Miscellaneous International Trade Notices

1. USTR Kirk Discusses Trade, Etc. with Mexico

2. USTR Reschedules Hearing on GSP for Tires, Extends Comment Period for Sleeping Bags

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative has issued a press release announcing that it is rescheduling its February 11, 2010 public hearing on the competitive need limitation (CNL) waiver petition concerning tires from Thailand as part of the 2009 GSP Annul Review. The hearing has been rescheduled for February 16, 2010. USTR is also extending the comment deadline period on the petitioned removal of certain sleeping bags from the list of GSP-eligible items to February 19, 2010 (from February 12, 2010). (USTR press release, dated 02/10/10, available at http://www.ustr.gov/about-us/press-office/press-releases/2010/february/postponed-generalized-system-preferences-events)

3. DHS Launches Open Government Initiative

The Department of Homeland Security has issued a press release announcing that it has launched the DHS Open Government Initiative to improve transparency, expand collaboration, and encourage innovation. DHS has created an online participation tool, available until 03/19/10, to obtain public input. (DHS press release, dated 02/09/10, available at http://www.dhs.gov/journal/leadership/2010/02/dhs-open-government-initiative.html.)

4. U.S. Goods and Services Deficit Increased in December 2009

The Census Bureau has announced that the U.S. international trade deficit in goods and services decreased to $380.7 billion in 2009 from $695.9 billion in 2008. For December, the trade deficit increased to $40.2 billion from $36.4 billion (revised) in November. (Census press release, dated 02/10/10, available at http://www.census.gov/foreign-trade/data/.)

5. Vietnam Requests WTO Talks with U.S. on AD "Zeroing" in Shrimp Reviews

On February 4, 2010,the World Trade Organization notified WTO Members that Vietnam has requestedconsultations with the U.S. regarding its use of antidumping "zeroing"in certain administrative and new shipper reviews for Certain Frozen Warmwater Shrimp from Vietnam. (Request a copyby emailing documents@brokerpower.comor search WTO documents under February 4, 2010 at http://docsonline.wto.org/gen_search.asp?searchmode=simple)

6. DOT Responds to Third Toyota Recall

The Department of Transportation reports that in addition to Toyota's recall of 2010 Prius hybrids and Lexus HS 250h vehicles for brake system problems, some 2010 Camry's prone to brake fluid leaks have also been recalled. The NHTSA also opened a formal investigation of 2010 Toyota Prius hybrid vehicles in response to consumer complaints about braking difficulties. To date, the DOT states there have been three Toyota recalls. (Press release, dated 02/09/10, available at http://www.dot.gov/affairs/2010/dot2510.htm)

7. FWS Announces Federal Efforts to Reduce Threat of Asian Carp

The Fish and Wildlife Service states that federal officials have unveiled a strategy that outlines over 25 short and long-term actions and $78.5 million in investments to combat the spread of Asian carp in the Great Lakes, including reduced openings of Chicago's navigational locks to prevent carp movement. (News release, dated 02/09/10, available at http://www.fws.gov/news/newsreleases/showNews.cfm?newsId=B3A9DF83-AD1E-D2C1-2F98CAFD2B503A19)

8. EPA Announces Public Meeting on Asian Carp for February 17

The Environmental Protection Agency is announcing thatThe International Joint Commission, in cooperation with the EPA and other agencies, is hosting a public meeting in Ypsilanti, Mich., on February 17, 2010to discuss plans and get recommendations on Asian carp control efforts in the Great Lakesregion. The meeting also will be available via live web stream at: http://epa.gov/greatlakes/live.(New release, dated 02/08/10, available at http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/0/CF5C0B0D1524BA27852576C4006F4782)

9. CBP Extends Comment Period on ATPDEA Information Collection

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is extending the comment period on its information collection on Andean Trade Preferences previously published in the December 10, 2009 Federal Register; and revising the information collection notice by adding Form 449, "Andean Trade Promotion and Drug Eradication Act (ATPDEA)." Written comments are now due by March 12, 2010. (FR Pub 02/10/10, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/pdf/2010-2938.pdf)

10. CBP Requests Comments on C-TPAT Information Collection

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is requesting comments on its information collection regarding the Customs and Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT). The information collection is an on-line application that must be completed by companies or individuals wishing to participate in the C-TPAT program. CBP is requesting written comments by April 12, 2010. (FR Pub 02/10/10, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/pdf/2010-2934.pdf)

