Miscellaneous International Trade Notices

The Millennium Challenge Corporation issued a notice publishing a summary, justification and the complete text of the Amendment to Millennium Challenge Compact between the U.S. and the Government of the Republic of Madagascar. (Millennium Challenge Corporation notice, FR Pub 08/01/08, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/pdf/E8-17706.pdf)

2. OFAC Publishes Enforcement Information for July 11th

The Office of Foreign Assets Control has issued enforcement information regarding the Trading with the Enemy Act and other sanctions programs for July 11, 2008. (OFAC enforcement information for 07/11/08, available at http://www.treas.gov/offices/enforcement/ofac/civpen/penalties/07312008.pdf)

3. OFAC Updates its SDN List

OFAC has updated its Specially Designated Nationals List to include 13 individuals and 6 entities from Colombia as well as to delete and make other changes to the SDN list. (OFAC notice, dated 07/31/08, available at http://www.treas.gov/offices/enforcement/ofac/actions/20080731.shtml)

4. BTS Releases North American Surface Trade Numbers for May 2008

The Bureau of Transportation Statistics released the North American surface trade numbers for May 2008: trade using surface transportation between the U.S. and its NAFTA partners, Canada and Mexico, was 6.8% higher in May 2008 than in May 2007, reaching $74.1 billion. (BTS press release, dated 07/31/08, available at http://www.dot.gov/affairs/bts3708.htm)

5. GAO Report on State Dept Meeting Demands for Visas/Passports in Mexico

The Government Accountability Office released its report entitled "Border Security: State Department Is Taking Steps to Meet Projected Surge in Demand for Visas and Passports in Mexico." (GAO report, dated July 2008, available at http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d081006.pdf)

6. GAO Letter on TSA's Explosives Detection Canine Program

The Government Accountability Office posted its letter to congressional committees on the Transportation Security Administration's explosives detection canine program: status of increasing number of explosives detection canine teams. (GAO letter, dated 07/31/08, available at http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d08933r.pdf)

7. GAO Countering Terrorism Forum Highlights

The GAO posted highlights from its forum on enhancing U.S. partnerships in countering transnational terrorism. (GAO highlights, GAO-08-887SP, dated July 2008, available at http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d08887sp.pdf)

8. GAO Issues Exposure Draft on FISCAM

The GAO has transmitted the exposure draft of its Federal Information System Controls Audit Manual (FISCAM) for review and comment. The FISCAM presents a methodology for performing information system (IS) control audits of federal and other governmental entities in accordance with professional standards. (GAO Exposure Draft, dated July 2008, available at http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d081029g.pdf)

9. June Monthly Steel Fact Sheet

The International Trade Administration posted the June monthly steel fact sheet. The preliminary data released show that overall steel imports in June 2008 increased 6.95% from May 2008. (ITA steel fact sheet, dated 07/29/08, available at http://www.trade.gov/press/press_releases/2008/steel_072908.asp)

10. FSIS Updates Export Requirements, Plant Lists, Eligible Foreign Establishments

The Food Safety and Inspection Service has posted updated export requirements for the following countries Colombia (beef, poultry, pork), Russia (beef, poultry, pork, hoursemeat, baby food), China (meat, poultry, sheep/lamb), and Azerbaijan (poultry). FSIS has also updated the list of U.S. plants approved to export meat and poultry, and/or egg products to Australia and Canada. In addition, FSIS updated its list of eligible foreign establishments in Russia certified to export beef, pork, and poultry to the U.S. (Key words are hyperlinks.)

11. FAS' Global Agriculture Information Network Reports

FAS issued the following GAIN reports:

· European Union-27 Livestock and Products: Review of the Animal Cloning Situation in the EU

· India Agricultural Situation: Weekly Highlights & Hot Bites, #30

· India Agricultural Situation: Monsoon Update (4)

· Japan Grain and Feed: Japan Establishes New Standards for Health Claims on Pet food

· Poland Exporter Guide: Annual

12. Port of LB Posts Its LMC Workshop Presentation

The Port of Long Beach posted its July 29th Licensed Motor Carriers workshop presentation to its Web site. (LB workshop presentation, dated 07/29/08, available at http://www.polb.com/civica/filebank/blobdload.asp?BlobID=5432)

13. Canada Extends Its Steel Import Monitoring Program to August 2011

Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada posted a notice informing importers that the steel import monitoring program has been extended to August 31, 2011. The steel import monitoring program does not limit the quantity of carbon and specialty steel products that may be imported into Canada. (DFAIT notice, dated 08/05/08, available at http://www.international.gc.ca/eicb/notices/ser731-en.asp)