ITC to Provide Advice on Proposed Modifications to Singapore FTA Rules of Origin for Certain Yarns and Fabrics
The International Trade Commission (ITC) has instituted an investigation, at the request of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), on the probable effect of proposed modifications to the U.S.-Singapore Free Trade Agreement (SFTA) rules of origin for certain yarns and fabrics, as U.S. negotiators have recently reached agreement in principle with Singapore on such modifications.
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In a press release, the ITC states that the proposed changes are the result of determinations that producers in the U.S. and Singapore are not able to produce certain fibers and yarns in commercial quantities in a timely manner. If adopted, the rules of origin changes would extend duty-free treatment to qualifying apparel articles made in Singapore from the subject yarns and fabrics, regardless of the source of such inputs.
The ITC states that it will not hold a hearing in connection with this investigation, but written comments should be submitted by April 20, 2005.
(According to the ITC, the President must issue a proclamation to implement these proposed modifications.)
Proposed Modifications to SFTA Rules of Origin for Certain Yarns and Fabrics
According to the ITC, the proposed modifications would amend the SFTA rules of origin for the following four textile articles:
ring spun single yarn of nm 51 and 85, containing 50% or more, but less than 85%, by weight of 0.9 denier or finer micro modal fiber, mixed solely with U.S. origin extra long pima cotton, classified in HTS 5510.30.0000, for use in women's and girls' knit blouses, shirts, lingerie, and underwear;
- % cotton woven flannel fabrics, of yarns of different colors, containing ring-spun yarns of nm 21 through nm 36, of 2 x 2 twill weave construction, classified in HTS 5208.43.0000, for use in apparel other than gloves;
fabrics of cotton classified in HTS 5210.21 and 5210.31, not of square construction, containing more than 70 warp ends and filling picks per square centimeter, of average yarn number exceeding 70 nm, for use in women's and girls' blouses; and
micro-denier 30 singles and 36 singles solution dyed, open-end spun, staple spun viscose yarn, classified in HTS 5510.11.0000, for use in apparel.
ITC notice (Inv. No. SFTA 103-10, FR Pub 03/18/05) available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20051800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2005/pdf/05-5390.pdf
ITC press release (05-026, dated 03/15/05) available at http://www.usitc.gov/ext_relations/news_release/2005/er0315cc2.htm
USTR letter available at https://edis.usitc.gov/hvwebex/hvweb.dll?DisplaySecList&225135&%5bNULL%5d&View{1{Results%5e2005%2d03%2d02{00%3a00%3a00&98&0&0&View{1{Results