11. NMFS Requests Comments on Endangered Species Status Reviews for 82 Coral Species

The National Marine Fisheries Service has announced the results of its 90 day finding on a petition to list 83 species as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). NMFS finds that the petitioned action may be warranted for 82 of the petitioned species and is therefore initiating status reviews of them to determine if listing under the ESA is warranted. NMFS solicits scientific and commercial information regarding these 82 coral species by April 12, 2010. (FR Pub 02/10/10, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/pdf/2010-2939.pdf)

12. Former Engineer Gets 16 Years for Stealing Boeing, Rockwell Secrets for China

The Justice Department reports that an aerospace engineer, Dongfan "Greg" Chung, 73, was sentenced to 188 months in federal prison for economic espionage and acting as an agent of the People's Republic of China while employed by Rockwell and Boeing, from which he stole restricted technology, including information related to the Space Shuttle program and Delta IV rocket. (News release, dated 02/08/10, available at http://www.justice.gov/usao/cac/pressroom/pr2010/027.html)

13. Balli Aviation Pleads Guilty on Ilegal 747 Export Sale to Iran DOJ Reports

The Justice Department reports that Balli Aviation Ltd. has pleaded guilty to the illegal export of commercial Boeing 747 aircraft from the U.S. to Iran, and has agreed to pay a $2 million criminal fine and be placed on corporate probation for five years. A related $15 million civil settlement with the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), and the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), has also been announced. (Press release, dated 02/05/10, available at http://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/2010/February/10-nsd-131.html)

14. China Requests WTO Consultations with EU Over Extension of AD Duties on Shoes

China has requested World Trade Organization (WTO) consultations with the European Union over its December 22, 2009 decision to extend antidumping duties on Chinese-made shoes for another 15 months, which China believes is in violation of the EU's WTO obligations. (Notice, dated 02/04/10, available at http://english.gov.cn/2010-02/04/content_1528504.htm)

15. U.S.-China Council Submits Comments on China's Draft Government Procurement Regs

The U.S.-China Business Council has submitted comments on China's draft implementing regulation for government procurement. The Council suggested certain changes such as limiting local content thresholds to 50% value added in China and lowering the threshold from 20% to 5-10% for what can be considered a "reasonable" price difference between domestic and foreign sources in government procurement, etc. (Comments, posted 02/05/10, http://www.uschina.org/public/documents/2010/02/uscbc_comments_procurement-eng.pdf)

16. WCO Announces 2010 PICARD Conference

The World Customs Organization is announcing the 2010 WCO Partnership in Customs Academic Research and Development (PICARD) Conference that will be held in Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates) from September 28-30, 2010. Customs and its academic partners will provide perspectives on key issues impacting cross-border trade. (Announcement, dated 02/05/10, available at http://www.wcoomd.org/speeches/default.aspx?lid=1&id=206)

17. WTO Issues Trade Policy Review for El Salvador

The World Trade Organization has issued its Trade Policy Review for El Salvador. The review finds that El Salvador has made progress in modernizing customs, eliminating unnecessary licensing requirements, and enhancing the transparency of technical regulations and SPS measures. However, fiscal privileges still distort economic incentives. (Press release, dated 02/10/10, available at http://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/tpr_e/tp326_e.htm)

18. Foreign Trade Zone Board Actions and Notices

The Foreign Trade Zone Board has issued the following notices:

FTZ 33 - Expansion of Manufacturing Authority: Foreign Trade Subzone 33E; Pittsburgh, PA

FTZ 77 - Application for Subzone: Foreign Trade Zone 77; Memphis, TN

19. Agricultural Clearance PPQ Manual Updated

On February 5, 2010, APHIS updated the Manual for Agricultural Clearance. The manual provides CBP personnel working at airport and maritime locations with the guidelines, directions, and policy for clearing carriers and passengers/crew and controlling garbage and cargo. (Manual, updated 02/05/10, available at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/plants/manuals/ports/mac.shtml)

20. APHIS Canadian Border Agricultural Clearance PPQ Manual Updated

On February 5, 2010, APHIS updated its Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) Canadian Border Agricultural Clearance Manual. This Manual serves as a guide for authorized Federal officers at ports of entry along the Canadian Border. (Manual, updated 02/05/10, available at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/plants/manuals/ports/canadian.shtml)

21. APHIS Nursery Stock Restrictions PPQ Manual Updated

On February 4, 2010, APHIS updated its Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) Nursery Stock Restrictions Manual. This Manual summarizes the entry status of regulated plant materials capable of and intended for propagation. (Manual, updated 02/04/10, available at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/plants/manuals/ports/downloads/nursery_stock.pdf)

22. Updated List of Instructions and U.S. Plants for Exporting Meat and Poultry to Foreign Countries

FSIS has provided updated information for the export of U.S. meat and poultry to the following countries:

Chile (Revised February 5, 2010)

Australia (Revised February 5, 2010)