Miscellaneous International Trade Notices
The European Commission (EC) has adopted a proposal to impose sanctions on certain U.S. products in retaliation for the U.S.' failure to repeal the Byrd Amendment. EC sources explain that in order for the retaliatory measures to go into effect, the European Council must adopt the EC's proposal. As proposed, the measure would impose an additional duty of 15% to certain U.S. products beginning May 1, 2005.
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1. EC Proposes to Begin Byrd Amendment Retaliation on May 1, 2005
In all, eight WTO members (Brazil, Canada, Chile, EU, India, Japan, Korea, and Mexico) have participated in this dispute against the Byrd amendment. The EC press release indicates that Canada, among others, plans to announce retaliatory measures. (See future issue of ITT for further information.) (EC Press Release IP/05/374, dated 03/31/05, available at http://europa.eu.int/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/05/374&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en)
2. U.S. Farm Groups Urge Congress to Fix OFAC Final Rule Restricting Export-Related Financial Transactions With Cuba
Shipper's NewsWire reports that U.S. farm groups have asked Congress to fix a recently implemented Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) final rule that restricts the financial terms of cash sales for agricultural exports to Cuba. The groups maintain that the change threatens more than $250 million in sales under contract, as well as future sales. (See ITT's Online Archives or 03/23/05 news, 05032335, for BP summary of OFAC's final rule.)(Shipper's NewsWire Pub 03/29/05, www.americanshipper.com)
3. DHS National Infrastructure Advisory Council to Hold Open Meeting
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced that the National Infrastructure Advisory Council (NIAC) will hold an open meeting on April 12, 2005 in Washington, DC. The NIAC advises the President on the security of critical infrastructures which include transportation, energy, manufacturing, etc. (DHS-2005-0025, FR Pub 03/31/05, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20051800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2005/pdf/05-6511.pdf)
4. State Dept Advisory Committees on Telecommunications, Communications to Hold Open Meetings
The State Department has announced that the International Telecommunication Advisory Committee (ITAC) will hold an open meeting on April 19, 2005 to discuss matters related to the second phase of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS). In addition, the Advisory Committee on International Communications and Information Policy (ACICIP) will hold an open meeting on April 21, 2005 to discuss U.S.-Asia political and economic relations, with an emphasis on China, as well as information and communications technology issues concerning China and the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum. (Public Notice 5017 and 5018, FR Pub 03/31/05, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20051800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2005/pdf/05-6382.pdf)
5. FWS Reopens Comment Period for Proposed Rule on Blue-Fronted Amazon Parrots
The Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) has reopened the comment period until April 28, 2005 for its proposed rule to add blue-fronted amazon parrots (Amazona aestiva) from Argentina's sustainable-use management plan to the approved list of non-captive-bred (wild-caught) species in 50 CFR 15.33(b). (See ITT's Online Archives or 08/20/03 news, 03082099 6, for BP summary of proposed rule.) (FR Pub 03/29/05, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20051800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2005/pdf/05-6159.pdf)