Joint Statement of the First Meeting of the Trade Ministers of the Americas Partnership for Economic Prosperity

March 19, 2024

Barbados, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Mexico, Panama, Peru, the United States, and Uruguay issued the following joint statement following the first Trade Ministerial of the Americas Partnership for Economic Prosperity (Americas Partnership) on March 18, 2024:
 
Today, Ministers with primary responsibility for international trade and investment from each of the Americas Partnership countries held their first meeting since the release of the Leaders’ East Room Declaration in November 2023. The virtual meeting focused on implementation of the Leaders’ guidance related to trade and investment and plans for an in-person Trade Ministerial Meeting this year.

The Ministers emphasized how the Americas Partnership can complement and build on existing trade ties, further deepen economic integration in the region, and develop sustainable and inclusive approaches to trade and investment. They also recalled Leaders’ expectation that the trade agenda under the Americas Partnership create formal jobs that lead to decent work and promote internationally recognized labor rights, environmental sustainability, and economic inclusion. The Ministers reiterated the importance of timely implementation of Leaders’ priorities, including work on trade facilitation and digitalization of customs procedures; conducting a gap analysis of value and supply chains in the critical sectors of clean energy, semiconductors, and medical supplies; and developing activities to promote greater access to the benefits of trade for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and underserved communities.
 
During the meeting, the Ministers received a progress update on these priorities from the Senior Officials of the Council on Trade and Competitiveness (CTC), including the establishment of committees on Trade Rules and Transparency, Sustainable Value and Supply Chains, and Inclusive Trade and SMEs, and their ongoing technical work. The Ministers took note of the work already underway and directed the CTC to maximize efforts in light of the Second Leaders’ Summit to be held in Costa Rica in 2025, including by ensuring that the technical leads for all committees and working groups have been identified and hold their first meetings as soon as possible.

Recognizing the ambitious regional goals of the Americas Partnership, the Ministers also directed the CTC to actively consider priorities for 2025. Ministers stressed the importance of broad and inclusive stakeholder engagement in developing projects for the trade work of the Americas Partnership and encouraged the CTC to continue its exchange of information on approaches to stakeholder engagement and best practices to promote inclusivity.
 
Ministers reiterated their commitment to making the Americas Partnership a durable structure for regional cooperation on trade and investment issues and welcomed Ecuador’s offer to host an in-person Trade Ministerial Meeting of the Americas Partnership this summer.

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https://ustr.gov/about-us/policy-offices/press-office/press-releases/2024/march/joint-statement-first-meeting-trade-ministers-americas-partnership-economic-prosperity

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

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that revoking the existing antidumping duty order on xanthan gum 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.

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 Xanthan Gum from China (Inv. No. 731-TA-1203 (Second Review), USITC Publication 5501, April 2024) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the review. 

The report will be available by April 18, 2024; 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/2024/er0321_64980.htm

USITC INSTITUTES SECTION 337 INVESTIGATION OF CERTAIN AEROSOL FIRE EXTINGUISHING TECHNOLOGY, COMPONENTS THEREOF, AND PRODUCTS CONTAINING SAME

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) voted to institute an investigation of certain aerosol fire extinguishing technology, 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 Defender Safety Inc. of Plainview, NY, and Nano Fire LLC of Plainview, NY, on February 22, 2024, and supplemented on February 27, March 12, and March 13, 2024. The complaint alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in the importation into the United States and sale of certain aerosol fire extinguishing technology, components thereof, and products containing same that infringe patents asserted by the complainants. The complainants request that the USITC issue a limited exclusion order and cease and desist orders. 

The USITC has identified the following respondents in this investigation:

  • Halma Plc of Amersham, United Kingdom,

  • Halma Holdings LLC of Summit, NJ,

  • FirePro Systems, Ltd. of Limassol, Cyprus, and

  • Hochicki America Corporation of Buena Park, CA.

By instituting this investigation (337-TA-1395), 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/2024/er0325_64997.htm

USITC MAKES DETERMINATION IN FIVE-YEAR (SUNSET) REVIEW CONCERNING CLAD STEEL PLATE FROM JAPAN

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that revoking the existing antidumping duty order on clad steel plate from Japan 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 Japan will remain in place. 

