International Trade Reporter: Current Reports Index-Summary

TAIWAN

– Beef, U.S. envoy urges government to lift import ban, 787; AIT director confident of full acceptance of U.S. imports, 927; Taiwan to allow imports of bone-in beef from cattle under 30 months old, 1475
– Bilateral agreements, China ECFA, government agrees to begin gradual normalization with understandings on financial cooperation and currency, 577; treaty likely to help address economic isolationism in Asia-Pacific region, 1288
– Coated paper, union and 3 paper firms file AD/CVD cases, 1333
– Dumping, polyethylene retail carrier bags, preliminary determination (ITA), 1441
– Economic policy, government to spend $6.1B to help key industries ride out global financial crisis, 48
– Efficiency improvements needed to draw attention from foreign investors, AmCham says, 786
– High-tech goods, EU import tariffs, Lamy appoints WTO panel to rule on complaint filed by U.S., Japan, and Taiwan, 154; WTO dispute panel holds second hearing on joint complaint, 960
– Intellectual property

– – Copyright, government adopts “three strikes” approach to countering online copyright infringement, 578
– – Enforcement, nation removed from watch list of countries failing in rights protection, 100

– Trans-Pacific Strategic Economic Partnership, inclusion in negotiations could foster deeper economic ties, Padilla says, 283
– WTO GPA, legislature passes resolution endorsing participation, 711; president signs accession paper, 787; Taiwan's accession to allow U.S. firms to have increased access to market, 1004

TAJIKISTAN

– Bilateral agreements, USTR hosts ministerial-level talks to promote greater trade and investment, 1396

TAXATION

– Alcoholic beverages, EU drops plans to pursue WTO complaint after resolving Uruguay liquor import tax dispute, 1358
– Biodiesel fuel, EU to impose provisional antidumping duties on U.S. imports due to tax credit program, 274; European Comm'n officially announces temporary duties, 377; EU finance ministers extend duties for 5 years, 919
– Boycotts, IRS list, In Brief, 56; 539
– Breaks

– – Belarus offers new tax breaks to domestic and foreign investors, 1128; government aims to reduce capital gains income taxes for foreign organizations, 1427
– – Russian president signs amended measure for fishing industry, 45
– – U.S., Obama administration decision to leave beneficial structure for small- and middle-market exporters supportive move, stakeholders say, 776
– – Uzbekistan ends preferential tax treatment for foreign oil and gas investors, In Brief, 1203

– Customs

– – Drawback, CBP proposes amendments to preclude filing of substitution claim for federal excise tax, 1420
– – Interest, IRS underpayment and overpayment rates, In Brief, 539

– Exemptions, Azerbaijan passes special economic zone measure, 541
– Export taxes

– – Finished aluminum and metals, China to remove levy, 48
– – NAMA protocol, EU insists call for restrictions should remain in draft negotiating text, 308
– – Textiles, China to raise rebate rates, 220; government announces 3-year support plan that includes raising rebate rates for certain products, 577

– Extraction taxes, Kazakhstan plans to adjust tax rates, 380
– Harbor maintenance taxes

– – Claimants seeking refunds must submit proof of payment documentation (CIT), 223
– – Esso Standard Oil did not receive refund for excess payments because not “correctable error” by CBP (Fed. Cir.), 492

– Import taxes

– – China to remove for copper, cobalt, and nickel bound for re-export and export taxes on finished aluminum and metals, 48
– – India, EU broadens WTO complaint challenging levy on imported wines and spirits, 648
– – Thailand, discriminatory duties and internal taxes on imported cigarettes, WTO dispute panel sets date for ruling on Philippine complaint, 1206

– Incentives, Brazil, plan for exporters likely to benefit agribusiness most, 490
– Phosphate fertilizers, U.S. renews outstanding complaint regarding exemption from Chinese VAT, 1308
– Port security, France proposes taxing commercial traffic to pay for security services and equipment, 1429
– Tariffs

See specific subject headings

– Tax information exchange agreements, Panama, OECD criticizes record on signing, 1212
– Trade policy, Levin (D-Mich) likely to urge Obama administration to adopt tougher policy toward tax havens, 1238
– Transfer pricing, OECD panel urges nations to improve coordination between tax and customs officials, 1319
– Value-added taxes

– – Belarus revives plans to raise rate but meanwhile offers new tax breaks to exporters, 1321
– – China to increase rebates on manufacturing equipment, 676
– – Kyrgyzstan, exempt imports list, In Brief, 1160
– – Russia

