Miscellaneous International Trade Notices
President Bush has issued a proclamation lifting the application of the Trading with the Enemy Act (TWEA) with respect to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea), and notified Congress of his intent to rescind North Korea's designation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism. These actions were taken following North Korea's submission of a declaration of its nuclear programs, which will now be subject to verification.
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1. President Lifts Certain North Korea Sanctions, Etc.
The President has also issued an Executive Order declaring a new national emergency, under the authority of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), to deal with the unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States posed by the current existence and risk of the proliferation of weapons-usable fissile material on the Korean Peninsula. This Executive order continues certain restrictions with respect to North Korea that otherwise would be lifted pursuant to the abovementioned Proclamation.
(State Dept. fact sheet, dated 06/26/08, available at http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2008/jun/106281.htm , OFAC notice available at http://www.treas.gov/offices/enforcement/ofac/actions/20080626.shtml . Proclamation available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/pdf/08-1398.pdf; Order available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/pdf/08-1399.pdf )
2. Canada Requests WTO Consultations on China's Financial Info Services
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada reports that the Government of Canada will seek consultations with China on its measures affecting the distribution of financial information services in China under the World Trade Organization dispute settlement process. (FAITC, dated 06/20/08, available at http://w01.international.gc.ca/minpub/Publication.aspx?isRedirect=True&publication_id=386306&language=E&docnumber=141)
3. Canada's PIP (Similar to C-TPAT) Security Profile Now Available
The Canada Border Services Agency has posted its Partners in Protection (PIP) program (similar to CBP's C-TPAT program) Security Profile. The security questionnaire has been replaced by the Security Profile, which is divided into generic sections (which apply to all applicants) and sections specifically developed for certain business categories. (PIP Security Profile available at http://www.cbsa.gc.ca/security-securite/pip-pep/mod-eng.htmlc04)
4. Two Aviation Corps, Presidents Charged with Conspiracy to Export Military Aircraft Parts to Iran
Immigration and Customs Enforcement has issued a press release announcing the arrest of two munitions dealers indicted on charges of conspiring to export military aircraft parts to Iran. The defendants, Hassan Saied Keshari and Traian Bujduveanu, are charged with conspiring to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, the U.S.' Iran Embargo, and the Arms Export Control Act. According to the affidavit filed in support of the Criminal Complaint, Keshari owns and operates Kesh Air International of CA; Bujduveanu owns and operates Orion Aviation Corp. of FL. (ICE, dated 06/23/08, available at http://www.ice.gov/pi/news/newsreleases/articles/080623ftlauderdale.htm)
5. Over 600 People Complete WTO Online Training Courses
The World Trade Organization reports that over 600 people have completed the latest session of WTO online training courses, which started on May 5, 2008. (WTO press release, dated 06/20/08, available at http://www.wto.org/english/news_e/news08_e/etraining_may08_e.htm)
6. 4th Tokyo Int'l Conference on African Development
Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry has posted an overview of the Fourth Tokyo International Conference on African Development, which was convened at the Pacifico Yokohama on May 28, 2008. (Overview available at http://www.meti.go.jp/english/policy/external_economy/trade/other/2008TICAD.html)
7. EPA Makes SNAP Proposed Rule Data Available
The Environmental Protection Agency is making available to the public information related to a May 30, 2007 proposed rule under the Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) program. The SNAP program reviews alternatives to Class I and Class II ozone-depleting substances and finds acceptable the use of alternatives that reduce the overall risk to public health and the environment. Comments must be received on or before August 22, 2008. (D/N EPA-HQ-OAR-2002-0064; FRL-8683-6, FR Pub 06/23/08, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/pdf/E8-14103.pdf)
8. NAFTA Panel Review Requested on Certain Wire Rod from Canada
The International Trade Administration has issued a notice announcing that on June 6, 2008, Ivaco Rolling Mills 2004 L.P. and Sivaco Ontario, a division of Sivaco Wire Group 2004 L.P. filed a first request for North American Free Trade Agreement Panel Review. The panel review was requested on the final results of the 2005-2006 antidumping duty administrative review on carbon and certain alloy steel wire rod from Canada. (ITA notice, FR Pub 06/23/08, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/pdf/E8-14086.pdf)
9. DOT Says New Revenue Sources Needed for Highway, Transit Programs
The Department of Transportation reports that Americans drove 1.4 billion fewer highway miles in April 2008 than in April 2007, while fuel prices and transit ridership are both on the rise. The Transportation Secretary says this sixth month of declining vehicle miles traveled signals the need to find new revenue sources for highway and transit programs. (DOT 84-08, dated 06/18/08, available at http://www.dot.gov/affairs/dot8408.htm)
10. Commissioner Welcomes EU Decision to Lift Diplomatic Measures on Cuba
The European Union reports that the European Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid welcomed the unanimous decision by EU member states to fully lift measures on Cuba. This decision to lift the diplomatic measures, which have already been suspended since January 2005, allows the EU to fully re-engage in a political dialogue with Havana. (EU, dated 06/20/08, available at http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/08/982&format)
11. FAS' Global Agriculture Information Network Reports
FAS issued the following GAIN reports:
Canada Agricultural Situation: This Week In Canadian Agriculture, Issue 18
Germany Agricultural Situation: Food Labeling
Republic of Korea Product Brief: Korea's Asparagus Market
Republic of South Africa Citrus: Semi-Annual
Thailand Grain and Feed: Weekly Rice Price Update
Vietnam Cotton and Products: Annual Report
12. BIS Significant Export Enforcement Cases for June 2008
The Bureau of Industry and Security has issued a notice announcing its most significant export enforcement cases for the month of June 2008:
(BIS notice, dated June 2008 available at http://www.bis.doc.gov/complianceandenforcement/mcl062008.pdf