Miscellaneous International Trade Notices
The Washington File reports that, according to a statement by U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Schwab, the Bush administration's trade agenda will remain unchanged as the Democrats take control of the Congress in January 2007. According to the report, Schwab cited World Trade Organization (WTO) talks as the number one issue on the administration's agenda. (Washington File Pub 11/29/06, available at http://usinfo.state.gov/xarchives/display.html?p=washfile-english&y=2006&m=November&x=20061129142632SAikceinawz0.4388086)
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1. USTR Predicts Lack of Change in U.S. Trade Agenda
2. Business Groups Urge BIS to Reconsider Proposed China Export Control Regulation
The Journal of Commerce Online reports that the National Foreign Trade Council joined 23 other prominent business associations in calling on the Commerce Department to reconsider its proposed export-control regulation regarding shipments to China, arguing that the proposed rule is unilateral and out of step with diplomatic efforts, imposes excessive compliance burdens on U.S. businesses, etc. (See ITT's Online Archives or 10/20/06 news, 06102020, for BP summary of the Bureau of Industry and Security's (BIS') extension of comment period for the proposed revisions to the export /reexport controls for China, etc.) (JoC Online, dated 12/01/06, www.joc.com.)
3. APHIS Corrects Footnotes in June 1, 2006 Rule on Import of Swine and Swine Products
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has issued a correction to its final rule of June 1, 2006 which made corrections to an earlier rule regarding the import of swine and swine products from 15 European Union (EU) Member states. This correction amends certain incorrectly listed footnotes. (See ITT's Online Archives or 06/02/06 news, 06060299 2, for BP summary of the June 1, 2006 rule.) (APHIS correction, FR Pub 11/24/06, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20061800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2006/pdf/Z6-8465.pdf)
4. DoD Issues Interim Rule, Final Rules Proposing to/Amending FAR
The Department of Defense (DoD) has issued three notices regarding the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) announcing:
The adoption as a final rule, without change, an interim rule that amended the FAR to implement the new free trade agreement with Morocco (MFTA). (See ITT's Online Archives or 04/20/06 news, 06042099 4, for BP summary of the interim rule.)
The adoption as a final rule, without change, an interim rule that amended the FAR by terminating certain telecommunication sanctions against 11 European Union (EU) member states. (See ITT's Online Archives or 04/26/06 news, 06042620, for BP summary of the interim rule.)
An interim rule, effective November 22, 2006, implementing the Dominican Republic-Central America-U.S. Free Trade Agreement (DR-CAFTA) with respect to Guatemala, and the U.S.-Bahrain Free Trade Agreement (BFTA). DoD is also requesting comments, which should be submitted on or before January 22, 2007.
(DoD notices, FR Pub 11/22/06, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20061800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2006/pdf/06-9305.pdf, http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20061800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2006/pdf/06-9307.pdf, and http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20061800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2006/pdf/06-9306.pdf