Chairman David S. Johanson and Commissioners Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, Jason E. Kearns, 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 Clad Steel Plate from Japan (Inv. No. 731-TA-739 (Fifth Review), USITC Publication 5502, April 2024) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the review. 

The report will be available by April 25, 2024; 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/2024/er0328_65013.htm

Baltimore bridge collapse likely to have some regional impact

Key insights:

1 The container ship that hit the Key Bridge in Baltimore may have suffered a loss of propulsion, causing the crash. No timeline has been offered for reopening the port, though MSC thinks it will be at least a couple months.

2 The Port of Baltimore is not a major hub for container traffic, and is only the fifth largest on the East Coast. Its 1.1 million TEU handled in 2023 represent just 5% of total US ocean import volumes. Locally, shippers dependent on Baltimore will face the challenge of urgently finding alternatives and will also likely incur higher costs for arrangements farther away from their desired hub.

3 Regionally, imports headed for Baltimore will be rerouted to alternative ports which could cause some congestion and delays for shippers. But ocean freight is now in its slow season between Lunar New Year and peak season. And with no significant congestion at any of the major East Coast ports, there could be some disruptions and higher rates in the near term as the market adjusts but volumes should be able to be shifted to other ports without causing too much of a disruption.

Ocean rates - Freightos Baltic Index:

• Asia-US West Coast prices (FBX01 Weekly) fell 12% to $3,728/FEU.

• Asia-US East Coast prices (FBX03 Weekly) fell 10% to $5,284/FEU.

• Asia-N. Europe prices (FBX11 Weekly) fell 18% to $3,189/FEU.

• Asia-Mediterranean prices (FBX13 Weekly) increased 9% to $4,532/FEU.

Air rates - Freightos Air index

• China - N. America weekly prices decreased 5% to $5.65/kg.

• China - N. Europe weekly prices fell 10% to $3.52/kg.

• N. Europe - N. America weekly prices fell 4% to $2.06/kg.

Analysis

The 10,000 TEU container vessel Dali, operated as part of the Maersk/MSC 2M alliance on its Asia - US East Coast TP12/Empire service was on its way out of the Port of Baltimore and heading to Colombo, Sri Lanka when it may have suffered a loss of propulsion causing it to collide with a support of the Key Bridge early Tuesday, leading to the bridge’s collapse and several casualties. Read More→

Statement by Ambassador Katherine Tai on Petition Filed Under Section 301 Related to the People’s Republic of China’s Acts, Policies, and Practices in the Maritime, Logistics, and Shipbuilding Sector

“Today, the Office of the United States Trade Representative received a petition from USW, IAM, IBB, IBEW, and MTD regarding the People’s Republic of China’s (PRC) acts, policies, and practices in the critical maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding sector.  
 
“We have seen the PRC create dependencies and vulnerabilities in multiple sectors, like steel, aluminum, solar, batteries, and critical minerals, harming American workers and businesses and creating real risks for our supply chains.
 
“USTR and the Biden-Harris Administration are fighting every day to put working families first, rebuild American manufacturing, and strengthen our supply chains.
 
I look forward to reviewing this petition in detail.”
 
Background 
 
On March 12, 2024, five national labor unions filed a petition requesting an investigation into the acts, policies, and practices of the PRC in the maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding sector.  The five petitioner unions are:

  • the United Steel, Paper and Forestry, Rubber, Manufacturing, Energy, Allied Industrial and Service Workers International Union (“USW”);

  • the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (“IAM”);

  • the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmiths, Forgers and Helpers (“IBB”);

  • the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (“IBEW”); and

  • the Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO (“MTD”).

The petition was filed pursuant to Section 302(a)(1) of the Trade Act of 1974, as amended (19 USC 2412(a)(1)), requesting action pursuant to Section 301(b) (19 USC 2411(b)).  Section 301 of the Trade Act allows the United States to respond to unreasonable or discriminatory foreign government practices that burden or restrict U.S. commerce.
 
Pursuant to Section 302(a)(2) of the Trade Act (19 USC 2412(a)(2)), the “Trade Representative shall review the allegations in any petition filed under paragraph (1) and, not later than 45 days after the date on which the Trade Representative received the petition, shall determine whether to initiate an investigation.”
 
A copy of the petition is available here.
 

