The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has issued a press release welcoming Mexico's February 26, 2007 announcement that it had requested World Trade Organization (WTO) dispute settlement consultations with China on prohibited subsidies. The press release notes that Mexico is joining the U.S. in challenging China's provision of certain subsidies that appear to be inconsistent with its WTO commitments. (See ITT's Online Archives or 02/22/07 news, 07022210, for BP summary of a U.S. request for WTO consultations with China regarding such subsidies.) (USTR press release, dated 02/28/07, available at http://www.ustr.gov/Document_Library/Press_Releases/2007/February/Schwab_Welcomes_Mexicos_Support_in_China_Subsidies_Action_printer.html.)
Senator Dick Durbin has issued a press release announcing that he and Senator Diane Feinstein have introduced a bill (S. 887) to transfer responsibility for conducting agricultural inspections at all points of entry in the U.S. from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) back to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). (Press release, dated 03/14/07, available at http://durbin.senate.gov/record.cfm?id=270685.)
On February 27, 2007, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Commissioner Ralph Basham testified before the House Appropriations Committee's Subcommittee on Homeland Security regarding CBP's fiscal year (FY) 2008 budget request.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued a proposed rule which would establish minimum standards for State-issued driver's licenses and identification (ID) cards that Federal agencies would accept for official purposes after May 11, 2008, in accordance with the REAL ID Act of 2005. This rule proposes standards to meet the minimum requirements of the REAL ID Act of 2005, including: information and security features that must be incorporated into each card; application information to establish the identity and immigration status of an applicant before a card can be issued; and physical security standards for locations where driver's licenses and applicable identification cards are issued. Comments are due by May 8, 2007. (D/N DHS-2006-0030, FR Pub 03/09/09, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20071800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2007/pdf/07-1009.pdf)
American Shipper reports thatwhile the Commerce and Homeland Security departments hash out the details of the proposed mandatory electronic filing of export information via the Automated Export System, exporters and freight forwarders are concerned whether U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is prepared for the significant changes to U.S. export control practices. The article states that exporters and forwarders are worried that unprepared CBP inspectors in the port offices will cause undue stress in penalties and cargo holds. The article adds that it is critical that CBP has a policy that goes across the board and that one port is not doing more enforcement than another. (American Shipper Pub February 2007, www.americanshipper.com)
The Washington File reports that Democratic lawmakers say the Bush administration needs to enforce U.S. trade laws more forcefully and negotiate more equitable trade deals to address the U.S. trade deficit and protect the welfare of U.S. workers. The article adds that during a February 14, 2007 hearing, Democratic members of the Ways and Means Committee, joined by some Republicans, expressed frustration over what they perceive as the administration's inability to address the growing U.S. trade deficit and unfair competition from other countries. (Washington File Pub 02/14/07, available at http://usinfo.state.gov/xarchives/display.html?p=washfile-english&y=2007&m=February&x=20070214160027saikceinawz0.398266)
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has issued a notice and press release announcing that it is further delaying the March 1, 2007 effective date for the collection of agricultural quarantine and inspection (AQI) user fees for commercial trucks and railroad cars entering the U.S. from Canada until June 1, 2007.
The Journal of Commerce reports that Michael Laden, former executive with Target Corp., says C-TPAT has not delivered on its promise of expedited trade, as the three benefit tiers do not have bright lines of distinction among them. According to Laden, at the end of the day, there isn't a lot of benefit in joining. (JoC, 01/22/07, www.joc.com )
The Journal of Commerce states that this year Customs will set up a pilot program to allow private companies to validate C-TPAT supply chains in China. The article states that the U.S. is taking this action as C-TPAT mutual recognition with China is not likely anytime soon, it satisfies a requirement in the SAFE Port Act, etc. (JoC 01/22/07, www.joc.com)
The Journal of Commerce reports that for the railroads, hazmat liability costs have soared; and, hazmat truckers are experiencing dramatic cost increases as drivers, already in short supply, become scarcer and competitors leave the industry. The article states that part of the problem is the sweeping number of products considered hazardous under federal rules, from highly toxic gases to nail polish. (JoC, dated 01/15/07, www.joc.com )