The International Trade Commission has released the public version its report on the probable economic effect of waiving the competitive need limit for Thailand for radial motorcar tires under the Generalized System of Preferences.
1. NAM Responds to Gate's Export Control Reform Proposals
The International Trade Commission has released the public version its report on the likely impact on U.S. industry, imports, and consumers of the removal of HTS subheading 9404.30.80 (sleeping bags, not containing 20% or more by weight of feathers and/or down, referred to as non-down sleeping bags) from duty-free status with respect to all GSP beneficiary countries.
The Congressional Research Service regularly publishes comprehensive reports for Members of Congress on global issues affecting trade and finance. The following are highlights of a CRS report on the U.S. trade and investment relationship with Sub-Saharan Africa and the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
In the March 31, 2010 issue of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Bulletin (Vol. 44, No. 14), CBP published notices regarding preference program or Chapter 98 eligibility of the products described below.
The European Commission is seeking comments on possible revisions and updates to the European Union's scheme of Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), which is due to expire December 31, 2011.
On March 26, 2010, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Napolitano highlighted the U.S.' significant progress in securing the U.S.-Mexico border one year after the Obama administration announced the Southwest Border Initiative - a series of steps to crack down on Mexican drug cartels by deploying additional personnel and technology, increasing information sharing, working closely with the Mexican government, and improving federal coordination with state, local and tribal law enforcement authorities. (Press release, dated 03/26/10, available at http://www.dhs.gov/ynews/releases/pr_1269622234690.shtm)
On March 24, 2010, 74 companies and 37 trade association wrote the leadership of the House Ways and Means and Senate Finance Committees to express their support for the preservation of the First Sale Rule, which allows U.S. importers to value imported merchandise using the "first sale" in a series of transactions as the basis for determining duties on products that come into the U.S.
The International Trade Commission has released the public version of a report requested by the U.S. Trade Representative as part of the 2009 GSP Annual Review on the probable economic effect of possible additions to and removals from the Generalized System of Preferences.
China's Ministry of Commerce reports that China's Premier Wen Jiabao recently said China would keep the yuan exchange rate "basically stable" at an "appropriate and balanced level" this year, and that Commerce Minister Chen has said that China's exchange rate should not be politicized. (Notice, dated 03/11/10, available at http://english.mofcom.gov.cn/aarticle/counselorsreport/asiareport/201003/20100306815949.html)