Details of ITA's Request for Comments on Softwood Lumber Subsidies
The International Trade Administration seeks public comments on any subsidies, including stumpage subsidies, provided by certain countries exporting softwood lumber or softwood lumber products to the U.S. during the period July 1 through December 31, 2010.
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Comments are due by May 31, 2011.
Comments Sought as Part of SLA 2008 Reporting Requirements
The Softwood Lumber Act of 20081 requires, among other things, that not later than 180 days after enactment (June 18, 2008), and every 180 days thereafter, the Secretary of Commerce provide to the appropriate Congressional committees a report on any subsidies on softwood lumber or softwood lumber products, including stumpage subsidies, provided by countries of export.
As part of its report to Congress, the ITA intends to include a list of subsidy programs identified with sufficient clarity by the public in response to this notice.
Only on Countries that Supply at Least 1% of U.S. Imports
Given the large number of countries that export softwood lumber and softwood lumber products to the U.S., the ITA is soliciting public comment only on subsidies provided by countries whose exports accounted for at least one percent of total U.S. imports of softwood lumber by quantity, as classified under Harmonized Tariff Schedule 4407.10.01 (which accounts for the vast majority of imports), during the period July 1 through December 31, 2010.
Official U.S. import data published by the International Trade Commission Tariff and Trade DataWeb indicates that exports of softwood lumber from Canada and Chile each account for at least one percent of U.S. imports of softwood lumber products during that time period.
1The SLA 2008 was part of the 2008 Farm Bill (Public Law 110-246).
(See ITT's Online Archives or 08/14/08 news, 08081410, for BP summary of the SLA 2008 reporting requirement.
See ITT’s Online Archives or 12/24/09 news, 09122420, for BP summary of a GAO report that agencies see little benefit from SLA 2008 reporting requirements.
See ITT’s Online Archives or 08/26/10 news, 10082612, for BP summary of a CBP final rule which requires additional data elements, declarations, and recordkeeping requirements for certain imports of softwood lumber exported from any country into the U.S.
See ITT's Online Archives or 04/22/11 news, 11042213, for BP summary of the Agricultural Marketing Service's pending referendum order to establish, if approved by ballot vote, a new tax for softwood lumber/products.
See ITT's Online Archives or 11/05/10 news, 10110514, for BP summary of ITA's request for comments for the period January to June 2010, during which Canada and Chile also accounted for at least one percent of U.S. imports of softwood lumber products.)
ITA contact - James Terpstra (202) 482-3965
(FR Pub 04/29/11)