– – – Customs brokerages subject to VAT, 187
– – – Exemptions, government issues new list of imported equipment, 673

– Volumetric Ethanol Excise Tax Credit, Congress should consider making changes, GAO report finds, 1353

TECHNOLOGY

– Emerging Tech. and Research Advisory Comm. (ETRAC), partially closed meeting, In Brief, 152
– Export controls

See EXPORT CONTROLS

– Green technology

– – Barriers to trade, interest groups call on Obama administration to negotiate international agreement to reduce or eliminate, 1056
– – Larsen (D-Wash) and Kirk (R-Ill) working on amendment to measure banning compulsory licensing, 785

– Import tariffs, EU levy on high-tech goods, Lamy appoints WTO panel to rule on complaint filed by U.S., Japan, and Taiwan, 154; WTO dispute panel holds second hearing on joint complaint, 960; WTO panel sets date for ruling, 1029
– Intellectual property rights protections important for U.S. development of energy and climate change-related technologies, witnesses tell House hearing, 1057
– Machine vision software and systems, §337 investigation, In Brief, 973
– Microwave amplifier technology, conspiracy to sell unlicensed items to China, In Brief, 523
– Validated End-User program, U.S. considering suspension of program to spur high-tech exports to China, 18; U.S. concludes agreement with China to implement program fully, 65; GE India to become first company from India to participate in program, 852; BIS formally extends program to include GE India, 926

TELECOMMUNICATIONS

– Annual §1377 review of agreements, USTR announces results of 2009 report, 472
– Buy American provisions, ARRA rules could cause problems for companies seeking NITA grants, 736; DOC to waive ARRA obligation for broadband grant program, 874
– Cell phones, South Korea resolves EU duty dispute, 1132
– Commercial communications satellites, Tauscher expresses support for transfer to list of controlled exports, 807; further action, see LEGISLATION, FEDERAL, HR 2410
– Fixed line services, Mexican Supreme Court denies injunction to allow greater participation by foreign company, 1400
– Intellectual property, EU data official urges against “three strikes” approach to copyright enforcement in reform package, 275; European Comm'n to establish single market for licensing for online distribution, 1159; European Parliament backs off demand for court order before cutting off internet access, 1464
– Mobile telephones containing digital cameras, §337 investigation, In Brief, 29
– Qualcomm must pay record fine for violations of South Korea's monopoly and fair trade laws, 1098
– Wireless cellular devices, §337 investigation, In Brief, 623

TEXTILES

See also APPAREL
– Adjustment assistance, 4 Tenn. workers who lost jobs after Invista shifted production to Mexico may apply for TAA and ATAA (CIT), 1439
– CAFTA-DR

– – Cotton/nylon/spandex raschel knit open work crepe fabric, short supply determination, In Brief, 1295
– – Cotton/polyester 3-thread circular knit fleece fabrics, short supply determination, In Brief, 1295
– – Honduras, political crisis hurting trade, industry groups say, 1330
– – Modal/polyester fabric, short supply determination, In Brief, 1295
– – Polyester/rayon/wool fabric, short supply determination, In Brief, 1137
– – “2-for-1” program for Dominican Republic, ITC launches investigation, 584
– – Yarn dyed plaid poplin fabric, short supply determination, In Brief, 889

– Competitiveness, ITC assesses sub-Saharan Africa potential inputs, 724; GAO looks at ways to improve competitiveness, 1144
– Duty-free imports

– – Brazilian manufacturers attack government agreement liberalizing Bolivian imports, 1168
– – Least developed countries, Senate actions

See LEGISLATION, FEDERAL, S 1141

– ELVIS requirements for Chinese goods, CITA termination decision, In Brief, 853
– Export tax rebate, China to raise rates, 220; China announces 3-year support plan that includes raising rates for certain products, 577
– Monitoring

– – Budget, FY2010 appropriations

See LEGISLATION, FEDERAL, HR 2847

– – Imports from China and Vietnam, interest group urges Congress to reject program, 279; retail groups urge House and Senate leaders to remove language from appropriations measure, 324
– – Vietnam, ITA to remove information from Web site, 99

– Piece-dyed or yarn-dyed raschel knit open work crepe fabric, addition to CAFTA-DR list of unrestricted quantities, In Brief, 82
– Plastic-coated textile products with wholly man-made fiber textile component, CIT correctly assigned category (Fed. Cir.), 934
– Printed raschel knit open work crepe fabric, addition to CAFTA-DR list of unrestricted quantities, In Brief, 82
– Quotas, end of enforcement removes incentives to transship textiles illegally, CBP says, 882
– Rules of origin

