The Food Safety and Inspection Service and the Food and Drug Administration are sponsoring a public meeting, scheduled for April 23, 2012, to provide information and receive public comments on agenda items, and draft U.S. positions to be discussed at the 20th Session of the Codex Committee on Residues of Veterinary Drugs in Foods (CCRVDF), which will be held in San Juan, Puerto Rico from May 7 - 11, 2012. To participate in the meeting, the call-in number is 1-888-858-2144 and the participant code is 6208658.
With the release of the January 2012 U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services report by the Census Bureau and Bureau of Economic Analysis, Commerce Secretary Bryson issued a statement and a fact sheet stating that U.S. exports increased 1.4% from December 2011 to January 2012, while imports increased 2.1% over the same period. The International Trade Administration says that, as a result, the monthly U.S. goods and services trade deficit was $52.6 billion in January 2012 , an increase of 4.3% when compared to December 2011.
The International Trade Administration has issued the final results of the administrative review of the antidumping duty order on floor-standing, metal-top ironing tables and certain parts thereof from China (A-570-888) which sets an AD cash deposit rate for one exporter. This rate, which is effective March 12, 2012, is expected to be implemented by U.S. Customs and Border Protection soon.
The International Trade Administration has issued the final results of the administrative review of the antidumping duty order on certain corrosion-resistant carbon steel flat products from Korea (A-580-816) which sets AD cash deposit rates for eight manufacturer/exporters, and revokes the order with respect to Pohang Iron & Steel Co., Ltd. and Pohang Coated Steel Co., Ltd.1 These rates, which are effective March 12, 2012, are expected to be implemented by U.S. Customs and Border Protection soon.
The International Trade Administration has issued the final results of the administrative review of the antidumping duty order on certain new pneumatic off-the-road tires from China (A-570-912) which sets an AD cash deposit rate for one exporter. This rate, which is effective March 12, 2012, is expected to be implemented by U.S. Customs and Border Protection soon.
The International Trade Administration has issued the final results of the administrative review of the antidumping duty order on polyethylene terephthalate film, sheet, and strip from China (A-570-924) which sets AD cash deposit rates for four exporters and continues the China-wide cash deposit rate from the last review. These rates, which are effective March 12, 2012, are expected to be implemented by U.S. Customs and Border Protection soon.
Mexico’s Ministry of Economy has published a December 23, 2011 Diario notice that modifies its Official Standard on the labeling of textiles, apparel, accessories, and household linens. The revised Standard includes, among other things, updated definitions and labeling requirements.
The Department of Defense, General Services Administration, and National Aeronautics and Space Administration have issued a final rule amending the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to add Armenia as a designated country, due to the accession of Armenia to membership in the World Trade Organization Government Procurement Agreement. The rule also updates the FAR lists of countries that are party to the Agreement on Trade in Civil Aircraft. DoD notice amending original notice by changing incorrect dates here.
The International Trade Administration and Switzerland’s State Secretariat for Economic Affairs released on March 9, 2012 the “U.S.-Swiss Safe Harbor Framework: A Guide to Self-Certification,” which provides detailed information to U.S. firms navigating Switzerland’s data protection laws. The U.S.-Swiss Safe Harbor Framework, launched in February 2009, provides a streamlined means for U.S. organizations to comply with Switzerland’s data protection laws and helps U.S. companies to avoid experiencing interruptions in their business transactions with Swiss companies. More than 1,600 U.S. companies currently participate in the Framework.
On March 7, 2012, Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade Francisco Sanchez spoke before the American Chamber of Commerce in Hanoi. Sanchez, highlighting the U.S.-Vietnam trade relationship, noted that U.S. exports to Vietnam grew almost 17% last year to roughly $4.3 billion, which is four times the value of exports in 2006. However, Sanchez stated, U.S. exports still only account for about 4% of Vietnam’s total 2011 imports. According to Sanchez, the Trans-Pacific Partnership is an important effort in helping U.S. businesses to reach their potential in Vietnam.