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ITC Institutes Investigations on Probable Economic Effects of Proposed U.S.-Andean and U.S.-Panama FTAs

The International Trade Commission (ITC) has issued two notices announcing that, following receipt of requests from the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), it has instituted investigations regarding the probable economic effects of the proposed U.S.-Andean Countries Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and the proposed U.S.-Panama FTA.

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The ITC states that it expects to provide its classified reports to USTR by April 8, 2004.

Duty-free treatment. The reports will include advice as to the probable economic effects of providing duty-free treatment for imports of products from the Andean countries as a group and from Panama (i) on industries in the U.S. producing like or directly competitive products, and (ii) on consumers.

Tariff elimination for certain agricultural products. The reports will also provide advice as to the probable economic effects of eliminating tariffs on imports of certain agricultural products of the Andean countries and of Panama on (i) industries in the U.S. producing the product concerned, and (ii) the U.S. economy as a whole.

Joint Public Hearing to Be Held February 10, 2004

The ITC states that a joint public hearing in connection with these investigations will be held on February 10, 2004 in Washington, DC. Requests to appear at the public hearing should be filed no later than 5:15 p.m. on January 23, 2004. The ITC also states that written comments should be filed not later than 5:15 p.m. on January 26, 2004.

ITC notice on proposed U.S.-Andean FTA investigation (Inv. Nos. TA-131-28 and TA-2104-10, FR Pub 12/31/03) available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/14mar20010800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2003/pdf/03-32240.pdf

ITC notice on proposed U.S-Panama FTA investigation (Inv. Nos. TA-131-27 and TA-2104-9, FR Pub 12/31/03) available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/14mar20010800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2003/pdf/03-32241.pdf