– – Australia-U.S. FTA modification, In Brief, 49
– – Canada implements NAFTA tariff change, 829

– Statistics, China, imports soaring in categories previously under quota, NCTO says, 382
– Tariffs, importer group asks President-elect Obama to end import duties and reform country-of-origin rules as quotas expire, 48

TGAAA (TRADE AND GLOBALIZATION ADJUSTMENT ASSISTANCE ACT)

See generally ADJUSTMENT ASSISTANCE

THAILAND

– Polyethylene retail carrier bags, USTR seeking public comment on request for WTO consultations, 55; Thailand to ask for WTO dispute panel, 392; WTO sets up new dispute panel, 428; U.S. and Thailand agree on appointment of 3 dispute panelists, 1164; full 5-year review of AD orders, In Brief, 1402
– Prestressed concrete steel wire strand, AD order sunset review, In Brief, 362
– Tobacco industry, discriminatory duties and internal taxes on imported cigarettes, WTO dispute panel sets date for ruling on Philippine complaint against Thailand, 1206

TIRES

– Defects, NHTSA upgrades probe of Chinese-made products with bulging or separating sidewalls, 1033
– Off-road pneumatic tires from China, USTR seeking public comments on request for WTO consultations on AD/CVD dispute, 55; WTO agrees to set up dispute panel to rule on Chinese complaint, 98; interest groups defend Commerce Dep't methodology in comments to USTR, 291; DOC interpretation of NME AD statute in relation to CVD statute unreasonable (CIT), 1268
– Passenger car, light truck, minivan, and sport utility vehicle tires from China, United Steelworkers file §421 case claiming market disruption from surging imports (ITC), 555; labor union denounces alleged Chinese effort to influence ITC, 647
– Retreaded tires, Brazil ban on imports

– – EU delays imposing trade sanctions to give Brazil more time to ensure compliance with WTO dispute panel ruling, 50
– – Supreme Court calls used tires “environmental waste” and bans imports, 931; Brazil claims compliance with ruling, 1327

– Safeguards, products from China

See SAFEGUARDS

TOBACCO INDUSTRY

– Ban of additives in blended tobacco, USTR to monitor Canadian measure for trade barriers disguised as health protection provisions, 1165
– Discriminatory duties and internal taxes on imported cigarettes, WTO dispute panel sets date for ruling on Philippine complaint against Thailand, 1206

TOYS AND GAMES

– Internet games of skill, Menendez (D-NJ) introduces measure to license, regulate, and tax certain online games, 1120
– Lead content, toy importer OKK Trading agrees to pay civil penalty for knowing violations of limits, 912
– Product safety

– – CPSC official visits Asia to discuss new U.S. rules with toy manufacturers, 1066
– – European Parliament approves strict content and noise standards for toys, 15
– – Standards, CPSC chairman stresses need for international cooperation at APEC conference, 1097

TRADE AND GLOBALIZATION ADJUSTMENT ASSISTANCE ACT (TGAAA)

See generally ADJUSTMENT ASSISTANCE

TRADE POLICY

– Ed. Note: This heading covers general U.S. policy. For foreign country policies, see specific countries.
– Africa, White House still in process of developing agenda, 760; CCA president says consolidation of preference programs not in U.S. interest, 976; Pres. Obama says open markets “not enough” to ensure greater trade, 1107
– AGOA, U.S. to hold high-level talks soon as 2-way trade plummets, 895
– Barriers to trade

– – House Democrats write Pres. Obama to express concerns, 438
– – National Trade Estimate, 2010 report, USTR solicits input, 1315

– Bilateral agreements

– – FTAs provide commercial benefits but more results needed on labor and environment issues, GAO says, 1119; U.S. receiving commercial benefits from existing agreements, 1154
– – Pres. Obama sidetracked from pursuing positive agenda by political considerations, Grassley (R-Iowa) says, 854

– Buy American provisions in economic stimulus package

See LEGISLATION, FEDERAL, HR 1, S 1

– Climate change, Swedish prime minister and Pres. Obama to co-chair summit, 1428
– Compliance with WTO obligations, USTR solicits public comments on China's actions, 1205
– Consultation, Baucus (D-Mont) blasts Obama administration for failing to give advance notice of plans, 772
– Consumer protection, foreign-made merchandise

