USITC MAKES DETERMINATION IN FIVE-YEAR (SUNSET) REVIEW CONCERNING FOUNDRY COKE FROM CHINA

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that revocation of the existing antidumping duty order on foundry coke 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, and Amy A. Karpel voted in the affirmative. Commissioner Randolph J. Stayin did not participate.

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 Foundry Coke from China (Inv. No. 731-TA-891 (Fourth Review), USITC Publication 5468, October 2023) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the review. 

The report will be available by November 17, 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/er1012_64412.htm

Commerce Initiates Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Investigations of Aluminum Lithographic Printing Plates from the People’s Republic of China and Japan

On October 19, 2023, the U.S. Department of Commerce (Commerce) announced the initiation of antidumping duty (AD) investigations of aluminum lithographic printing plates (printing plates) from the People’s Republic of China (China) and Japan and a countervailing duty (CVD) investigation of printing plates from China.

Read More→ https://www.trade.gov/initiation-ad-and-cvd-investigations-aluminum-lithographic-printing-plates-china-and-japan

CSMS # 58071580 - FDA publishes YouTube video “Importing FDA-Regulated Products: Human Foods”

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is excited to announce the release of a new YouTube video on the FDA’s Import Process for Human Foods.

Watch “Importing FDA-Regulated Products: Human Foods” now on FDA’s YouTube channel!

 If you are importing a food product, there is a good chance it is regulated by FDA. The agency regulates all foods and food ingredients introduced into or offered for sale in interstate commerce, except for meat, poultry, certain processed egg products, and catfish, which are regulated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The regulatory requirements may depend on the specific nature of your product.

 As part of the FDA’s commitment to protect public health by ensuring the safety of our nation’s food supply, we have developed this video to assist businesses, individuals, and governments in navigating the complexities of importing safe and compliant food into the United States. We encourage you to share this video across your networks, spreading awareness of this valuable resource among peers, colleagues, and interested stakeholders.

 To successfully import food products into the United States, there are many things an importer should know regarding the products they are importing and their suppliers. This video will provide helpful information on the FDA import process for food including: Read More→
https://content.govdelivery.com/bulletins/gd/USDHSCBP-3761a1c?wgt_ref=USDHSCBP_WIDGET_2

Elimination of Debit Voucher Interest Accruing Before the Issuance of a Bill

AGENCY:

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

ACTION:

Interim final rule; solicitation of comments.

SUMMARY:

This document amends the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations to reflect the elimination of CBP's collection of interest specific to debit vouchers in order to enable CBP to efficiently include debit voucher bills in CBP's automated billing process in the Automated Commercial Environment. As a result of this change, CBP will automatically issue debit voucher bills, inclusive of all applicable interest accruing on such bills and dishonored payment fees. Interest on the debited amount will accrue from the date of the issuance of a debit voucher bill, and no longer from the date of the debit voucher. Read More→

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/10/23/2023-23305/elimination-of-debit-voucher-interest-accruing-before-the-issuance-of-a-bill

USITC MAKES DETERMINATIONS IN FIVE-YEAR (SUNSET) REVIEWS CONCERNING STEEL WIRE GARMENT HANGERS FROM TAIWAN AND VIETNAM

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that revocation of the existing countervailing duty order on steel wire garment hangers from Vietnam and the existing antidumping duty orders on steel wire garment hangers from Taiwan and Vietnam would be likely to lead to continuation or recurrence of material injury within a reasonably foreseeable time. 

As a result of the Commission’s affirmative determinations, the existing orders on imports of this product from Taiwan and Vietnam 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 Steel Wire Garment Hangers from Taiwan and Vietnam (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-487 and 731-TA-1197-1198 (Second Review), USITC Publication 5464, October 2023) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the reviews. 

The report will be available by November 2, 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/er0921_64331.htm

GAS POWERED PRESSURE WASHERS FROM VIETNAM INJURE U.S. INDUSTRY, SAYS USITC

The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that a U.S. industry is materially injured by reason of certain imports of gas powered pressure washers from Vietnam 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, and Amy A. Karpel voted in the affirmative. Commissioner Randolph J. Stayin did not participate.

As a result of the Commission’s affirmative determination, Commerce will issue an antidumping duty order on imports of this product from Vietnam.

The Commission also made a negative critical circumstances finding with respect to imports of this product from Vietnam. As a result, these imports will not be subject to retroactive antidumping duties.

The Commission’s public report, Gas Powered Pressure Washers from Vietnam (Inv. No. 731-TA-1598 (Final), USITC Publication 5465, October 2023) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigation.

The report will be available by November 6, 2023; when available, it may be accessed on the USITC website at: http://pubapps.usitc.gov/applications/publogs/qry_publication_loglist.asp.

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Gas Powered Pressure Washers from Vietnam

Investigation No: 731-TA-1598 (Final)

Product Description: The products covered by this investigation are cold-water gas powered pressure washers ("GPPW"). These machines have three main components: an internal combustion engine, a power take-off shaft, and a positive displacement pump. Together, these components are known as the "power unit." GPPW include both finished and unfinished gas powered pressure washers, which include, at a minimum, the power unit, or components of the components of the power unit, packaged or imported together." Additional components, including, but not limited to, spray guns, nozzles, and hoses, may accompany the power unit.