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Availability of Final Environmental Assessment for a Biological Control Agent of Olive Psyllid

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has prepared a final environmental assessment (EA) that addresses the environmental impacts of releasing the insect Psyllaephagus euphyllurae to biologically control olive psyllid (Euphyllurae olivina) in the contiguous United States. After careful analysis, APHIS has determined that the release of this control agent within the continental United States will likely not have a significant impact on the environment.

The olive psyllid is native to southern Europe and was first detected in California in 2007. The pest feeds exclusively on the blossoms and growing tissue of olive plants and can diminish fruit production by as much as 60 percent in some parts of the Mediterranean Basin. Releasing P. euphyllurae will reduce olive psyllid’s presence in California. This small and stingless wasp poses no risk to humans, livestock, or wildlife. It feeds exclusively on the invasive olive psyllid. Biological control is a useful management strategy for an invasive pest whenever effective natural enemies are not present in an invasive insect’s new environment. APHIS plans to issue permits for P. euphyllurae to reduce the severity of damage to olive crops from the invasive olive psyllid in California.

APHIS has reviewed and considered all public input submitted during the comment period and used the information to complete the final EA. APHIS is issuing permits for the release of P. euphyllurae into the contiguous United States for the biological control of the olive psyllid. Members of the public can review the final EA by visiting www.regulations.gov and entering APHIS-2022-0015 in the Search field.

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https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/newsroom/stakeholder-info/sa_by_date/sa-2024/ea-olive-psyllid

APHIS Approves the Importation of Ugu Leaves from Nigeria into the United States

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is authorizing the importation of fresh Ugu leaves (Telfairia occidentalis) from Nigeria into the continental United States.

A thorough pest risk analysis and careful research by APHIS has determined that fresh Ugu leaves can be safely imported from Nigeria. Applying one or more designated phytosanitary measures will sufficiently mitigate the risks of introducing or spreading plant pests or noxious weeds via the importation of fresh Ugu leaves from Nigeria. Imports may be authorized effect on February 26, the date of publication in the Federal Register.

USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.

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https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/newsroom/federal-register-posts/sa_by_date/2024/nigeria-ugu-leaves

USTR Releases Annual Report on China's WTO Compliance

WASHINGTON – The Office of the United States Trade Representative today released its 2023 Report to Congress on China’s WTO Compliance, which details the Biden-Harris Administration’s assessment of the People’s Republic of China’s (PRC) membership in the World Trade Organization.
 
“China remains the biggest challenge to the international trading system established by the World Trade Organization. It has been 22 years since China acceded to the WTO, and China still embraces a state-directed, non-market approach to the economy and trade, which runs counter to the norms and principles embodied by the WTO,” said Ambassador Katherine Tai. “Even more problematic, China’s approach targets industries for global market domination by Chinese companies using an array of constantly evolving non-market policies and practices. This report details the breadth and scale of China’s non-market policies and practices and the serious harm that they cause to workers, businesses, and industries in the United States and around the world. It is a stark reminder that the members of the international trading system must continue to work together to defend our shared interests against these many harmful policies and practices, particularly in sectors targeted by China’s industrial plans.”
 
Over the last three years, the Biden-Harris Administration has pursued a multi-faceted strategy that accounts for the current realities in the U.S.-China trade relationship and the many challenges that the PRC poses for the United States and other trading partners, both now and in the future. Under President Biden’s leadership, the United States has invested at home in the industries of today and tomorrow. The Administration continues to take actions to address the PRC’s non-market excess capacity and distortions across key economic sectors. At the same time, President Biden continues to build a coalition of allies and partners to address the unique problems posed by the PRC and its non-market economic policies and practices. The United States has also pursued direct engagement with the PRC, where appropriate. Read More→

https://ustr.gov/about-us/policy-offices/press-office/press-releases/2024/february/ustr-releases-annual-report-chinas-wto-compliance

USITC INSTITUTES SECTION 337 INVESTIGATION OF CERTAIN NETWORK EQUIPMENT SUPPORTING NETCONF

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) voted to institute an investigation of certain network equipment supporting NETCONF. 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 Optimum Communications Services, Inc., of Jersey City, NJ, on January 19, 2024, and supplemented on February 2, 2024, and February 5, 2024. The complaint alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in the importation into the United States and sale of certain network equipment supporting NETCONF that infringe patents asserted by the complainant. The complainant requests that the USITC issue a general exclusion order and cease and desist orders. 

