Miscellaneous International Trade Notices
The U.S. Department of the Treasury has released the Semi-Annual Report concluding that no major U.S. trading partner met the currency manipulation standards during the most recent reporting period. However, the report notes that the U.S. will continue to work with China both in the G-20 and the bilateral Strategic and Economic Dialogue to pursue policies that permit greater flexibility of the exchange rate and lead to more sustainable and balanced trade and growth. (Report, posted 10/15/09, available at http://www.treasury.gov/offices/international-affairs/economic-exchange-rates/)
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1. Treasury Finds No Currency Manipulation by China, Seeks Flexible Exchange Rates
2. NCTO, Other U.S. Textile Groups Lobbying Against Chinese Apparel
According to the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, the U.S. textile manufacturing industry, led by the National Council of Textile Organizations, is lobbying Congress and the Obama administration to: (i) move quickly on a commitment made by President Obama during his campaign to monitor textile and apparel imports from China; (ii) condemn recent Chinese actions on textiles and other industrial products that are mercantilist in nature; (iii) create a central public repository on Chinese government support for its industrial sector;, etc. (Notice, dated 10/09/09, available at http://www.hktdc.com/info/vp/a/ctde/en/1/1/1/1X06BO9R/China-Trade/Textile-Industry-Steps-Up-Rhetoric-on-U-S--China-Trade.htm)
3. Registration for CPSC Hearing on Public Consumer Product Incident Database
The Consumer Product Safety Commission has posted an online registration site for attending its November 10, 2009 public hearing on the establishment of a public consumer product safety incident database. (Notice, posted 10/16/09, available at http://www.cpsc.gov/cgibin/dbmeeting.aspx)
4. PHMSA Final Rule on Emergency Response Information for Hazmats
The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration is amending its regulations, effective November 18, 2009, to require basic identifying information (offeror name or contract number) to be included on shipping papers. (RSPA D/N 2006-26322 (HM-206F), FR Pub 10/19/09, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-24799.pdf)
5. PHMSA Public Meeting to Prepare for UN Meeting on Transport of Dangerous Goods
The PHMSA is advising interested persons that it will conduct a public meeting on November 10, 2009 in Washington, D.C. to prepare for the 36th session of the United Nations Sub-Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods to be held November 30-December 9, 2009 in Geneva. (FR Pub 10/19/09, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-24891.pdf)
6. U.S., Maldives Sign Trade & Investment Agreement
The U.S. has signed a Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) providing a forum for the Maldives and the U.S. to examine ways to enhance bilateral trade and investment. (Press release, dated 10/17/09, available at http://www.ustr.gov/about-us/press-office/press-releases/2009/october/united-states-signs-trade-and-investment-agreement)
7. Pending U.S. Legislation Related to China
The U.S.-China Business Council has updated its list of pending U.S. legislation related to China. (List, dated 10/12/09, available at http://www.uschina.org/public/documents/2009/111th_congress_chinalegislation.pdf)
8. ITA Initiatives AD/CV Investigation on Sodium and Potassium Phosphate Salts from China
The ITA has issued a fact sheet on the initiation of antidumping and countervailing duty investigations of certain sodium and potassium phosphate salts from China. (Fact sheet, dated 10/15/09, available at http://ia.ita.doc.gov/download/factsheets/factsheet-prc-spps-init-101509.pdf)
9. ITA Final AD/CV Determination for Commodity Matchbooks from India
The ITA has issued a fact sheet on final antidumping and countervailing duty determinations for commodity matchbooks from India. (Fact sheet, dated 10/16/09, available at http://ia.ita.doc.gov/download/factsheets/factsheet-india-cm-final-101609.pdf)
10. DOE Submits Proposed Rule on Energy Conservation Standards for Small Electric Motors to OMB
The Department of Energy has submitted a proposed rule to the Office of Management and Budget to determine whether it is appropriate to establish energy conservation standards for small electric motors. (Rule, received 10/16/09, available at http://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/eAgendaViewRule?pubId=200904&RIN=1904-AB70)
11. DOE Submits Proposed Rule on Energy Efficiency Standards for Commercial Clothes Washers to OMB
DOE has submitted a proposed rule to OMB to set energy efficiency standards for commercial clothes washers as required by The Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPACT)). (Rule, received 10/16/09, available at http://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/eAgendaViewRule?pubId=200904&RIN=1904-AB93)
12. DEA Files Final Rule with OMB on Importer/Mfger Registration Requirements for Ephedrine Drugs
The Drug Enforcement Agency has asked OMB for approval of a final rule that supports those rules implementing the Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act of 2005 by ensuring that every location that manufactures the List I chemicals ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, or phenylpropanolamine, or a drug product containing ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, or phenylpropanolamine, is registered with the DEA to conduct this activity. (Rule, received, 10/16/09, available at http://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/eAgendaViewRule?pubId=200904&RIN=1117-AB09)
