The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative has announced that the African Growth and Opportunity Act Implementation Subcommittee is requesting written comments by October 11, 2011 for the annual review of the 2012 eligibility of sub-Saharan African countries to receive the benefits of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
On September 21, 2011, the Senate continued its consideration of amendments to H.R. 2832, the House-passed bill to reinstate the GSP program retroactive to its expiration date and raise the Merchandise Processing Fee. Additional amendments and the bill itself (as amended) are scheduled to be voted on September 22, 2011.
On September 20, 2011, the Senate began its formal consideration of H.R. 2832, the House-passed bill to reinstate the GSP program retroactive to its expiration date and raise the Merchandise Processing Fee.
On September 19, 2011, U.S. Trade Representative Kirk met with Indonesian Minister of Trade Pangestu under the U.S.-Indonesia Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA). The two ministers discussed bilateral, regional and multilateral trade issues, including the importance of expanding cooperation on APEC issues prior to the Leaders’ Summit in November. The ministers agreed to explore new initiatives to build further momentum in the relationship, and expressed interest in holding a high-level business dialogue during the next year.
On September 19, 2011, the Senate took an initial procedural step to move forward with H.R. 2832, the House-passed bill to reinstate the GSP program retroactive to its expiration date and raise the Merchandise Processing Fee. A second procedural step is scheduled for September 20; consideration of the actual bill is scheduled to begin on the 20th also.
On the evening of September 19, 2011, the Senate is scheduled to conduct one or more procedural votes on H.R. 2832, the House-passed bill to reinstate the GSP program retroactive to its expiration date and raise the Merchandise Processing Fee. It is not known if a vote to pass H.R. 2832 could also occur on this date, or if there is significant opposition to the measure.
On September 15, 2011, Deputy U.S. Trade Representative Sapiro gave remarks on the Administration’s May 2011 call for a Trade and Investment Partnership Initiative between the U.S. and the Middle East and North African (MENA) region. Sapiro stated that the U.S. envisions beginning a dialog, focusing initially on Egypt and Tunisia, to identify the most promising avenues for increasing trade and investment with, and within, the region.
During a September 13, 2011 press conference, Senate Majority Leader Reid (D-NV) indicated that he plans for the Senate to consider China currency legislation after the Senate completes its consideration of a bill to retroactively reinstate the GSP program, increase the Merchandise Processing Fee, and renew Trade Adjustment Assistance.
Press reports indicate that Senate Majority Leader Reid (D-NV) has announced a deal for a time line on amending and passing H.R. 2832 to reinstate the GSP program retroactive to its expiration date and raise the Merchandise Processing Fee.
Broker Power is providing readers with some of the top stories for September 6-9, 2011 in case they were missed last week.