The USITC has identified the following respondents in this investigation:

  • Changsha Silun Network Technology Co., Ltd. of Hunan, China; 

  • Hunan Maiqiang Network Technology Company Limited of Hunan, China; 

  • Hunan Zikun Information Technology Co., Ltd. of Hunan, China; and 

  • Guangzhou Qiton Electronics Technology Co., Ltd. of Guangdong, China. 

By instituting this investigation (337-TA-1391), 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/2024/er0227_64890.htm

USITC MAKES DETERMINATION IN FIVE-YEAR (SUNSET) REVIEW CONCERNING TAPERED ROLLER BEARINGS FROM CHINA

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that revoking the existing antidumping duty order on tapered roller bearings 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 and Jason E. Kearns voted in the affirmative. Commissioner Amy A. Karpel 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 Tapered Roller Bearings from China (Inv. No. 731-TA-344 (Fifth Review), USITC Publication 5497, March 2024) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the review. 

The report will be available by March 28, 2024; 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/2024/er0229_64900.htm

USITC EXAMINES RICE COMPETITIVENESS OF THE UNITED STATES AND OTHER MAJOR PRODUCERS

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) is undertaking a new factfinding investigation that will examine recent trends and developments in the global rice market and the export competitiveness of the rice industries in the United States and other major producers, such as Bangladesh, Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, Pakistan, Paraguay, Thailand, Uruguay, and Vietnam. 

This investigation, Rice: Global Competitiveness and Impacts on Trade and the U.S. Industry  (Investigation No. 332-603), was requested by the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Ways and Means in a letter received on February 5, 2024.

As requested, the USITC, an independent, nonpartisan federal agency, will prepare a public report that will provide, to the extent practicable:

  • Information on recent developments in the rice industries of the countries listed above;

  • Information on recent trade trends and developments in the global market for rice, including U.S. and major foreign supplier imports and exports;

  • A comparison of the competitive strengths and weaknesses of rice production in and exports from the United States and other major exporting countries, focusing on factors affecting delivered cost, product differentiation, and reliability of supply, as well as government policies and programs that directly or indirectly affect price, production, and exporting in these countries;

  • A qualitative and, to the extent possible, quantitative assessment of the impact of government policies and programs, including public stockholding programs and export restrictions, of major producing and exporting countries on U.S. rice production, producer revenues and profits, consumption, trade and prices, as well as on food security in developing countries; and

  • An overview of the impact on the U.S. rice industry of exports from the highlighted countries of rice to the United States and to traditional export markets of the United States. Read More→

https://www.usitc.gov/press_room/news_release/2024/er0301_64912.htm

USITC MAKES DETERMINATION IN FIVE-YEAR (SUNSET) REVIEW CONCERNING STAINLESS STEEL BAR FROM INDIA

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that revoking the existing antidumping order on stainless steel bar 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 determination, the existing order on imports of this product from India will remain in place. 

Chairman David S. Johanson and Commissioners Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, Jason E. Kearns, 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 Stainless Steel Bar from India (Inv. No. 731-TA-679 (Fifth Review), USITC Publication 5496, February 2024) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the review. 

The report will be available by March 22, 2024; 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/2024/er0215_64861.htm

Canada to make steel supply chain more transparent

News release

February 21, 2024 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

The Government of Canada is committed to transparency in the collection and publication of data related to steel imports. Today, the Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development, announced that beginning November 5th, 2024, steel importers will be required to report “country of melt and pour” information to the Canada Border Services Agency when completing their customs declarations under Canada’s Steel Import Monitoring Program.

As part of a phased-in approach, steel importers now have the option to begin reporting data regarding the country where raw steel was first produced. This process will ensure Canada is working with the steel industry to support an effective and smooth transition to mandatory reporting in fall 2024.

Global Affairs Canada will analyze this data and publish reports on steel import trends.

Quotes

“Canada is implementing a predictable and transparent process for collecting melt and pour information, which will bring more reliability and resiliency to the North American steel supply chain. This is yet another step Team Canada is taking to support good jobs and strengthen our North American competitiveness.”

- Mary Ng, Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development

https://www.canada.ca/en/global-affairs/news/2024/02/canada-to-make-steel-supply-chain-more-transparent.html

Mexico Is Now the Top Exporter to the US. Is There Room for Growth?

