China was the primary driver of global aluminum production and consumption growth from 2011 to 2015, accounting for more than half of the world’s production and consumption of primary unwrought and wrought aluminum, according to an International Trade Commission report on U.S. competitiveness in the global aluminum industry released July 7 (here). During that period, China strengthened its position as the world’s leading exporter of wrought aluminum, followed by Germany and the U.S., but export restraints limited China’s exports of unwrought aluminum. Russia, Canada, Norway and Australia continued as the world’s leading exporters of unwrought aluminum throughout the five years.

The Energy Department is setting several energy efficiency standards for refrigeration equipment used in walk-in coolers and freezers, it said (here). The new standards apply to low-temperature dedicated condensing refrigeration systems and both medium- and low-temperature unit coolers, DOE said. “These standards ... will be in addition to the standards that DOE has already promulgated for medium-temperature dedicated condensing refrigeration systems,” it said. Compliance with the final rule is required by July 10, 2020.

The Federal Trade Commission is amending its regulations to require new EnergyGuide labeling on electric instantaneous water heaters, it said (here). Rather than require labeling on the product itself, ”manufacturers may incorporate the label into the packaging graphics or affixing adhesive labels to the box,” the FTC said. The agency is also eliminating certain marking requirements for plumbing products, including shower heads, faucets, water closets and urinals. However, the FTC will not proceed with proposed labeling requirements for large diameter and high speed ceiling fans and portable air conditioners, declining to finalize them in response to comments. Amendments to marking requirements for plumbing products take effect July 28, while other provisions of the final rule are effective Dec. 26.

The Federal Trade Commission is proposing to amend its textile regulations to remove a requirement that an owner of a registered word trademark provide the FTC with a copy of the mark’s registration with the Patent and Trademark Office before using the mark on labels, it said (here). The proposed rule would also eliminate the restriction on the use of such trademarks to only those employed as house marks, the FTC said. The requirements were put in place so the FTC would not have to obtain trademark registrations from the PTO, but registrations are now easily available online, it said. Comments are due July 31.

Groups are pushing for the elimination of milk pricing programs that push U.S. products out of the Canadian market and for the U.S. to maintain tariffs on Canadian sugar in any renegotiated NAFTA agreement, according to comments filed with the International Trade Commission. Among the National Milk Producers Federation’s (NMPF’s) top priorities for talks is “the decisive confrontation and resolution of nontariff concerns,” including the removal of Canadian milk pricing classes 6 and 7, and the continuance of Canadian dairy tariffs, the group said. Canada’s milk pricing strategy often leads to Canadian products being sold at prices far below “even the lowest of prevailing world commodity prices,” NMPF said. Also a top priority for NAFTA would be improving rules-based areas with respect to Mexico and dairy trade, such as introducing new commitments on geographical indications and on sanitary and phytosanitary issues, the group said.

The International Trade Commission on June 6 released the public version of its report to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative on potential changes to the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) program for 2016/2017, it said in a press release (here). The 114-page report (here), 139 pages shorter than last year's, includes data related to potential additions of products for all GSP beneficiary countries under subheadings 1104.19.90 (Rolled or flaked grains of cereals, other than of barley or oats), 2008.20.00 (Pineapples, otherwise prepared or preserved, nesi), 2915.9018 (Saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids, nesoi), 3809.93.50 (Finishing agents, dye carriers and other preparations used in leather and like industries, <5% by weight aromatic (mod.) substance(s)), and 3192.20.00 (Cellulose nitrates (including collodions, in primary forms)).

Allowing wholesalers, pharmacies and individuals to import prescription drugs would increase law enforcement costs and burdens and open the U.S. drug supply to adulterated and counterfeit drugs, an investigation led by former FBI director Louis Freeh released June 6 indicates (here). The study was requested by the Partnership for Safe Medicines and conducted by Freeh Group International Solutions, a consultancy founded by Freeh in 2007. Drug imports would fuel criminal organization activities and profits, as they could go undetected because of the inability to “sufficiently inspect the volume entering the United States,” the report says. Furthermore, legalized importation would raise serious concerns about the ability of law enforcement to maintain adequate investigation and prosecutorial ability to eliminate criminal enterprises if drug importation were permitted at the consumer, pharmacist or wholesaler level, according to the review. Drug importation would also exacerbate the U.S. opioid crisis at a time when fentanyl and several fentanyl analog-laced counterfeits are being transshipped through Canada and Mexico to the U.S., the report states.

The Federal Communications Commission Office of Engineering and Technology said it will extend through Sept. 30 suspensions of information collection requirements tied to FCC Form 740 and importation of radio frequency devices. The earlier waivers were to expire June 30, OET said. Section 2.1203 of FCC rules says no RF device can be imported unless the importer or “ultimate consignee” declares the device meets the conditions of entry set forth in agency importation rules, and Section 2.1205 addresses the filing of the declaration, OET said. But the requirement is in question, OET said. A pending proposal (see 1508110024) would “update the rules that govern the evaluation and approval of RF devices,” the OET order said (here). “Among the changes being considered by the Commission are proposals to eliminate the requirement to file FCC Form 740 by amending Section 2.1203 and removing Section 2.1205.”

The Drug Enforcement Administration said it intends to temporarily add the synthetic opioid acryl fentanyl to Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act (here). DEA can issue a final order temporarily adding the substance after a period of 30 days passes. If issued, the final order will take effect immediately and will stay in effect for a maximum of three years, pending completion of a permanent scheduling order.

The International Trade Commission launched an investigation on the economic effects of providing duty-free treatment under NAFTA for currently dutiable imports, following a May 18 request by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, the ITC said (here). USTR asked the ITC to consider each article in Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) chapters 1 through 97 “for which tariffs will remain,” taking into account U.S. World Trade Organization commitments. Specifically, USTR requested that the report highlight the probable economic impacts of duty-free NAFTA treatment on consumers and U.S. industries producing like or directly competitive products, the ITC said. Sections of the ITC’s report, which is to be sent to USTR by Aug. 16, relating to advice and assessment of probable economic effects will be classified. The ITC will host a public hearing in connection with the investigation on June 20, and will accept pre-hearing briefs and statements until June 13 and post-hearing briefs until June 26, the ITC said.