See LEGISLATION, FEDERAL, S 1606

– Dispute resolution, Kirk says U.S. will use all tools in toolbox, including constructive dialogue, 503
– Economic recovery, National Ass'n of Mfrs. issues agenda for Congress for opening markets, 314
– Enforcement

– – CIT to have de novo jurisdiction to review certain USTR decisions under bipartisan measure, 194
– – Defense strategy insufficient, Brady (R-Texas) says, 479
– – Effective use of resources to identify, monitor, and address trade problems high priority, Kirk says, 986
– – Revival of Super 301 provision

See LEGISLATION, FEDERAL, HR 496

– – Trade barriers, USTR prioritizing worst cases and planning to prosecute through WTO or other forums, 438

– Environmental policies, China, weak standards and enforcement constitute unfair trade advantage, interest group says, 421
– EU relations, Gordon to meet with officials to discuss issues of common concern, 815
– Expansion, exporters-importers group urges Pres. Obama to spur private investment and streamline export controls, 314
– Failure to move ahead on trade could result in loss of more than 500,000 jobs, U.S. Chamber of Commerce study finds, 1240
– “Faith-based” policy shown as failure, Sherman (D-Cal) claims, 385
– Financial crisis, Pres. Obama calls on Europe to resist protectionism in op-ed letter, 407
– FTAs

See FREE TRADE AGREEMENTS (FTAs)

– G2 concept informal but reflects existing reality of intertwined U.S. and Chinese economies, think tank fellow says, 927
– Global agenda, U.S. can be expected to play leadership role in shaping “robust” plans, 410
– Global currency imbalances, U.S. should take multilateral approach to problem, Levin (D-Mich) says, 382; IMF economist says “significant adjustment” to dollar may be needed to power sustainable recovery, 915
– Health reform can happen at the same time as pursuit of strong trade agenda, Smith (D-Wash) says, 1063
– Homeland security, Obama Administration and Congress must protect national security and prosperity by strengthening dual-use export enforcement, Analysis and Perspective, 687
– Human rights to be priority in talks with Chinese on trade and other issues, Hormats tells Senate hearing, 1250
– Import restraints, updated ITC report on U.S. tariffs and quotas, In Brief, 1388
– Latin America, U.S. should consider working to build positive atmosphere in advance of summit, report says, 80
– Liberalization, China must further open markets to international trade to make up for lost manufacturing and exports, U.S. emissary says, 1251
– Market access

– – Brown (D-Ohio)-Slaughter (D-NY) measure to require reciprocity during trade negotiations, 1386
– – Business groups urge Pres. Obama to “revitalize” U.S. leadership in opening world markets, 1086
– – China, U.S. firms remain optimistic about profit prospects, USCBC report says, 1395
– – USTR seeking to address existing issues pending new trade agenda, 747

– Political considerations driving Obama administration agenda, AEI panelists say, 1122
– Priorities must fit in with other pieces of White House agenda, USTR tells Singapore, 785
– Pro-trade agenda, Pres. Obama remains committed to pursuing new trade agreements and to expanding trade, 1237; AFL-CIO delegates approve resolution calling for halt to adoption or negotiation of new trade agreements pending review, 1277; labor and public interest groups oppose “leftover” Bush administration policies, 1277
– Protectionism, Locke urges Western Hemisphere nations to resist, 1331
– Regulatory reform

– – Fair trade, House members ask Pres. Obama to resolve issues, 310
– – Japan and U.S. discuss recommendations from initiative, 79
– – TRADE Act, over 100 House members endorse legislation, 876; Wallach interprets strong support as hopeful sign of achievable reform, 990

– Sanitary and phytosanitary measures, USTR solicits comments for new annual report, 1315
– Small businesses

– – Senate panel hears calls for increased funding and government export promotion, 1387
– – USTR commissioning ITC report to better understand exports and to focus assistance, 1352

– Standards-related measures, USTR solicits comments for new annual report, 1315
– Statistics

– – Census Bureau records system comments, In Brief, 847
– – WTO predicts 9 percent plunge in global trade in 2009, 405

– Tax havens, Levin (D-Mich) likely to urge Obama administration to adopt tougher policy toward uncooperative jurisdictions, 1238
– Trade Promotion Authority

– – 2009 Outlook, Special Report, 126
– – Policy agenda, Obama administration to ask only for renewal, USTR report says, 304

