The International Trade Commission (ITC) has posted to its Web site its preliminary report for its investigation (No. 1205-6) on proposed modifications to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS). According to the ITC, these proposed modifications are scheduled to become effective in January 2007.
The International Trade Commission (ITC) has instituted an investigation at the request of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) entitled, Effect of Modifications to the U.S.-Morocco Free Trade Agreement.
The Wall Street Journal reports that Mexico's maquiladora industry, considered an indicator of U.S. manufacturing strength, witnessed significant hiring turnaround in 2004, as employment increased for the first time since 2000. (WSJ dated 03/22/05, www.wsj.com.)
The International Trade Commission (ITC) has instituted an investigation at the request of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) entitled, Advice Concerning Possible Modifications to the U.S. Generalized System of Preferences, 2004 Special Review.
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| Proposed budget estimates for fiscal year 2006 for the Department of Homeland Security | 04/20/05 | Subcommittee on Homeland Security; Senate Committee on Appropriations |
| Nomination of Robert J. Portman to be U.S. Trade Representative, with the rank of Ambassador | 04/21/05 | Senate Committee on Finance |
| Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration | 04/20/05 | Subcommittee on the Departments of Transportation, Treasury, and Housing and Urban Development, the Judiciary, District of Columbia, and Independent Agencies; House Committee on Appropriations |
| Mark up of the following measures: H.R. 800, Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act and H. Res. 210, Supporting the goals of World Intellectual Property Day, and recognizing the importance of intellectual property in the U.S. and Worldwide | 04/20/05 | House Committee on the Judiciary |
| Implementation of the Dominican Republic - Central America Free Trade Agreement (DR-CAFTA) | 04/21/05 | House Committee on Ways and Means |
The Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements (CITA) has issued a notice requesting public comments by April 29, 2005 regarding a "commercial availability" petition it received under the U.S.-Caribbean Basin Trade Partnership Act (CBTPA) from Oxford Industries:
According to the Washington File, Senator Evan Bayh of Indiana has blocked Senate vote on U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) nominee Rob Portman until a vote is scheduled for his bill, the Stopping Overseas Subsidies (SOS) Act, which is aimed at countering unfair countervailing subsidies in non-market economies, especially China. (Washington File Pub 04/13/05, available at http://usinfo.state.gov/xarchives/display.html?p=washfile-english&y=2005&m=April&x=20050413113532ebyessedo0.4256555&t=livefeeds/wf-latest.html)
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced that it has recommended continuation of the placard system for hazardous materials transported by rail, a decision which came after completion of a comprehensive study that considered nine alternative technologies, etc. (DHS press release, dated 04/08/05, available at http://www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/display?content=4440)
The Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements (CITA) has issued a notice requesting public comments by April 27, 2005 regarding a "commercial availability" petition it received under the U.S.-Caribbean Basin Trade Partnership Act (CBTPA) on behalf of Dillard's Inc.*: