The Consumer Product Safety Commission is announcing the availability of its Policy Statement on the Interpretation and Enforcement of the Tracking Label requirement for children's products of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008. (See ITT's Online Archives or 07/22/09 news, 09072205, for BP summary of the tracking label Policy Statement which was previously posted on CPSC's Web site.)(FR Pub 08/19/09, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-19816.pdf)

Note that Daily Update on Capitol Hill Trade Actions does not appear in today's issue of International Trade Today. Publication of this feature will resume as new information becomes available.

Note that Daily Update on Capitol Hill Trade Actions does not appear in today's issue of International Trade Today. Publication of this feature will resume as new information becomes available.

The U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis announced on August 12, 2009 that total June exports of $125.8 billion and imports of $152.8 billion resulted in a goods and services deficit of $27.0 billion, up from $26.0 billion in May. June exports were $2.4 billon more than May exports of $123.4 billion. June imports were $3.5 billion more than May imports of $149.3 billion. Commerce Secretary Lockestated "While we are seeing signs that the worst part of the recent economic downturn is behind us, we still face challenges to resuscitate domestic manufacturing and expand U.S. exports." Fact sheet availablehere. (News Release, dated 08/12/09, available at http://www.bea.gov/newsreleases/international/trade/tradnewsrelease.htm)

The White House has posted a joint statement from the U.S., Mexico, and Canada from the recent meeting of the North American Leaders in Mexico. In the joint statement the leaders noted that they are investing in border infrastructure, including advanced technology, to create truly modern borders to facilitate trade and the smooth operation of supply chains, while protecting security. The leaders pledge to cooperate in the protection of intellectual property rights to facilitate the development of innovative economies. (Statement, dated 08/10/09, available at http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/Joint-statement-by-North-American-leaders/)

On August 5, 2009, Secretary of State Clinton addressed the 8th Forum of the African Growth and Opportunity Act. Secretary Clinton stated that the Administration is exploring ways to lower global trade barriers to ease the burdens on Africa's farmers and producers. During her remarks, Secretary Clinton noted the possible benefits that could be achieved through greater product diversification and a reduction in intra-Africa trade barriers. (Remarks, dated 08/05/09, available at http://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/2009a/08/126902.htm.)

The WCO in conjunction with the Trusted Trade Alliance and host trade organization, the American Association of Exporters and Importers, will hold a two-day event on October 5-6, 2009 in Seattle focusing on the critical role of continued facilitation of legitimate cross-border trade, and surveying the global implementation of regulatory initiatives flowing from the WCO SAFE Framework and other multilateral standards. (Notice, available at http://www.trusted-trade.net/en/world-customs-forum/)

The Commissioners of the Consumer Product Safety Commission are scheduled to vote by August 7, 2009 on a draft Federal Register notice that announces the availability of its Statement of Policy concerning the tracking label provisions of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA). (The policy statement on tracking labels was posted to the CPSC website in July 2009.) (Notice, dated 07/31/09, available at http://www.cpsc.gov/library/foia/foia09/brief/trackinglabelpolicy.pdf)

The Commissioners of the Consumer Product Safety Commission are scheduled to vote by August 3, 2009 on a draft Federal Register notice announcing a public hearing on August 25, 2009 on CPSC's agenda and priorities for fiscal year 2011 and its current strategic plan. (Ballot sheet, draft FR notice, dated 07/27/09, available at http://www.cpsc.gov/library/foia/foia09/brief/fy11plan.pdf)

The European Commission has published its annual report on barriers to trade and investment in the U.S. The report focuses on some key trade barriers and measures that prevent European Union exporters from tapping into the full potential of the U.S. market. It notes some continuing concerns and highlights a number of new barriers introduced in 2008. (Press Release, dated 07/27/09, available at http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/09/1193&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en)