Miscellaneous International Trade Notices

1. WTO Members Extend Cambodia's Ratification Deadline

2. U.S. - Morocco Free Trade Agreement May be Ready to Initial Next Week

According to Washington Trade Daily, the U.S. and Morocco are nearly ready to sign a free trade agreement (FTA), having reached tentative understandings on agriculture and textiles. The article adds that Morocco's chief trade negotiator will be in Washington the week beginning February 22, 2004 in anticipation of initialing the agreement. (WTD, dated 02/14 and 02/15/2004, www.washingtontradedaily.com )

3. U.S. Notifies WTO of its Intent to Integrate Remaining Textile and Clothing Products for WTO Countries on January 1, 2005

On February 6, 2004, the U.S. notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) that on January 1, 2005, it will integrate into GATT 1994 all textile and clothing products to which the WTO's Agreement on Textiles and Clothing (ATC) applies, as listed in the Annex of the ATC, that were not integrated during the first three stages of integration. In its notification, the U.S. states that on January 1, 2005, it will eliminate all remaining restrictions under the ATC on such products, and the U.S. will have integrated into GATT 1994 all products listed in the Annex to the ATC. (U.S. notification to WTO, dated 02/26/04, available at http://docsonline.wto.org/gen_search.asp?searchmode=simple by searching for document number 04-0541).)

4. EU Requests WTO Dispute Panel on U.S. 'Zeroing' AD Methodology

According to Washington Trade Daily and a European Union (EU) press release, on February 17, 2004, the EU requested the establishment of a World Trade Organization (WTO) dispute settlement panel to examine the WTO compatibility of the U.S.' use of "zeroing" when performing antidumping (AD) calculations. According to the EU, zeroing is a calculation methodology which consists of ignoring negative margins of dumping and allegedly results in an increase of the dumping liability of exporters. The EU press release notes that the EU's panel request covers 31 antidumping duty cases involving a wide range of EU exports, such as steel, pasta, ball bearings, and chemicals and was made after U.S.-EU consultations in 2003 failed to resolve the dispute. (See ITT's Online Archives or 07/23/03 news, 03072315, for BP summary of the USTR's request for consultations regarding this dispute.) (WTD dated 02/17-18/04, www.washingtontradedaily.com; EU press release, dated 02/17/04, available at http://europa.eu.int/comm/trade/issues/respectrules/anti_dumping/pr170204_en.htm.)

5. U.S. Signs Bilateral TIFAs with Kuwait and Yemen

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has issued two press releases announcing that on February 6, 2004, the U.S. signed Trade and Investment Framework Agreements (TIFAs) with both Kuwait and Yemen in order to provide frameworks for increased/expanded bilateral trade and investment. (USTR press releases, dated 02/06/04, available at http://www.ustr.gov/releases/2004/02/04-06.pdf (No. 04-06, Kuwait) and http://www.ustr.gov/releases/2004/02/04-07.pdf (No. 04-07, Yemen))

6. BIS' Regulations & Procedures Advisory Committee Meeting

The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) has announced that the Regulations and Procedures Technical Advisory Committee (RPTAC) will hold a partially open meeting on March 2, 2004 in order to, among other things, provide an update on the Automated Export System (AES). (FR Pub 02/12/04, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/14mar20010800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/pdf/04-3124.pdf)

7. BIS' Transportation & Related Equipment Advisory Committee Meeting

The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) has announced that the Transportation and Related Equipment Technical Advisory Committee (TRETAC) held a public meeting on February 17, 2004 in order to, among other things, provide an update on the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and discuss Commerce Control List (CCL) entries needing review for revalidation or change proposals, etc. (FR Pub 01/30/04, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/14mar20010800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/pdf/04-1990.pdf)

8. Some Shipowners & Ports Not Rushing to Comply with Certain Coast Guard Security Requirements

American Shipper has reported that some shipowners and ports are taking a "laissez-faire" approach to complying with the Coast Guard-mandated International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code requirements. The requirements state that as of July 1, 2004, incoming vessels to the U.S. must have an International Ship Security Certificate (ISSC). (American Shipper Pub, February 2004, www.americanshipper.com)

9. APHIS Confirms Designation of Two Ports as Plant Inspection Stations

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has issued a confirmation of an earlier direct final rule which states that, effective February 17, 2004, the ports of Atlanta, GA and Agana, Guam are designated as plant inspection stations. APHIS states that it received no adverse comments or notice of intent to submit adverse comments in response to this direct final rule. (See ITT's Online Archives or 12/23/03 news, 03122399 7, for BP summary of this direct final rule.) (D/N 03-067-2, FR Pub 02/12/04, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/14mar20010800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/pdf/04-3070.pdf)

10. FDA Seizes Ephedra-Containing Dietary Supplements for Unsubstantiated Claims

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that on February 5, 2004, the ephedra-containing dietary supplements Betatrim, Thermbuterol, and Stacker 2 were seized from Musclemaster.com in Northboro, MA. According to the FDA, it is alleged that Muscelmaster.com was making unsubstantiated athletic performance claims on its websites for the ephedra-containing products. (FDA Press Release P04-16, dated 02/05/04, available at http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2004/NEW01020.html)