The U.S. goods and services deficit was $50.1 billion in April 2012, up $6.5 billion from April 2011, according to the U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services Report, released on June 8 by the Census Bureau and the Bureau of Economic Analysis. The report showed that, as compared to March 2012 levels, exports were down $1.5 billion to $182.9 billion, and imports were down $4.1 billion to $233 billion. As compared to April 2011 totals, exports increased by 4.1% and imports by 6.3%. The U.S. trade deficit with China increased to $24.6 billion in April 2012, from $21.7 billion in March. Statement by Commerce Secretary Bryson available here. ITA fact sheet available here.

The Foreign Trade Zones Board issued the following notices for June 7:

The International Trade Administration announced a trade mission to explore opportunities in the energy, renewable energy, infrastructure and safety and security technology sectors in Cairo, Egypt and Kuwait City, Kuwait, on March 10-14, 2013. The trade mission will include one-on-one business appointments with pre-screened potential buyers, agents, distributors and joint venture partners; meetings with government officials, chambers of commerce, and business groups; and networking receptions for companies interested in expansion into the North African and Middle Eastern markets. Meetings will be offered with government authorities that can address questions about policies, tariff rates, incentives, grid interconnection, regulation, etc. Recruitment for the mission will begin June 6 and conclude by December 14.

The Foreign Trade Zones Board is issuing the following notices for June 4, 2012:

The Foreign Trade Zones Board is issuing the following notices for June 1, 2012:

The International Trade Administration said it issued its quarterly update to its annual list of foreign government subsidies on articles of cheese subject to an in-quota rate of duty that were imported during the period January 1, 2012, through March 31, 2012.

The Commerce Department's Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Advisory Committee supports for the International Trade Administration's FY2013 budget and suggests items to consider during the proposed reorganization of the U.S. government trade agencies, in a letter and 11 recommendations it will deliver to the Under Secretary of International Trade at Commerce and other government officials.

The International Trade Administration is seeking comments by July 30, 2012, on a proposed information collection regarding requests for textile and apparel safeguard actions provided for by the U.S.-Columbia Trade Promotion Agreement (CTPA) Implementation Act.

The International Trade Administration announced a Trade Mission to South Africa and Zambia November 26--30, 2012, to help U.S. firms find business partners and sell equipment and services in Johannesburg and Cape Town, South Africa, and Lusaka, Zambia. Targeted sectors include electric power and energy efficiency technologies, equipment and services; productivity enhancing agricultural technologies and equipment; transportation equipment and infrastructure; and mining equipment and technology. This mission will be led by a senior Department of Commerce official and will include business-to-business matchmaking with local companies, market briefings, and meetings with key government officials.

The Foreign Trade Zones Board is issuing the following notices for May 25, 2012: