveness of the safeguard measure on imports of large residential washers and certain parts thereof in facilitating positive adjustment by the domestic industry to import competition.

Section 204(d) of the Trade Act of 1974 (the “Act”) requires the USITC, upon termination of a safeguard measure, to evaluate the effectiveness of the action in facilitating positive adjustment by the domestic industry to import competition, consistent with the reasons set out by the President in the report submitted to the Congress under section 203(b) of the Act. The safeguard action on large residential washers went into effect on February 7, 2018, and after one extension, terminated on February 7, 2023. The Commission is required to submit a report on the evaluation to the President and the Congress no later than 180 days after the day on which the relief action was terminated.

The Commission’s public report Large Residential Washers: Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Import Relief (Inv. No. TA-201-076 (Evaluation), USITC Publication 5453, August 2023) will be available by August 7, 2023; when available, it may be accessed on the USITC website at: https://www.usitc.gov/commission_publications_library.

BACKGROUND

On January 23, 2018, following an affirmative injury determination by the Commission under the global safeguard law, the President issued a proclamation imposing tariff rate quotas on imports of large residential washers and certain parts thereof.  The remedy took effect on February 7, 2018, for a period of three years and one day.

On January 14, 2021, following receipt of a petition requesting an extension of the relief action and the Commission’s subsequent determination that the safeguard measure continued to be necessary to prevent or remedy the serious injury to the domestic industry and that there was evidence that the domestic industry was making a positive adjustment to import competition, the President extended the safeguard measure through February 7, 2023. Read More→
https://www.usitc.gov/press_room/news_release/2023/er0807_64208.htm

ILWU Canada members ratify negotiated tentative agreement; the BCMEA is ready to work to restore stability to Canada’s supply chain

The British Columbia Maritime Employers Association (BCMEA) has received confirmation that International Longshore and Warehouse Union Canada (ILWU Canada) voting membership have ratified the four-year negotiated tentative agreement that was achieved with the assistance of the Canada Industrial Relations Board earlier this week. The BCMEA ratified the agreement on July 31st. The agreement was reached after five months of negotiations, conciliation and mediation, and five weeks of labour instability at B.C.’s ports.

The renewed collective agreement includes increases in wages, benefits and training that recognizes the skills and efforts of B.C.’s waterfront workforce, while providing certainty and stability for the future of Canada’s West Coast ports.

As we move forward to implement the terms of the agreement, we are committed to working collaboratively with our labour partners, the federal government and key stakeholders to rebuild the reputation of Canada’s largest gateway.

The BCMEA recognizes and regrets the profound repercussions this labour disruption has had on the national economy, workers, businesses and ultimately, all Canadians that depend on an efficient and reliable supply chain. All supply chain stakeholders must collaborate now to ensure we do not see disruptions like this ever again. Whether in Halifax, Montreal, or the Pacific Gateway, Canadians are relying on us – employers, unions, and the federal government – to keep goods flowing and ensure supply chain stability and resilience for the future. Read More→
https://www.bcmeanegotiations.com/ilwu-canada-members-ratify-negotiated/

Forced Labor Enforcement Task Force Publishes Updated Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act Strategy

WASHINGTON – Today, the Forced Labor Enforcement Task Force (FLETF) published an updated Uyghur Forced LaboUyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act Prevention Act (UFLPA) Strategy to Prevent the Importation of Goods Mined, Produced, or Manufactured with Forced Labor in the People’s Republic of China.
 
The updated UFLPA Strategy highlights enforcement of the UFLPA’s rebuttable presumption, which prohibits goods from being imported into the United States that are either produced in Xinjiang, or by entities identified on the UFLPA Entity List, unless the importer can prove, by clear and convincing evidence, the goods were not produced with forced labor.  In the first year of enforcement under the new law, U.S Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reviewed more than 4,000 shipments valued at over $1.3 billion.
 
Additionally, the strategy highlights an expanded UFLPA Entity List, which as of August 2, 2023 will include four new companies.  Goods produced by Xinjiang Zhongtai Chemical Co., Ltd., Ninestar Corporation, including eight of its Zhuhai-based subsidiaries, Camel Group Co., Ltd., and Chenguang Biotech Group Co., Ltd., including one subsidiary, will be restricted from entering the United States because of their work with the PRC government to recruit, transport, transfer, harbor or receive forced labor or members of persecuted groups, including Uyghur minorities, out of the Xinjiang Uyghur region.
 
“The Forced Labor Enforcement Task Force represents a whole-of-government effort to implement the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act.  Today’s additions demonstrate the United States’ unwavering commitment to eliminating forced labor, including by ensuring that goods made by forced labor are not imported into our country,” said Ambassador Katherine Tai. “The Office of the United States Trade Representative will continue to work with our interagency task force partners to implement this legislation and eliminate forced labor from our supply chains.” Read More→
https://ustr.gov/about-us/policy-offices/press-office/press-releases/2023/august/forced-labor-enforcement-task-force-publishes-updated-uyghur-forced-labor-prevention-act-strategy

DHS Announces Two Additional PRC-Based Companies as a Result of Forced Labor Enforcement

WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced new enforcement actions to eliminate the use of forced labor practices in the U.S. supply chain and promote accountability for the ongoing genocide and crimes against humanity against Uyghurs and other religious and ethnic minority groups in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. The interagency Forced Labor Enforcement Task Force (FLETF), chaired by DHS, added two People’s Republic of China (PRC)-based companies to the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) Entity List. 

Effective August 2, 2023, goods produced by Camel Group Co., Ltd. and Chenguang Biotech Group Co., Ltd. and its subsidiary Chenguang Biotechnology Group Yanqi Co. Ltd. will be restricted from entering the United States as a result of the companies’ participation in business practices that target members of persecuted groups, including Uyghur minorities in the PRC. Camel Group Co., Ltd. is headquartered in Xiangyang City, Hubei Province, PRC and is among China’s largest lead-acid battery manufacturers. Chenguang Biotech Group Co., Ltd. is headquartered in Handan, Hebei province and produces plant-based extracts, food additives, natural dyes, pigments, and supplements from agricultural products; its subsidiary Chenguang Biotechnology Group Yanqi Co. Ltd. is located in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. DHS will publish the revised UFLPA Entity List as an appendix to a Federal Register notice.  Read More→ https://www.dhs.gov/news/2023/08/01/dhs-announces-two-additional-prc-based-companies-result-forced-labor-enforcement