13. EPA Requests OMB Approval for Final Rule on HCFC Imports, Exports
The Environmental Protection Agency has asked OMB to approve a final rule that would adjust the allowance system that controls the U.S. consumption and production (including imports and exports) of ozone-depleting substances (ODSs) known as hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) to lower the amount of available allowances, as required by the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. (Rule, received 10/15/09, available at http://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/eAgendaViewRule?pubId=200904&RIN=2060-AO76)
14. German National Pleads Guilty to Smuggling Coral from the Philippines
Gunther Wenzek, a German national, has pleaded guilty to smuggling over 40 tons of Phillipine coral into the United States at the port of Portland, Ore., the Justice Department announced. Wenzek owns a company named CoraPet, based in Essen, Germany that sells various coral products to retailers in the United States. (Press release, dated 10/14/09, available at http://www.usdoj.gov/opa/pr/2009/October/09-enrd-1107.html)
15. President Continued Nat'l Emergency with Respect to Colombian Narcotics Traffickers
The President has issued a notice stating that because the actions of significant narcotics traffickers centered in Colombia continue to threaten the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the U.S. and to cause an extreme level of violence, corruption, and harm in the U.S. and abroad, he is continuing for one year the national emergency declared on October 21, 1995, and the measures adopted pursuant thereto to deal with that emergency. (Notice, dated 10/16/09, available at http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/Notice-from-the-President-Regarding-Narcotic-Traffickers-in-Colombia/.)
16. APHIS Proposes New Treatments for Australian Sweet Cherries and Certain Citrus
APHIS has issued a proposed rule to amend its regulations to add new treatments for sweet cherries and for certain species of citrus fruit imported from Australia into the U.S., as they would be effective against Mediterranean fruit fly and Queensland fruit fly. Comments are due by December 18, 2009. (D/N APHIS-2008-0140, FR Pub 10/19/09, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-25120.pdf)
17. FAS Reports Acceptance of DEIP Bids for Butter and Mozzarella Cheese
The Foreign Agricultural Service reports that the Commodity Credit Corporation has accepted bids under the Dairy Export Incentive Program from exporter James Farrell & Co. for mozzarella cheese to Africa and the Middle East (10/16/09) and forbutter to Asia and Eurasia (10/15/09).
18. Canadian Border Agricultural Clearance PPQ Manual Updated
On October 16, 2009, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service updated the Plant Protection and Quarantine Manual for Canadian Border Agricultural Clearance. The manual serves as a guide for authorized Federal officers at ports of entry along the Canadian Border. (Manual, updated 10/16/09, available at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/plants/manuals/ports/canadian.shtml)
19. Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Import PPQ Manual Updated
On October 16, 2009, APHIS updated its Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Import PPQ Manual. The manual lists by country fruits and vegetables that are admissible into the United States. It includes a description of methods for sampling and inspecting selected fruits and vegetables. It also contains pictorial identification guides, and a glossary for common and scientific names of fruits and vegetables. (Manual, updated 10/16/09, available at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/plants/manuals/ports/downloads/fv.pdf)
20. CPSC Lists Voluntary Recalls
The Consumer Product Safety Commission has published notice of the following voluntary recalls:
| Product: Reason | Company | Release |
|---|---|---|
| Model Year 2009 Zero X and Zero MX Off-Road Motorcycles: Crash Hazard | Zero Motorcycles Inc. (CA) | 10-702 |
| Single Meter Sockets: Fire and Electrocution Hazards | Milbank Manufacturing Co. (MO) | 10-012 |
| Quantum Realspace PRO 9000 Series Mid-Back Multifunction Mesh Chair and Multifunction Mesh Chair with Headrest: Fall Hazard | Raynor Marketing LTD (NY) | 10-013 |
(CPSC recalls available at http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prereloct09.html)
21. Canada Revises List of AD/CV Measures in Effect
Canada Border Services Agency has revised its listing of antidumping and countervailing duty measures currently in effect. (List, posted 10/05/09, available at http://www.cbsa.gc.ca/sima-lmsi/mif-mev-eng.html)
22. CBSA Preliminary Affirmative AD Determination of Certain Steel Plate from Ukraine
Canada Border Services Agency has made a preliminary determination of dumping regarding certain hot-rolled carbon steel plate and high strength low alloy steel plate originating in or exported from Ukraine. (Notice, dated 10/05/09, available at http://canadagazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p1/2009/2009-10-17/html/commis-eng.htmlf111)
23. FSIS Issues Notices for its Inspection Personnel and Public
FSIS Directive 72-09 (October 15, 2009). Fourth Food Defense Plan Survey
24. FAS Global Agriculture Information Network Reports
The Foreign Agriculture Service issued the following GAIN reports:
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