Status of Proceedings:

1.   Type of investigation:  Final antidumping duty investigation.

2.   Petitioner: FNA Group, Inc.

3.   USITC Institution Date:  Friday, December 30, 2022.

4.   USITC Hearing Date:  Thursday, August 24, 2023.

5.   USITC Vote Date:  Monday, September 25, 2023.

6.   USITC Notification to Commerce Date:  Friday, October 13, 2023. Read More→
https://www.usitc.gov/press_room/news_release/2023/er0925_64352.htm

CBP Releases August 2023 Monthly Update

Release Date

Fri, 09/22/2023

WASHINGTON – U.S. Customs and Border Protection released operational statistics today for August 2023. CBP remains vigilant and expects to see fluctuations in migration, knowing that smugglers continue to mislead and exploit vulnerable individuals. Encounters along the Southwest border remain lower than levels seen in November and December 2022, when the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Public Health Order pursuant to Title 42 was in effect.

“CBP remains vigilant in the face of ruthless smugglers and transnational criminal organizations who exploit vulnerable migrants, the same criminal organizations trafficking in lethal drugs that harm our communities,” said Troy A. Miller, Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Commissioner. “Our operational tempo along the border has increased in response to increased encounters, and we remain squarely focused on our broader security mission and enforcing U.S. immigration laws. We are maximizing consequences against those without a legal basis to remain in the United States, including by processing more individuals into expedited removal than ever before. The men and women of CBP continue to work, day in and day out, to protect our nation, disrupting the entry of dangerous people and dangerous goods into the country while providing humanitarian care for vulnerable individuals.”

Below are key operational statistics for CBP’s primary mission areas in August 2023. View all CBP statistics online. Read More→
https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/national-media-release/cbp-releases-august-2023-monthly-update

Notice of Decision To Authorize the Importation of Fresh Baby Kiwi Fruit From France Into the Continental United States

AGENCY:

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.

ACTION:

Notice.

SUMMARY:

We are advising the public of our decision to authorize the importation of fresh baby kiwi fruit from France into the continental United States. Based on findings of a pest risk analysis, which we made available to the public for review and comment through a previous notice, we have determined that the application of one or more designated phytosanitary measures will be sufficient to mitigate the risks of introducing or disseminating plant pests or noxious weeds via the importation of fresh baby kiwi fruit from France.

DATES:

Imports may be authorized beginning September 26, 2023. Read More→

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/09/26/2023-20873/notice-of-decision-to-authorize-the-importation-of-fresh-baby-kiwi-fruit-from-france-into-the

USITC INSTITUTES SECTION 337 INVESTIGATION OF CERTAIN VAPORIZER DEVICES, CARTRIDGES USED THEREWITH, AND COMPONENTS THEREOF

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) voted to institute an investigation of certain vaporizer devices, cartridges used therewith, 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 NJOY, LLC, of Scottsdale, Arizona, on August 22, 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 vaporizer devices, cartridges used therewith, and components thereof that infringe patents asserted by the complainants. The complainants request that the USITC issue a limited exclusion order and a cease and desist order. 

The USITC has identified the following respondent in this investigation:

• JUUL Labs, Inc., of Washington, District of Columbia.

By instituting this investigation (337-TA-1372), 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/er0811_64226.htm

USITC MAKES DETERMINATIONS IN FIVE-YEAR (SUNSET) REVIEWS CONCERNING STEEL WIRE GARMENT HANGERS FROM TAIWAN AND VIETNAM

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that revocation of the existing countervailing duty order on steel wire garment hangers from Vietnam and the existing antidumping duty orders on steel wire garment hangers from Taiwan and Vietnam would be likely to lead to continuation or recurrence of material injury within a reasonably foreseeable time. 

As a result of the Commission’s affirmative determinations, the existing orders on imports of this product from Taiwan and Vietnam 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 Steel Wire Garment Hangers from Taiwan and Vietnam (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-487 and 731-TA-1197-1198 (Second Review), USITC Publication 5464, October 2023) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the reviews. 

The report will be available by November 2, 2023; when available, it may be accessed on the USITC website at: https://www.usitc.gov/commission_publications_library. Read More→

Joint U.S. Department of Commerce and USTR Readout of Fifth Indo-Pacific Economic Framework Negotiating Round in Thailand

BANGKOK — The U.S. Department of Commerce and the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) participated in the fifth in-person negotiating round for the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) in Bangkok, Thailand, from September 10-16, 2023.

The U.S. delegation was co-led by Sharon H. Yuan, U.S. Department of Commerce Counselor and IPEF Pillars II-IV Chief Negotiator, and Sarah Ellerman, Assistant United States Trade Representative for Southeast Asia and the Pacific and IPEF Pillar I Chief Negotiator.

