Commerce Secretary Bryson said the Commerce Department will soon announce a call for proposals to support clusters specifically in advanced manufacturing -- through a competition called the Jobs and Innovation Accelerator Challenge, in remarks at the “Future of Manufacturing Conference” at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Boston May 9. These funds are not targeted to create clusters, Bryson said, because that’s not the government’s role. Instead, according to Bryson, Commerce wants to give a boost to existing clusters that have already formed on their own, and which show strong potential to drive innovation and create good jobs.

The creation of the Global Solar Council was not a response to dumping claims moving through the U.S. Commerce Department process, despite recent media claims, said GSC Executive Director Roland-Jan Meijer in a press statement. He said GSC's goal is just to promote" a favorable political framework for solar power, unrelated to any active trade disputes." But he said one goal is to "create awareness among stakeholders that free and open market conditions are essential to maintain a thriving global market for solar energy." Creation of the GSC was announced earlier this month (See ITT's Online Archives [Ref.12050501]). A coalition filed a series of solar equipment dumping complaints against China in October (See ITT's Online Archives [Ref.11102002]).

The International Trade Administration will partner with DHL Express to provide export assistance for small and mid-size businesses, they announced May 9. ITA said the partnership is a key part of implementing the National Export Initiative. Under the program, ITA will provide such resources to DHL’s U.S. exporting customers as industry-specific consulting, marketing research, lead generation of overseas contacts, and information on industry trade shows. The partnership was formally announced at a launch event at a DHL operations facility in Manhattan.

The U.S. goods and services deficit was $51.8 billion in March 2012, up $5.8 billion from March 2011, according to the U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services Report, released on May 10, 2012 by the Census Bureau and the Bureau of Economic Analysis. The report showed that, as compared to February 2012 levels, exports were up $5.3 billion to $186.8 billion, and imports were up $11.7 billion to $238.6 billion. As compared to March 2011 totals, exports increased by 7.3% and imports by 8.4%. The U.S. trade deficit with China increased to $21.7 billion in March 2012, from $19.4 billion in February. Statement by Commerce Secretary Bryson available here. ITA fact sheet available here.

The Foreign Trade Zones Board is issuing the following notices for May 8, 2012:

Correction: An ITT summary of a request for comments by National Institute for Standard and Technology on its National Network for Manufacturing Innovation plan erroneously said the due date for comments is October 25, 2011. The correct date is October 25, 2012. (See ITT’s Online Archives 12050403 for original summary. which has been corrected.)

The International Trade Commission said it received a complaint entitled Certain Electronic Devices, Including Mobile Phones and Tablet Computers, and Components Thereof, DN 2896, and it's soliciting comments on any public interest issues raised by the complaint or complainant's filing.

The International Trade Administration said Under Secretary Francisco Sánchez will lead an energy efficiency trade mission to Russia June 4-7, 2012. The U.S. delegation will include a senior U.S. Department of Energy official and representatives from 13 U.S. firms that offer a broad range of technologies to improve energy efficiency (see press release for list of firms).

The Foreign Trade Zones Board is issuing the following notices for May 3, 2012:

The International Trade Administration announced a work session of the Manufacturing Council on May 10 in Austin, TX. The Council will be conducting work regarding possibly advising the Commerce Secretary regarding the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPP) negotiations and energy policy, and hear updates on the work being conducted by the Council’s subcommittees. The Council will also be briefed by the ex-officio members present representing the Secretaries of the Treasury, Labor, and Energy on their respective agency’s work in the areas of past Council recommendations. Comments are due by May 7, 2012. No time will be available for oral comments from members of the public attending the session.