– Transatlantic Econ. Council, labor unions invited to offer input to discussions on revamped forum, 643; forum to focus on promoting regulatory cooperation, 1427
– 2009 Outlook, Special Report, 106
– U.S.-China Econ. and Security Review Comm'n elects Bartholomew as chair and schedules hearing on global slowdown, 78; Morgan Stanley Asia chair warns panel to be careful about blaming China for crisis, 252
– WTO review, Brazil should lower tariffs on imports and improve foreign investment regime, 358

TRADE PREFERENCES

– Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act (CBERA), TPSC seeks comments on operation of program, 1136; ITC report finds little impact except on methanol, 1366
– HOPE II benefits, Pres. Obama certifies eligibility criteria met by Haiti, 1437
– Reform, Baucus (D-Mont) to introduce measure to ensure assistance given to countries most in need, 604; Grassley (R-Iowa) wants more dispersal of benefits and reciprocity, 842
– Renewal and consolidation of programs, interest groups seek reform of system, 571
– 2009 Outlook, Special Report, 131

TRADE REPRESENTATIVE, U.S. (USTR)

– Advisory committee system, agency begins effectiveness and diversity review, 993
– Appointments and personnel changes

– – Allgeier status remains uncertain, 269; Allgeier to join C&M Intl. as president, 1091
– – Cowhey to serve as senior policy advisor, 208
– – Jimenez to be named assistant USTR for congressional affairs, 1459
– – Kirk to be nominated as USTR, 6; Senate Finance Comm. likely to approve nomination, Grassley (R-Iowa) says, 148; Senate Finance Comm. begins reviewing paperwork, 179; Senate likely to confirm nomination, 269; Senate Finance Comm. staff finds discrepancies in certain tax returns filed by Kirk, 305; Kirk tells panel that strong enforcement of trade rules is top priority, 341; Senate approves Kirk, 372; Kirk rejects “early harvest” of minor Doha Round agreements, 372; Kirk announces staff appointments, 475
– – Marantis likely to be nominated as deputy, 269; Pres. Obama announces nomination, 372; Senate Finance Comm. approves nomination, 604; Senate approves nomination, 638
– – Punke allegedly leading candidate to replace Allgeier, 1120; Punke to be nominated as deputy USTR and ambassador to WTO, 1193
– – Sapiro under consideration for deputy slot, 269; Sapiro nominated as deputy USTR, 504; Senate Finance Comm. favorably reports nomination, 1026; business groups urge Senate leaders to schedule early vote, 1456
– – Sepulveda takes job as senior advisor to Kerry (D-Mass), 1459
– – Siddiqui to be nominated as chief agriculture negotiator, 1274
– – Strickler selected as assistant USTR for textiles, 1237

– Policy agenda, Obama administration releases goals for 2009, 304
– Small business assistance, agency considers creating AUSTR post to help expand opportunities for firms, 734

TRADEMARKS

See generally INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

TRANS-PACIFIC STRATEGIC ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP

– Negotiating objectives, USTR seeking public comment, 160; Padilla says including Taiwan in negotiations could foster deeper economic ties, 283; House members ask Pres. Obama to continue talks, 386; Kirk plans to build on relationships to improve trade, 710; Baucus (D-Mont) and Grassley (R-Iowa) urge Pres. Obama to conclude negotiations successfully, 1474
– 2009 Outlook, Special Report, 120

TRANSPORTATION

– Air transportation

See AIR TRANSPORTATION

– Budget, FY2010 appropriations, Senate aims for quick passage of DOT funding measure, 1243; further action, see LEGISLATION, FEDERAL, HR 3288
– Cars

See MOTOR VEHICLES

– Trucks, Mexican cross-border program

See NORTH AMERICAN FREE TRADE AGREEMENT (NAFTA)

TREASURY DEPARTMENT

– Brainard nomination as undersecretary for international affairs, business groups urge Senate leaders to schedule early vote, 1456
– Dollar to be appointed as economic and financial emissary to China, 748
– Lago nomination as assistant secretary for international markets and development, In Brief, 1356
– Loevinger appointed as executive secretary and senior coordinator for China affairs and SED, 748

TURKEY

– Bilateral agreements, Chile FTA, government completes negotiations, 419

TURKMENISTAN

– Bilateral agreements, USTR hosts ministerial-level talks to promote greater trade and investment, 1396

TUVALU

– Duty-free imports of apparel and textiles, Senate actions

See LEGISLATION, FEDERAL, S 1141