Building on the discussions that took place during the fourth negotiating round in Busan, South Korea, in July 2023, the IPEF partners continued to make progress on negotiations towards high-standard outcomes under Pillars I (Trade), III (Clean Economy), and IV (Fair Economy). Officials also continued discussions on the next steps for the proposed IPEF Supply Chain Agreement (Pillar II) following the substantial conclusion of negotiations in May and public release of the text on September 7.

Prior to the fifth negotiating round in Bangkok, the U.S. Department of Commerce and USTR jointly held a virtual IPEF listening session on August 24 in Washington, D.C. This listening session presented an opportunity for stakeholders to provide thoughts and comments on the IPEF negotiations. The U.S. government IPEF chief negotiators, as well as other representatives from USTR and the Department of Commerce, attended this event. A second in-person listening session was held with the Government of the Kingdom of Thailand on September 14 for interested stakeholders. Read More→

https://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2023/09/joint-us-department-commerce-and-ustr-readout-fifth-indo-pacific

CBP initiates interoperability standards test to improve supply chain transparency

WASHINGTON—U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced today the completion of its first interoperability test. The test seeks to establish global standards to foster transparency and a standard manner of communication between the private sector and government agencies while allowing both to maintain the ability to choose from various technologies.

CBP is committed to promoting global interoperability – the ability of different software systems to work with each other – as part of the agency’s modernization efforts.  

“Global interoperability standards will help unify the approach to transparent supply chains within both the public and private sectors, streamlining communication and improving both security and facilitation,” said Vincent Annunziato, CBP’s Business Transformation and Innovation Division Director. 

CBP is working with the Department of Homeland Security’s Science and Technology Directorate under the Silicon Valley Innovation Program with cohort members mesur.io, Neoflow, and Transmute to develop a global modernization strategy, which includes global interoperability standards.  

CBP’s recent test focused on pipeline oil and steel supply chains and involved some of the largest companies in both industries. The system enhanced work environments by removing the need for paper and allowing for the real-time exchange of data, which provides greater security and more timely reactions from the agency. The system also included data exchanges from both traditional and non-traditional supply chain actors, allowing CBP to combine modernized data that includes information of shipments prior to arrival, with data that already exists in the Automated Commercial Environment, a first for the agency.  

As part of CBP’s innovative work, the agency will continue to invest in global interoperability with upcoming international and domestic testing in 2024, focusing on e-commerce, natural gas, and food safety. These tests will include collaboration with several partner government agencies. CBP looks to further promote transparency and global interoperability standards with these tests. Read More→
https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/national-media-release/cbp-initiates-interoperability-standards-test-improve-supply-chain

JOINT LEADERS’ STATEMENT: ELEVATING UNITED STATES-VIETNAM RELATIONS TO A COMPREHENSIVE STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP

On September 10, 2023, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong and President of the United States Joseph R. Biden Jr. (the “Leaders”) met and held talks in Hanoi, Vietnam. The two Leaders hailed a historic new phase of bilateral cooperation and friendship by elevating their nations’ relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for the purposes of peace, cooperation, and sustainable development. The United States supports a strong, independent, prosperous, and resilient Vietnam. 
 
In the ten years since President Truong Tan Sang and President Barack Obama formed the Vietnam–U.S. Comprehensive Partnership, the two countries have made remarkable strides in increasing mutual understanding, building mutual trust, and strengthening cooperation across all areas of the Comprehensive Partnership. Under this new framework, the Leaders underscored the fundamental principles guiding Vietnam–U.S. relations, including respect for the United Nations Charter, international law, and respect for each other’s political system, independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. Vietnam and the United States will continue to deepen cooperation in the following areas to ensure the interests of the people of both countries and contribute to peace, stability, cooperation, and prosperity in the region and in the world. 
 
POLITICAL AND DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS
 
The two Leaders underscored the need to continue deepening political and diplomatic relations, and will promote regular exchanges of delegations and engagements at all levels to strengthen mutual understanding and build and enhance political trust. The Leaders supported improving the effectiveness of current dialogue mechanisms and intend to establish an annual dialogue between Vietnam’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and the U.S. Secretary of State. The Leaders pledged to further promote relations between the two countries’ political parties and legislative bodies, including by encouraging dialogue and discussion between these bodies on priorities and each country’s practical experiences. The two Leaders will direct their government agencies to cooperate and effectively implement the cooperation programs as determined by both countries. Both countries affirm to maintain favorable conditions to complete the construction of their diplomatic and consular facilities, and ensure both sides can efficiently staff those facilities in accordance with international conventions to which both countries are parties, bilateral agreements between Vietnam and the United States, and the respective laws of Vietnam and the United States. Read More→

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/09/11/joint-leaders-statement-elevating-united-states-vietnam-relations-to-a-comprehensive-strategic-partnership/

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

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that revocation of the existing antidumping duty order on honey 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 Honey from China (Inv. No. 731-TA-893 (Fourth Review), USITC Publication 5461 September 2023) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the review. 

The report will be available by October 26, 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.

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. Read More→ https://www.usitc.gov/press_room/news_release/2023/er0914_64312.htm

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