Miscellaneous International Trade Notices

1. President's Economic Report Discusses Export Initiatives, FTAs, Etc.

2. Locke Comments on December International Trade in Goods/Services Data

Commerce Secretary Locke states that the new U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services report shows that U.S. exports in December 2009 increased by 3.3 percent since November, while imports increased by 4.8 percent. However, total U.S. exports decreased by 15 percent for 2009 from 2008. Locke said the country must redouble its efforts to meet President Obama's goal of doubling U.S. exports over the next five years. (Press release, dated 02/10/10, available at http://www.commerce.gov/NewsRoom/PressReleases_FactSheets/PROD01_008906)

3. Mexican President, USTR Discuss Freight Transport Issues, Protectionism

Mexican President Calderon's press office states that in his February 9, 2010 meeting with U.S. Trade Representative Kirk, the two discussed the importance of strengthening the competitiveness of the North American region, exchanged views on freight transport problems, and discussed Mexico's concern about U.S. legislative initiatives that might encourage protectionism. (Press release, dated 02/09/10, available at http://www.presidencia.gob.mx/en/press/?contenido=52834)

4. CBP Provides Import Specialist/Entry Team Contact Info for LAX

CBP's Port of Los Angeles has issued a Public Bulletin providing the importing community with updated merchandise assignment and contact information for import specialists and entry teams at the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). (Bulletin LA10-004, dated 02/10/10, available via email by sending a request to documents@brokerpower.com)

5. Virginian Pleads Guilty to Violating FCPA in Maritime Contract Bribery Case

The Department of Justice has issued a press release stating that John Warwick, of Virginia Beach, VA, has pleaded guilty in connection with his role in a conspiracy to pay bribes to former Panamanian government officials for the purpose of securing business for Ports Engineering Consultants Corporation (PECC), a Panama corporation, in violation of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. (Press release, dated 02/10/10, available at http://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/2010/February/10-ag-134.html)

6. NHTSA Issues Advisory on Toyota Auto Safety Defects

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has issued a consumer advisory to Toyota customers that includes a list of the Toyota models and years that have safety concerns, and the defects that have been found. (Press release, dated 02/10/10, available at http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/portal/site/nhtsa/template.MAXIMIZE/menuitem.f2217bee37fb302f6d7c121046108a0c/?javax.portlet.tpst=1e51531b2220b0f8ea14201046108a0c_ws_MX&javax.portlet.prp_1e51531b2220b0f8ea14201046108a0c_viewID=detail_view&itemID=bdab8d2dd68b6210VgnVCM1000002fd17898RCRD&pressReleaseYearSelect=2010)

7. APHIS Issues Q&A on New Animal Traceability Framework

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has issued a Questions and Answers Fact Sheet on its new Animal Traceability Framework.Initial announcement on this new frameworkavailable in Spanish here.

8. Treasury Department Targets Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps

The Treasury Department has taken further action to implement existing U.S. sanctions against Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps by designating an individual and four companies affiliated with the IRGC. The action is pursuant to Executive Order 13382, which freezes the assets of designated proliferators of weapons of mass destruction and their supporters. (Press release, dated 02/10/10, available at http://www.treasury.gov/press/releases/tg539.htm)

9. Canada's CFIA Proposes Changes to Produce Destination Inspection Services

The Canada Food Inspection Agency has issued proposed amendments to the current delivery system for destination inspection services (DIS) for produce. Among other things, the proposed amendments would introduce flexibility for licensed dealers to select a commercial quality inspection service provider. CFIA states the changes would help reduce fraudulent claims regarding the quality of the produce being received. (Amendments, posted 02/06/10, available at http://canadagazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p1/2010/2010-02-06/html/reg1-eng.htmlk114)

10. EU Backs Trade Ban on Blue Fin Tuna, Polar Bears, and Their Products

The European Parliament has voiced its support for a ban on the trade in endangered animals, such as blue fin tuna and polar bears, and products derived from these animals, but called for financial compensation for sectors that would be affected. The European Council is expected to make a decision on the EU's position on February 26, 2010. (Press release, dated 2/10/10, available at http://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/expert/infopress_page/064-68644-039-02-07-911-20100209IPR68643-08-02-2010-2010-false/default_en.htm)

11. EU Posts Overview of Its Active WTO Disputes

The European Commission's trade unit has posted a general overview of active World Trade Organization dispute settlement cases involving the EU. (Overview, posted 02/10/10, available at http://trade.ec.europa.eu/doclib/docs/2007/may/tradoc_134652.pdf)

12. WTO Director General Notes Importance of Govt Procurement Agreement

World Trade Organization Director-General Lamy, in opening the WTO Symposium on the Agreement on Government Procurement on February 11, 2010 noted that the agreement appears to be taking on greater importance and welcomed the recent approval of India's request for observership as "an important development for the Committee and for the Agreement." (Speech, dated 02/11/10, available at http://www.wto.org/english/news_e/sppl_e/sppl147_e.htm)

13. Canada Revises D-Memos on ODSs, Certain Woolen Fabric Duties

The Canada Border Services Agency has revised the following D-Memoranda:

D19-7-2 Revised:Requirements Concerning the Importation and Exportation of Ozone-Depleting Substances (ODSs) and Products; and

D11-4-25 Revised:Customs Duty Payable on Woolen Fabrics Originating in Commonwealth Countries

14. CPSC Lists Voluntary Recalls

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has published notice of the following voluntary recalls:

(CPSC recalls available at http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prerelfeb10.html)

15. Agency Seeks Comments on Information Collection

Various U.S. government agencies are seeking comments on the following information collection for which they have requested or intend to request Office of Management and Budget approval or extension of approval (see notice for specific details):

Agency Information Collection Comments Due

(Information collection notice is hyperlinked to agency name.)

16. FMC Lists OTI Applications

The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) has issued a notice that lists those applying for OTI licenses as a non-vessel-operating common carrier (NVOCC), ocean freight forwarder (FF) or NVOCC/FF OTI, as follows:

FMC notice (FR Pub 02/09/10) available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/pdf/2010-2819.pdf