Mexico’s Ministry of Economy has published a December 23, 2011 Diario notice that modifies its Official Standard on the labeling of textiles, apparel, accessories, and household linens. The revised Standard includes, among other things, updated definitions and labeling requirements.
Brian Feito
Brian Feito is Managing Editor of International Trade Today, Export Compliance Daily and Trade Law Daily. A licensed customs broker who spent time at the Department of Commerce calculating antidumping and countervailing duties, Brian covers a wide range of subjects including customs and trade-facing product regulation, the courts, antidumping and countervailing duties and Mexico and the European Union. Brian is a graduate of the University of Florida and George Mason University. He joined the staff of Warren Communications News in 2012.
On March 7, 2012, Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade Francisco Sanchez spoke before the American Chamber of Commerce in Hanoi. Sanchez, highlighting the U.S.-Vietnam trade relationship, noted that U.S. exports to Vietnam grew almost 17% last year to roughly $4.3 billion, which is four times the value of exports in 2006. However, Sanchez stated, U.S. exports still only account for about 4% of Vietnam’s total 2011 imports. According to Sanchez, the Trans-Pacific Partnership is an important effort in helping U.S. businesses to reach their potential in Vietnam.
The Department of Energy announced that it is establishing the Appliance Standards and Rulemaking Federal Advisory Committee (ASRAC), which will provide advice and recommendations to the Secretary of Energy on matters concerning the DOE’s Appliances and Commercial Equipment Standards Program’s test procedures and rulemaking process. Nominations for members are due by April 2, 2012.
The International Trade Commission has voted to institute an investigation of certain ink application devices and components thereof, and methods of using the same. The products at issue in this investigation are ink application devices used in tattooing and permanent makeup application - specifically, disposable needle cartridges designed to reduce health risks associated with the application (337-TA-832).
On March 6, 2012 the Senate resumed consideration of S. 1813, which would reauthorize the Federal-Aid Highway and highway safety construction programs. On March 7, 2012 the Senate agreed to proceed to consideration of amendments to the bill starting March 8 and, if the package of amendments is agreed to, S. 1813 will be up for full Senate vote.
On March 7, 2012 the following trade-related bill was introduced:
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has issued a proposed rule to amend the Export Sales Reporting Requirements to add reporting for pork (fresh, chilled, and frozen box/primal cuts) and distellers dried grain (DDG). Under this proposed rule, all exporters of U.S. pork and DDG would be required to report, on a weekly basis, information on the export sales of pork and DDGs to the Foreign Agricultural Service. Comments on this proposed rule are due by May 7, 2012.
The International Trade Administration released new data on March 6, 2012, showing that international merchandise trade exports from 377 U.S. metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) totaled $1.13 trillion in 2010. ITA states that much of the growth in exports in the largest metropolitan areas, such as New York, Houston, and Los Angeles was concentrated particularly in transportation equipment, chemical manufacturing and other general manufacturing. According to the ITA, since the launch of the President’s National Export Initiative in 2010, merchandise exports from MSAs have increased 15.4% over 2009 levels.
The U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission (USCC) released a report on March 8, 2012 entitled, “Occupying the Information High Ground: Chinese Capabilities for Computer Network Operations and Cyber Espionage.” The report details how China is advancing its capabilities in computer network attack, defense, and exploitation and examines issues related to cybersecurity, China, and potential risks to U.S. national security and economic interests. The report was prepared for the USCC by Northrop Grumman Corp, and is a follow-up to an earlier 2009 report.
The International Trade Administration received a petition on March 1, 2012 to initiate antidumping and countervailing duty investigations for drawn stainless steel sinks from China. ITA is accepting comments on domestic industry support for the petition to determine whether the petition meets the dual requirements of support by domestic producers or workers accounting for (1) at least 25% of the total production of the domestic like product and (2) more than 50% of the production of the domestic like product produced by that portion of the industry expressing support for, or opposition to, the petition. Comments are due by 5:00 pm on March 21, 2012.