Miscellaneous International Trade Notices

1. Mexican Trucking Group Suing U.S. for $6 Billion

2. China Initiates AD/CV Investigation of Certain U.S. and Russian Steel

China's Ministry of Commerce states it has initiated an anti-dumping investigation into "grain oriented flat-rolled electrical steel" imported from the U.S. and Russia. An investigation was also launched into subsidies for electrical steel from the U.S. (Notice, dated 06/02/09, available at http://english.mofcom.gov.cn/aarticle/newsrelease/commonnews/200906/20090606294800.html)

3. U.S-China Business Council Highlights USTR Comments on Market Access in China

The US-China Business Council welcomed remarks from U.S. Trade Representative Kirk that indicated the Obama administration will prioritize market openings in China for American goods, services, and investment to help create job opportunities in the U.S. (Comments, dated 06/02/09, available at http://www.uschina.org/public/documents/2009/06/kirk-speaks.html)

4. Cuba Signals It Wants to Resume Direct Mail w. U.S., Talks on Immigration

America.gov reports that Cuban officials have signaled to the U.S. that they want to resume talks on the legal immigration of Cubans to the U.S. and resume direct mail service between the two nations. (Notice, dated 06/01/09, available at http://www.america.gov/st/peacesec-english/2009/June/20090601131601dmslahrellek0.9790308.html?CP.rss=true)

5. World Economic Forum to Host "Annual Meeting of New Champions"

The World Economic Forum will hold its "Annual Meeting of the New Champions" September 10-12, 2009 in Dalian, China. During the 3 day interactive program, a select group of business leaders with extensive experience in building global businesses will act as mentors. The meeting will provide a systemic and global overview of major economic, regional and industry developments, and bring together 1,500 influential stakeholders to build the public-private partnerships necessary to transform and revitalize the global economy in a sustainable manner. (Notice, available at http://www.weforum.org/en/events/AnnualMeetingoftheNewChampions2009/index.htm)

6. CPSC's June 2009 Safety Review Discusses Transition to New Leadership

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has posted the June 2009 edition of its publication, The Safety Review, which among other things, discusses the transition to new leadership at CPSC as Acting Chairman Nord steps down. (Document, dated June 2009, available at http://www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PUBS/tsr0609.pdf)

7. APHIS Final Rule on Eggplant from Israel

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has issued a final rule, effective July 6, 2009, to allow the importation into the continental U.S. of commercial consignments of fresh eggplant from Israel. Such imports are subject to certain conditions of entry, which include a phytosanitary certificate with an additional declaration. (D/N APHIS-2007-0153, FR Pub 06/03/09, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-12929.pdf)

8. Updated PPQ Seeds Not for Planting Manual

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has issued a June 2, 2009 version of its "Seeds Not for Planting" Manual, which is used for regulating importations of unprocessed seeds that are imported for consumption and are not intended for planting. (Manual, available at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/plants/manuals/ports/downloads/seeds_not_for_planting.pdf)

9. Environmental Assessment of Energy Dept Proposed Rule on Air-Conditioners, Etc.

The Energy Department is announcing the availability of an environmental assessment for its March 20, 2009 proposed rule on energy conservation standards for certain commercial and industrial equipment, including commercial heating, air-conditioning, and water-heating equipment. (D/N EERE-2008-BT-STD-0013, FR Pub 06/03/09, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-12958.pdf)

10. DDTC Posts April 7, 2009 Plenary Session Minutes

The Directorate of Defense Trade Controls has posted on its website the minutes of the Defense Trade Advisory Group's Plenary Session meeting on April 7, 2009. The posting include a report on proposed definition changes from the DTAG ITAR Definitions Working Group. (See future issue of ITT for details.) (Minutes, dated 05/17/09, available at http://www.pmddtc.state.gov/DTAG/documents/plenary_minutes_04_09.pdf)

11. FDA Forms Transparency Task Force

The Food and Drug Administration is announcing the formation of a task force to develop recommendations for enhancing the transparency of the agency's operations and decision-making process. Among other things, the Transparency Task Force will identify information the FDA should provide about specific agency operations and activities, including enforcement actions and product approvals. A public meeting on the task force will take place on June 24, 2009. (New Release, dated 06/02/09, available at http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm163899.htm)

12. GAO Report on FDA Modernization Efforts

The Government Accountability Office has posted its report to congressional requestors entitled "Information Technology: FDA Needs to Establish Key Plans and Processes for Guiding Systems Modernization Efforts." (See future issue of ITT for details.) (Report, dated June 2009, available at http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d09523.pdf)

13 DHS Secretary to Soon Travel to Tucson and Albuquerque

The Department of Homeland Security has issued a press release announcing that Secretary Napolitano will travel to Tucson, AZ and Albuquerque, NM on June 4-5, 2009 to, among other things, announce Operation Stonegarden grant awards, which consist of $60 million to enhance law enforcement preparedness and operational readiness along the border through improved cooperation and coordination between federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement. (DHS press release, dated 06/02/09, available at http://www.dhs.gov/ynews/releases/pr_1243971329391.shtm.)

14. CPSC Lists Voluntary Recalls

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has published notice of the following voluntary recall:

(CPSC recalls available at http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prereljun09.html)

15. NHTSA Announces Filing of Petitions on Nonconforming Autos

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has announced that comments are due by July 6, 2009 on the following petitions:

petition for decision that nonconforming 2006 BMW M3 passenger cars manufactured before September 1, 2006 are eligible for importation ,

petition for decision that nonconforming 2006 Porsche Cayenne Multipurpose passenger vehicles manufactured prior to September 1, 2006 are eligible for importation

16. FTZB Approval and Applications

The Foreign Trade Zone Board is publishing notice of the following actions and filings:

Approval of Manufacturing Authority withinFTZ 38, Spartanburg County, SC: ZF Lemforder Corp.

FTZ 119: Application for Expansion - Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN

Grant of Authority for FTZ 38 Subzone Status: Adidas Sales, Inc., Spartanburg, SC

17. FAS Global Agriculture Information Network Reports

The Foreign Agriculture Service issued the following GAIN reports:

Japan Market Development Reports: Japan Food Trends

Kenya Grain and Feed: Kenya to Continue Importing White Corn