The Journal of Commerce Online (JoC Online) has reported that container operations have slowed at the Port of Oakland as a result of striking truck drivers. The drivers are demanding shipping lines pay them increased base rates and fuel surcharges. In addition, the Port of Norfolk is experiencing a strike as truckers there protest delays, difficulty in getting higher pay, and compensation for rising diesel fuel prices. (JoC Pub 05/07/04, www.joc.com)

On May 3, 2004, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) announced the results of its 2004 "Special 301" annual report on intellectual property rights (IPR) protection.

Consular Information Sheets are available for every country of the world and include a variety of information. The following have been issued since BP's most recent update:

According to two U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Electronic Bulletin Board (CEBB) notices, on April 19, 2004, the International Trade Commission (ITC) notified the International Trade Administration (ITA) of its final negative injury determination in the antidumping (AD) duty investigations of wax and wax/resin thermal transfer ribbon (TTR) from France and Japan.

The U.S. Census Bureau (Census) has issued a follow-up broadcast regarding the Automated Export System (AES) Commodity Redesign implementation that is scheduled for June 8, 2004.

U.S. government sources state that U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is now uncertain whether it will proceed with plans for a "document accuracy test" of textiles and apparel that are quota-free and visa-free, and entered using entry type '01.'

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has issued a final rule, effective June 4, 2004, which amends 7 CFR Part 319.37-8(e) in order to add orchids of the genus Phalaenopsis from Taiwan only to the list of plants that may be imported in an approved growing medium subject to specified growing, inspection, and certification requirements.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has posted to its Web site its quarterly report on the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE), entitled Report to Congress: the Automated Commercial Environment. This report is dated October 1, 2003 and covers the period from June 15, 2003 through September 30, 2003.

The ITA states that China-wide rate applies to all China exporters which do not have a separate rate, including Kunshan, Henan, and High Hope.