Miscellaneous International Trade Notices
According to a State Department Washington File article, on March 24, 2004, the Senate failed to invoke cloture (i.e., end debate) on a bill to repeal the Foreign Sales Corporation/Extraterritorial Income Act (ETI) tax regime. The article notes that after failing to block further amendments to the bill, the Senate Republican leadership announced that they would work on a new strategy for pushing for passage of the bill. (Washington File article dated 03/24/04, available at http://usinfo.state.gov/xarchives/display.html?p=washfile-english&y=2004&m=March&x=20040324140811ebyessedo0.7140619&t=livefeeds/wf-latest.html.)
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1. Senate Debate on Repealing FSC/ETI Tax Regime Stalls
2. FMC Meeting to Consider the Optional Rider for Proof of NVOCC Financial Responsibility, Etc.
The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) has issued a notice announcing that it will hold a partially open meeting on March 31, 2004. The open portion of the meeting will consider Docket No. 04-02 regarding the optional rider for proof of additional non-vessel operating common carrier (NVOCC) financial responsibility. (FR Pub 03/23/04, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/14mar20010800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/pdf/04-6634.pdf)
3. U.S. and Qatar Sign Trade and Investment Framework, May Lead to FTA
The State Department's Washington File reports that on March 19, 2004, the U.S. and Qatar signed a Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) as a step toward developing closer trade ties. According to the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), the TIFA opens the possibility of working towards a comprehensive U.S.-Qatar Free Trade Agreement (FTA). (Washington File Pub 03/19/04, available at http://usinfo.state.gov/xarchives/display.html?p=washfile-english&y=2004&m=March&x=20040319182524ndyblehs0.1171228&t=livefeeds/wf-latest.html)
4. FDA and EPA Revise Advisory on Methylmercury in Fish
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a press release stating that in conjunction with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) it is announcing a consumer advisory on methylmercury in fish and shellfish for reducing the exposure to high levels of mercury in women who may become pregnant, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and young children. Among other recommendations, the FDA and EPA advise against eating shark, swordfish, king mackerel, or tilefish because of high mercury levels. (FDA Press Release P04-33, dated 03/19/04, available at http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/news/2004/NEW01038.html)
5. ITC Reschedules Public Hearing on Proposed U.S.-Thailand FTA
The International Trade Commission (ITC) has issued a notice announcing that it has rescheduled to May 4, 2004 (from April 20, 2004) its public hearing in connection with its investigation on the probable economic effect of the proposed U.S.-Thailand Free Trade Agreement (FTA). See ITC notice for other applicable dates. (See ITT's Online Archives or 03/16/04 news, 04031630, for BP summary of ITC's earlier notice announcing the investigation and public hearing.) (Inv. Nos. TA-131-29 and TA-2104-12, FR Pub 03/24/04, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/14mar20010800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/pdf/04-6554.pdf)
6. ITA Issues Export Trade Certificate of Review
The International Trade Administration (ITA) has issued an Export Trade Certificate of Review to the California Pistachio Export Council, LLC. In granting other Export Trade Certificates of Review, the ITA has previously stated that such Certificates protect the recipients from certain antitrust lawsuits and private actions. (FR Pub 03/12/04, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/14mar20010800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/pdf/04-5582.pdf)