In remarks to the Business Roundtable on February 24, 2010, the President discussed his Administration's National Export Initiative and the goal of doubling U.S. exports over the next five years. The President also stated that his Administration has launched the Trans-Pacific Partnership to strengthen U.S. trade relations with Asia. For the same reason, the Administration will work to resolve outstanding issues and move forward on trade agreements with key partners like South Korea and Panama and Colombia and conclude a Doha trade agreement that creates real access to key global markets. (Remarks, dated 02/24/10, available at http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/remarks-president-business-roundtable
The Bureau of Industry and Security has issued a final rule, effective February 22, 2010, which revises the controls on certain agents identified in Export Control Classification Number 1C360 to reflect changes to the Plant Protection and Quarantine Programs list; and removes certain anti-terrorism (AT) license requirements under ECCN 1E998.
The Department of Agriculture reports that Fiscal 2010 agricultural exports are forecast to be $100 billion, up $2 billion from the November forecast and $3.4 billion above final FY 2009 exports. FY 2010 agricultural imports are expected to remain at $77.5 billion. USDA's report details the specific agricultural products that are driving these exports and imports. (Report, dated 02/18/10, available at http://www.fas.usda.gov/cmp/outlook/2010/Feb-10/AES-02-18-2010.pdf)
On February 11, 2010, the Administration released the "Economic Report of the President" which provides an analysis of the actions the President has taken to bring about economic recovery. The report discusses, among other things, the role of exports in economic recovery, including Administration's National Export Initiative, free trade agreements, etc. (Report, dated 02/11/10, available at http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/dr-christina-romer-discusses-economic-report-president.)
USTR Kirk and Deputy USTR Sapiro recently concluded their two-day visit to Mexico. The two sides discussed the mutual importance to the U.S. and Mexican economies of using trade to create jobs and improve competitiveness. In an earlier meeting, the Ambassadors and Secretary Ruiz Mateos discussed topics including the North American Leaders Summit; bilateral trade issues such as transportation, tuna and intellectual property; the environment, and the Doha Round of world trade negotiations. (Press release, dated 02/09/10, available at http://www.ustr.gov/about-us/press-office/press-releases/2010/february/united-states-trade-representative-ron-kirk-concl)
The Center for Environmental Health has notified four retailers, Saks Fifth Avenue, Justice, Catherines, and Aeropostale that independent lab testing has found significant levels of cadmium in jewelry purchased from their stores in December and January. Similar recent reports suggest that, in response to the new federal law limiting lead in children's products, jewelry makers may be using cadmium instead of lead. (Press release, dated 02/02/10, available at http://www.ceh.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=428&Itemid=166)
The Bureau of Industry and Security has announced that its Emerging Technology and Research Advisory Committee will meet on February 18 and 19, 2010 in Washington, DC, which will be open to the public on February 18. ETRAC advises on emerging technology and research activities, including those related to deemed exports. (FR Pub 02/05/10, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/pdf/2010-2502.pdf)
The Federal Maritime Commission has announced that it will hold an open meeting on February 10, 2010 in Washington, DC. Agenda topics include a FY 2010 budget status update, a petition from NCBFAA for exemption from mandatory rate tariff publication, etc. (Notice, posted 02/02/10, available at http://www.fmc.gov/home/February102010Meeting.asp)
U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Port of Dallas/Fort Worth has issued a Public Information Notice advising the importing community of the requirement for full compliance with the 102 reporting requirements effective January 26, 2010. (See ITT's Online Archives or 01/25/10 news, 10012505, for BP summary detailing its phased enforcement plan for 102.) (Information Notice 10-008, dated 01/22/10, is available via email by sending a request to documents@brokerpower.com)
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has issued a final rule, effective February 25, 2010, which makes organizational and procedural changes to its phytosanitary treatment regulations.