The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative has posted USTR Kirk's remarks (as prepared for delivery) for his February 19th meeting at the Detroit Economic Club. Among other things, Kirk stated that in just two weeks, the USTR will be releasing the President's 2010 Trade Agenda, which will explain in-depth exactly what the government hopes to accomplish this year. (Remarks, posted 02/19/10, available at http://www.ustr.gov/about-us/press-office/speeches/transcripts/2010/february/remarks-ambassador-kirk-detroit-economic-cl)
On February 18, 2010, the Consumer Product Safety Commission announced four separate voluntary recalls of children's hooded sweatshirts and jackets with drawstrings, due to strangulation hazards.
The Department of Agriculture reports that Fiscal 2010 agricultural exports are forecast to be $100 billion, up $2 billion from the November forecast and $3.4 billion above final FY 2009 exports. FY 2010 agricultural imports are expected to remain at $77.5 billion. USDA's report details the specific agricultural products that are driving these exports and imports. (Report, dated 02/18/10, available at http://www.fas.usda.gov/cmp/outlook/2010/Feb-10/AES-02-18-2010.pdf)
In a speech before the International Consumer Product Health & Safety Organization on February 17, 2010, Consumer Product Safety Commission Chairman Tenenbaum outlined her top priorities for 2010, issued certain warnings for manufacturers of consumer products, etc.
On February 17, 2010, Transportation Secretary LaHood announced Recovery Act awards to fund innovative transportation projects. The TIGER (Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery) Discretionary Grant Program was included in the Recovery Act to spur transportation projects that promise significant economic and environmental benefits, including improvements to roads, bridges, rail, ports, transit and intermodal facilities. (White House, dated 02/17/10, available for http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/secretary-lahood-announces-funding-over-50-innovative-strategic-transportation-proj.)
On February 11, 2010, the Administration released the "Economic Report of the President" which provides an analysis of the actions the President has taken to bring about economic recovery. The report discusses, among other things, the role of exports in economic recovery, including Administration's National Export Initiative, free trade agreements, etc. (Report, dated 02/11/10, available at http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/dr-christina-romer-discusses-economic-report-president.)
The Consumer Product Safety Commission has announced that Schylling Associates Inc. of Massachusetts has agreed to pay a $200,000 civil penalty to settle allegations that it (i) violated the lead paint ban regarding toys it imported and (ii) failed to immediately report the problem to CPSC.
The Department of Energy is requesting information from stakeholders on questions pertaining to the Buy American provisions of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. DOE is requesting information regarding (1) the availability of manufactured goods produced in the U.S. that are needed to carry out certain projects; and (2) the application and implementation of certain Buy American provisions in Recovery Act projects. Comments are due by 11:59 p.m. on February 18, 2010. (FR Pub 02/04/10, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/pdf/2010-2378.pdf)
The Federal Maritime Commission has announced that it will hold an open meeting on February 10, 2010 in Washington, DC. Agenda topics include a FY 2010 budget status update, a petition from NCBFAA for exemption from mandatory rate tariff publication, etc. (Notice, posted 02/02/10, available at http://www.fmc.gov/home/February102010Meeting.asp)
U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Port of Dallas/Fort Worth has issued a Public Information Notice advising the importing community of the requirement for full compliance with the 102 reporting requirements effective January 26, 2010. (See ITT's Online Archives or 01/25/10 news, 10012505, for BP summary detailing its phased enforcement plan for 102.) (Information Notice 10-008, dated 01/22/10, is available via email by sending a request to documents@brokerpower.com)