On June 16, 2009, the Court of International Trade ruled in Gilda Industries, Inc. vs. U.S., that the authority for the collection of the 100% beef hormone duties imposed on certain products from the European Union expired on July 29, 2007, when the domestic beef industry failed to timely file a request with the government to continue the duties.
Brazil's Ministry of Development, Industry and Foreign Trade has announced that on December 15, 2009, Brazil's Foreign Trade Chamber (CAMEX) will meet to consider what U.S. products Brazil may subject to additional duties of up to 100%, as the U.S. has not complied with World Trade Organization findings in the upland cotton dispute.
China's Ministry of Commerce announced pledges by the Chinese government to push forward the transformation of the nation's economic development pattern in 2010 while maintaining stable and comparatively fast economic growth. Among other things, China said it would continue to enrich current policies to enhance domestic demand, including the subsidized rural purchase programs of home appliances and autos. (Notice, dated 12/07/09, available at http://www.china-embassy.org/eng/xw/t631846.htm)
The following determinations of the Court of International Trade in November 2009 involved antidumping or countervailing duty law.
On December 7, 2009, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Napolitano and Mexican Secretary of Finance and Public Credit Carstens signed an updated and enhanced Declaration of Principles accomplishing the goals they outlined in June to create a joint U.S.-Mexico framework to improve security along the Southwest border and facilitate the flow of legitimate travel and trade. (Press release, including link to Declaration, available at http://www.dhs.gov/ynews/releases/pr_1260207066445.shtm.)
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative is seeking comments on Korea's recent request for World Trade Organization consultations on the U.S. use of "zeroing" in certain antidumping measures involving stainless steel plate in coils, stainless steel sheet and strip in coils, and diamond sawblades and parts thereof from Korea.
The World Trade Organization frequently posts communications to WTO members on issues that involve the U.S. The following are short summaries of such issues for November 2009:
Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry reminds the public that Japan will act as the chair of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) 2010 Symposium to be held December 9-10, 2009 in Tokyo. Participants will conduct discussions on APEC free trade goals, regional economic integration, the concept of a Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP), and strategies for prosperity in Asia-Pacific. (Press release, dated 11/27/09, available at http://www.meti.go.jp/english/press/data/20091127_01.html)
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative is seeking comments on the World Trade Organization's recent establishment of a dispute settlement panel to examine complaints by Canada and Mexico regarding U.S. mandatory country of origin labeling (COOL) requirements for meat and other agricultural commodities.
At a November 17, 2009 hearing to explore the international aspects of global climate change, the Senate Energy and Natural Resource Committee heard testimony on various countries' emission and climate change goals and trade-related aspects of climate change.