Miscellaneous International Trade Notices
U.S. News and World Report states that a 'perfect storm is brewing' as protectionists in both parties could join to press for trade legislation punishing China for running a $200 billion-plus surplus with the U.S. The momentum comes both from those who worry about China's weak currency, and those who fret about China as a potential military threat. (dated 06/04/07, www.usnews.com )
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1. 'Perfect Storm' of Possibilities for Trade Legislation Against China
2. Many Ill Effects of Global Warming Hinge on Rise in Minimum Temperature
The Economist reports that the most projections of the impact of global warming derive from estimates of changes in average temperature, but many of the ill effects hinge on changes in the minimum temperature, which has been rising twice as fast. This trend is particularly strong near the poles, where the climate is changing the fastest. (The Economist, dated 04/07/07, http://www.economist.com/index.html)
3. WTO Starts Negotiations with Iraq for Membership
The World Trade Organization reports that for the first time since Iraq's application for WTO membership in 2004, the Working Party met to discuss and examine Iraq's trade legislation and its conformity to WTO principles. WTO members acknowledged the progress made by Iraq in passing or drafting new legislation to comply with WTO rules. Members also identified areas for further work. (WTO press release, dated 05/25/07, available at http://www.wto.org/english/news_e/news07_e/acc_irak_25may07_e.htm)
4. DHS and State Dept. Urge Congress to Modernize Visa Waiver Program
The Washington File reports that officials from the Department of Homeland Security and the State Department told Congress on May 24, 2007 that delaying modernization of the Visa Waiver Program would have adverse security consequences for the U.S. The VWP currently allows nationals of 27 countries to travel to the U.S. without visas for business or pleasure for up to 90 days. The Administration has proposed several new measures related to the VWP including expanding the number of participating nations, etc. (Washington File, Pub 05/25/07, available at http://usinfo.state.gov/xarchives/display.html?p=washfile-english&y=2007&m=May&x=200705251507041CJsamohT6.930178e-02)
5. BIS Denies Certain Export Privileges, Imposes Civil Penalty for Activities Involving Export Without License
The Bureau of Industry and Security has issued an Order, based on a settlement agreement, denying certain export privileges for a period of five years from May 15, 2007 and imposing a civil penalty of $55,000 against Data Physics Corporation for activities related to the export of a DP 550 Vibration Controller to an organization in China on BIS' Entity List without the required Department of Commerce license. (FR Pub 05/29/07, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20071800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2007/pdf/07-2629.pdf)
6. Two Shipping Coordinating Committee Meetings on March 30, 2007
The State Department has issued two notices announcing that its Shipping Coordinating Committee will conduct two separate open meetings on March 30, 2007 in Washington, DC for the following purposes:
to discuss the testing of voluntary guidelines to monitor carbon dioxide emissions from ships operating internationally, and
to prepare for the 15th Session of the International Maritime Organization Sub-Committee on Flag State Implementation to be held at the Royal Horticultural Halls and Conference Centre in London from June 4-8, 2007.
(Public Notices 5765 and 5766, FR Pub 05/23/07, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20071800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2007/pdf/E7-9922.pdf)