Imports were up, but exports increased even more in September, leading to a $2.3 billion reduction in the U.S. goods and services deficit to $41.5 billion, said the Census Bureau and Bureau of Economic Analysis in their U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services Report for September 2012. The report showed that, as compared to revised August 2012 levels, exports were up $5.6 billion to $187 billion, and imports were up $3.4 billion to $228.5 billion. As compared to September 2011 totals, exports increased by 3.5 percent and imports by 1.5 percent. The U.S. trade deficit with China widened to $29.1 billion in September, from a revised $28.7 billion in August.
International Trade Administration reauthorized and is requesting nominations for membership on the Civil Nuclear Trade Advisory Committee, it said in two separate notices set to be published in the Nov. 6 Federal Register. The committee advises the Secretary of Commerce about the development and administration of programs to expand U.S. exports of civil nuclear goods and services. Forty members will sit on the committee, with at least one member representing each of: civil nuclear manufacturing and services companies; small businesses; utilities; trade associations in the civil nuclear sector; and private sector organizations involved in strengthening the export competitiveness of U.S. civil nuclear products and services. Nominations are due by Dec. 7.
The International Trade Administration is asking for comments by Nov. 19 on a commercial dialog between the U.S. and the East African Community,1 following agreement on establishment of the dialog as part of the U.S.-EAC Trade and Investment Partnership in June. The dialog will work to strengthen the U.S.-EAC trade and investment relationship, and support the EAC’s regional integration process. Specifically, the ITA plans to propose the promotion of business opportunities in key growth sectors, such as the energy, transportation infrastructure, information and communication technology, and agribusiness sectors. The ITA will also focus on fostering an open and predictable business climate in the EAC.
The Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements issued the interim procedures it will follow in implementing certain provisions of the U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement, which provides for CITA consideration of requests to modify the list of fibers, yarns, or fabrics not available in commercial quantities in a timely manner in the U.S. A textile or apparel good imported into the U.S. containing such listed fibers, yarns, or fabrics will be treated as if it is an originating good for purposes of Colombia TPA rules of origin, regardless of the actual origin of those inputs.
The International Trade Administration is seeking comment on any subsidies, including stumpage subsidies, provided by certain countries exporting softwood lumber or softwood lumber products to the U.S. during the period Jan. 1 through June 30, 2012. Comments are due by Dec. 6.
The International Trade Administration posted a fact sheet on duty-free access for U.S. exports resulting from the entry into force of the U.S.-Panama Trade Promotion Agreement. According to the fact sheet, the TPA immediately eliminated or reduced tariffs on almost all U.S. industrial exports to Panama, with the remaining tariffs to be eliminated over defined time periods.
The Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements outlined the procedures it will follow in considering requests to impose U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement safeguard actions (in the form of higher duty rates) on textile and/or apparel products from Colombia. The interim rule is effective Oct. 26, but CITA is asking for comments on the procedures by Nov. 26.