On July 24, 2009, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Napolitano unveiled five new efficiency initiatives, marking the fourth milestone in the Department-wide Efficiency Review launched in March. According to DHS, the new initiatives will streamline operations, improve customer service, and help stretch homeland security dollars. (DHS press release, dated 07/24/09, available at http://www.dhs.gov/ynews/releases/pr_1248468743775.shtm.)

At a July 22, 2009 meeting in Washington, D.C., Commerce Secretary Locke listed his five trade agenda priorities for improving the trade fundamentals of the U.S. as (1) enhancing trade promotion and the support we provide to U.S. exporters, (2) pursuing visa reform, (3) undertaking a review of export controls, (4) strengthening international intellectual property protections, and (5) promoting more intergovernmental cooperation in support of U.S. exporters. (Remarks, dated 07/22/09, available at http://www.commerce.gov/NewsRoom/SecretarySpeeches/PROD01_008221)

At a meeting in Washington, D.C., Commerce Secretary Locke listed his five priorities for improving the trade fundamentals of the U.S. as (1) enhancing trade promotion and the support we provide to U.S. exporters, (2) pursuing visa reform, (3) undertaking a review of export controls, (4) strengthening international intellectual property protections, and (5) promoting more intergovernmental cooperation in support of U.S. exporters. (07/22/09 Commerce Secretary speech available at http://www.commerce.gov/NewsRoom/SecretarySpeeches/PROD01_008221 )

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative has posted the statement from USTR spokeswoman Carol Guthrie on the recent conclusion of the 5th round of negotiations for the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA) that was held in Rabat on July 16 and 17, 2009. Participants in this meeting agreed that the next round will be hosted by the Republic of Korea in November 2009. With regard to the progress of negotiations, participants confirmed their intention to conclude the agreement as soon as possible in 2010. (Press Release, dated 07/20/09, available at http://www.ustr.gov/about-us/press-office/press-releases/2009/july/statement-ustr-spokeswoman-carol-guthrie-anti-counte-0)

The State Department has issued a press release announcing that the U.S. is pleased that the United Nation's 1718 Sanctions Committee designated a number of individuals, entities and goods related to North Korea's nuclear, ballistic missile, and other WMD-related programs of proliferation concern, thereby making them subject to the sanctions measures adopted by the Security Council in resolutions 1718 and 1874. The entities and individuals will now be subject to an asset freeze, and the individuals will also be subject to a travel ban. Further, this decision expands the list of goods related to the DPRK's missile related programs banned for export or import. (State Dept press release, dated 07/16/09, available at http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2009/july/126147.htm.)

In June 2009, the World Customs Organization Council adopted 221 sets of recommended amendments to the Harmonized System Nomenclature, to enter into force on 1 January 2012. Contracting Parties have 6 months during which they can object to a recommended amendment. Recommended amendments available here. (Notice, available at http://www.wcoomd.org/home_wco_topics_hsoverviewboxes_tools_and_instruments_backgrounddocumenths2012.htm)

On July 9, 2009, seven trade groups sent a letter to President Obama asking that as the Administration addresses the political situation in Honduras, it do everything possible to maintain the close commercial ties and economic engagement between the U.S. and Honduras. (Letter, dated 07/09/09, available at http://www.apparelandfootwear.org/letters/caftahondurasltrassns090709.pdf.)

The World Trade Organization has created a new database available on its Web site starting July 9, 2009 entitled the WTO Tariff Download Facility. With the database, users can search for members' customs duty rates, as actually charged as well as legally bound maximums, down to a high level of detail. (Notice, dated 07/09/09, available at http://www.wto.org/english/news_e/news09_e/tar_09jul09_e.htm)

The Transpacific Stabilization Agreement has issued a press release announcing that its lines have adopted a voluntary guideline across-the-board increase of $500 per 40-foot container, with proportionate increases for other equipment sizes, to take effect August 10, 2009. The increase will apply to rates for all commodities and all U.S destinations. TSA notes that in certain cases, it will be necessary for lines to engage with shippers in a renegotiation of contracts that do not provide for some form of interim rate adjustment. (TSA press release, dated 07/07/09, available by emailing documents@brokerpower.com.)

The Census Bureau has issued an Automated Export System broadcast announcing that effective August 3, 2009, AESDirect will deploy modifications to security measures and user authentication practices. All of these changes fall under the Department of Commerce's security guidelines and address the U.S. Census Bureau's IT Security Program Requirements. The upgrade to the AESDirect system will provide AESDirect users with the utmost in account security. (See broadcast for list of changes.) (AES Broadcast 2009027 available by emailing documents@brokerpower.com.)