ITC Seeks Comments on Investigation on EAC Trade Facilitation

The International Trade Commission is seeking comments by May 10, 2012, for a newly initiated investigation on trade facilitation in the East African Community (EAC). The investigation, Trade Facilitation in the East African Community: Recent Developments and Potential Benefits, was requested by the U.S. Trade Representative. In requesting the study, the USTR noted that the U.S. and the EAC recently began preliminary discussions on a potential new trade and investment partnership, and said one of the initial steps under this initiative that could have the most impact would be engagement with the EAC on customs clearance and other practices at the border. As requested, ITC will provide a summary of recent developments relating to trade facilitation in the EAC. The ITC report will include a description of the potential benefits of trade facilitation to the EAC countries. The ITC expects to submit its report to the USTR by July 2, 2012.