Shippers'NewsWire reports that Islamist terrorist organizations have allegedly warned several major Asian shipping companies of possible attacks, according to newspapers in Asia. However, one Korean shipping company commented that Korean newspapers "erroneously reported" that the terrorist organizations had warned nine Korean shipping companies, when in fact the warning messages were addressing major shipping companies worldwide that include American, Danish, Taiwanese and French ones. (American Shipper Shippers'NewsWire, 07/14/04, ShippersNewsWire@americanshipper.com )
Washington Trade Daily reports that more than half of the Senate has signed a letter urging final action before the August recess on the Miscellaneous Trade and Technical Corrections Act of 2003 (H.R. 1047). The House and Senate have both passed their own versions of this bill, but the article reports that some Senate Democrats continue to block a conference with the House, something that must take place in order for differences between the two versions to be resolved. (WTD dated 07/13/04, www.washingtontradedaily.com.)
The Journal of Commerce Online reports it will take at least two weeks before the backlog of containers at the Port of Miami is reduced to normal levels following the court-ordered end to a two-week strike by independent truckers. The article adds that on July 15, 2004, the federal judge that granted the temporary restraining order ending the protest will hear arguments by the Port of Miami and others asking for a permanent injunction. (JoC Online dated 07/12/04, www.joc.com.)
According to The Wall Street Journal, China's assistant minister of commerce said that domestic companies are increasing investment in developing countries that fear competition from China's massive textile export sector. The article notes that the assistant minister did not specify the value or the target countries of such investment. (WSJ, 06/29/04, www.wsj.com )
The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) has issued a press release announcing that Kennametal Inc. of Latrobe, PA has agreed to pay a $262,500 civil penalty to settle charges that it exported nickel powder to numerous countries in violation of the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). (Press Release, dated 06/28/04, available at http://www.bis.doc.gov/news/2004/KennametalPA_June04.htm)
The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) has issued a final rule which amends the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) at 15 CFR Parts 738, 742, 772, and 774, effective June 28, 2004, in order to remove certain license requirements with respect to new North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) members as well as to make certain conforming corrections and clarifications.
According to Washington Trade Daily, final congressional action on legislation (HR 4520, S 1637) to repeal a US export tax break program remains stalled as lawmakers depart on June 25, 2004 for the Independence Day recess. The article states that Senate majority and minority leaders were unsuccessful in coming to an agreement that would clear the way for the Senate to conference with the House, adding that Congress returns from its recess on July 6. (WTD dated 06/25/04, www.washingtontradedaily.com )
On June 18, 2004, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 4567, the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2005. In addition, on June 17, 2004, the Senate Appropriations Committee approved its own version of a fiscal year (FY) 2005 DHS appropriations bill (S. 2537), which as been placed on the Senate's legislative calendar. See future issues of ITT for additional details on congressional action on FY 2005 DHS appropriations legislation.)
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has announced a toll-free number to report high-risk cattle in the U.S. According to APHIS, the toll-free number for the bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) surveillance program is 1(866) 536-7593. APHIS explains that as part of its expanded BSE surveillance effort, it will work closely with cattle producers, renderers, veterinarians, and others to obtain samples from high-risk cattle targeted in this program. APHIS states that toll-free callers reporting high-risk cattle will connect with a local APHIS office that will provide additional information. (APHIS Pub, dated 06/08/04, available at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/oa/pubs/sa_ahbsetollfree.html)
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has issued a press release announcing that the signing of the U.S.-Morocco Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which was previously scheduled for June 11, 2004, has been postponed until June 15, 2004. (See ITT's Online Archives or 04/06/04 news, 04040615, for previous BP summary on the release of the draft text of the U.S.-Morocco FTA. (USTR press release 2004-51, dated 06/07/04, available at http://www.ustr.gov/releases/2004/06/04-51.pdf.)