Right now, Mexico is the biggest exporter to the US for the first time in 20 years.

The latest figures from the US Department of Commerce show that it overtook China in 2023.

  • US imports from Mexico rose to $475.6 billion in 2023 (+4.6%).

  • US imports from China fell to $427.2 billion in 2023 (-20.3%).

The So What

Mexico has long benefited from its proximity to the US, free trade agreements with North America, and competitive labor costs. Now, the trend for shorter supply chains and nearshoring is further boosting its appeal.

“This is the natural evolution of a multidecade journey during which the public and private sectors have worked together to capitalize Mexico’s sweet spot in the globalization landscape. Recent shifts in global trade patterns are creating new opportunities if issues such as the adequate supply of electricity, water, and skilled labor are addressed,” says Eduardo León, a BCG managing director and senior partner in Mexico.

The automotive sector and mechanical machinery have driven the expansion to date, with bulky goods giving Mexico the upper hand over locations further afield. That said, the rising popularity of Mexico as a preferred country to manufacture highly engineered products has also created recent challenges. “When it comes to automotives, it’s especially important to carefully manage supply chains and outbound logistics, given possible capacity constraints in rail, trucks, and ports,” says Martin Metzker, who leads BCG’s Global Advantage practice in North America.

Other industries with potential to scale include household appliances, power tools, and medical devices.


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https://www.bcg.com/publications/2024/mexico-top-exporter-to-us-growth-outlook

USITC MAKES DETERMINATION IN FIVE-YEAR (SUNSET) REVIEW CONCERNING STAINLESS STEEL BAR FROM INDIA

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that revoking the existing antidumping order on stainless steel bar 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 determination, the existing order on imports of this product from India will remain in place. 

Chairman David S. Johanson and Commissioners Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, Jason E. Kearns, 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 Stainless Steel Bar from India (Inv. No. 731-TA-679 (Fifth Review), USITC Publication 5496, February 2024) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the review. 

The report will be available by March 22, 2024; 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.

USITC VOTES TO CONTINUE INVESTIGATIONS ON GLASS WINE BOTTLES FROM CHILE, CHINA, AND MEXICO

he 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 glass wine bottles from Chile, China, and Mexico 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, 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 glass wine bottles from Chile, China, and Mexico, with its preliminary countervailing duty determinations due on or about March 25, 2024, and its preliminary antidumping duty determinations due on or about June 6, 2024.

The Commission’s public report Glass Wine Bottles from Chile, China, and Mexico (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-703 and 731-TA-1661-1663 (Preliminary), USITC Publication 5493, February 2024) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.

The report will be available by March 19, 2024; 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

Glass Wine Bottles from Chile, China, and Mexico
Investigation Nos. 701-TA-703 and 731-TA-1661-1663 (Preliminary)

Product Description:  The merchandise covered by the investigations is certain narrow neck glass bottles, with a nominal capacity of 740 milliliters (25.02 ounces) to 760 milliliters (25.70 ounces); a nominal total height between 24.8 centimeters (9.75 inches) to 35.6 centimeters (14 inches); a nominal base diameter between 4.6 centimeters (1.8 inches) to 11.4 centimeters (4.5 inches); and a mouth with an outer diameter of between 25 millimeters (.98 inches) to 37.9 millimeters (1.5 inches); frequently referred to as a "wine bottle." 

USITC INSTITUTES SECTION 337 INVESTIGATION OF CERTAIN CAPACITIVE DISCHARGE IGNITION SYSTEMS, COMPONENTS THEREOF, AND PRODUCTS CONTAINING THE SAME

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) voted to institute an investigation of certain capacitive discharge ignition systems, components thereof, and products containing the same. The products at issue in the investigation are described in the Commission’s notice of investigation.

The investigation is based on a complaint filed by Altronic, LLC, of Girard, OH, on January 10, 2024, and supplemented on January 30, 2024. The complaint alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in the importation into the United States and sale of certain capacitive discharge ignition systems, components thereof, and products containing the same that infringe a patent 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:

  • MOTORTECH GmbH of Celle, Germany; and

  • MOTORTECH Americas, LLC, of New Orleans, LA. 

By instituting this investigation (337-TA-1390), 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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