At the opening of the 2024 African Growth and Opportunity Act Forum, U.S. and African trade leaders emphasized the importance of reauthorizing AGOA before its expiration in 2025 and discussed changes they would like to see to it to increase utilization, strengthen supply chains and support economic growth.
A request South Korea made in 2018 to be able to export yarns (5403.39 or 5108), viscose rayon staple fibers (5504.10 or 5507.00), and knitted or crocheted parts of garments or accessories (6117) under the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement that aren't originating under the rules of origin will be fulfilled Aug. 1. The comment period (see 1810160047), International Trade Commission study (see 1903130033) and U.S. consultation and layover process took two years. Then it took South Korea nearly four years to modify its own rules of origin so that U.S. producers could also export the same goods under the same rules. The changes were made because there is no commercial availability of these products in South Korea.
The U.S. has filed a rapid response labor mechanism complaint against Industrias Tecnos in Cuernavaca, Morelos, and has asked CBP to suspend liquidation on the ammunition made at the plant.
A joint statement of the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative and Kazakhstan's president, released almost a week after USTR Katherine Tai's visit to Kazakhstan, noted that Kazakhstan values the Generalized System of Preferences benefits program as a way to diversify the destinations of its exports. The GSP has been expired for more than three years, but Tai said she generally supports Congress' efforts to "revitalize and renew the Generalize System of Preferences program." The statement also noted that Kazakhstan would like permanent normal trading relations with the U.S.; it's still subject to the Jackson-Vanik amendment, as are other former Soviet Union republics Azerbaijan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce supports PNTR for Kazakhstan (see 2001090055).
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative is seeking feedback on how to deepen trade collaborations among member countries of the Americas Partnership for Economic Prosperity: the U.S., Barbados, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Mexico, Panama, Peru and Uruguay.
Americans for Free Trade, a coalition of more than 100 trade groups, asked the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative to extend a public comment period to respond to proposed changes to the Section 301 tariffs and a new product exclusion process limited to industrial machinery. They said another 30 days would be in the public interest.
Trade talks between the U.S. and Argentina this week covered customs facilitation, lithium and copper, and agricultural concerns on both sides.
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative said it heard from nearly 300 stakeholders in its request for comment on improving supply chain resiliency. Of those, 84 testified in Washington (see 2405010016), St. Paul, New York or in a virtual hearing.
The Biden administration's proposed Section 301 tariff hikes on various Chinese goods (see 2405220072) would continue to skirt World Trade Organization commitments and strip the global economy of international tribunals, which are key to curbing "persistent protectionism," said George Washington Law School professor Steve Charnovitz in comments on the proposed tariffs.
As U.S. and Kenya officials negotiate the Strategic Trade and Investment Partnership, they are holding a virtual stakeholder listening session at 9 a.m. East Africa Time on June 7. Those who wish to attend should email MBX.USTR.IAPE@USTR.eop.gov by 4 p.m. East Africa Time on June 6.