Miscellaneous International Trade Notices
At the swearing-in ceremony of new U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Portman, President Bush announced three trade priorities for the months ahead: passing the Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA); encouraging the Doha Development Agenda being pursued by the World Trade Organization (WTO); and ensuring that those countries who sign trade agreements (e.g., China) live up to their terms. (White House press release, dated 05/17/05, available at http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2005/05/20050517-3.html)
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1. President Lists Trade Priorities for Coming Months as CAFTA, Doha, and China
2. Senate Finance Committee Informal Markup of CAFTA Unlikely in May
Washington Trade Daily reports that the Senate Finance Committee is unlikely to hold an informal "mock" markup of implementing legislation for CAFTA before the end of May, with Senator Grassley stating that further work needs to be done to finalize a strategy for moving CAFTA in the Senate. WTD notes that CAFTA is facing opposition within the Committee from senators representing sugar producing states. (WTD, dated 05/18/05, www.washingtontradedaily.com)
3. Treasury's Semi-Annual Currency Report Calls for More Flexible Chinese Exchange Rate
The Washington File reports that, in its semi-annual Report to Congress on International Economic and Exchange Rate Policies, the Treasury Department states that while China did nothing in the last six months of 2004 to be designated as a country that manipulates its currency, it must move to a more flexible exchange rate if it is to avoid future designation as a currency manipulator. The report states that Chinese officials have pledged to adopt such a system, but they need more time to prepare for the adjustment. (Washington File Pub, 05/18/05, available at http://usinfo.state.gov/eap/Archive/2005/May/18-758795.html)
4. President Extends National Emergency With Respect to Burma
On May 17, 2005, President Bush issued a notice continuing for one year beyond May 20, 2005 the national emergency with respect to Burma. This national emergency was originally declared in Executive Order (EO) 13047 on May 20, 1997. (FR Pub 05/18/05, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20051800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2005/pdf/05-10089.pdf)
5. NOAA Lifts Trade Restrictions on Bigeye, Bluefin Tuna and Swordfish from Cambodia, Equatorial Guinea, and/or Sierra Leone, Etc.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued a final rule, effective July 2, 2005, which lifts the trade restrictions on importing bigeye tuna (BET) from Cambodia; BET and bluefin tuna (BFT) from Equatorial Guinea; and BET, BFT, and swordfish (SWO) from Sierra Leone. In addition, this final rule corrects section reference conflicts between two 2004 final rules. (D/N 050228049-5122-02, FR Pub 05/17/05, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20051800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2005/pdf/05-9793.pdf)
6. NOAA Announces Continued Importation of Certain Tuna from El Salvador
NOAA has renewed the affirmative finding for El Salvador under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. This renewal will allow, effective April 1, 2005 through March 31, 2006, yellowfin tuna harvested in the Eastern Tropical Pacific (ETP) in compliance with the International Dolphin Conservation Program (IDCP) by El Salvadorian-flag purse seine vessels or purse seine vessels operating under El Salvador's jurisdiction to continue to be imported into the U.S. (FR Pub 05/13/05, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20051800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2005/pdf/05-9603.pdf)
7. NOAA Announces Continued Importation of Certain Tuna from Ecuador
NOAA has renewed the affirmative finding for Ecuador under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. This renewal will allow, effective April 1, 2005 through March 31, 2006, yellowfin tuna harvested in the ETP in compliance with the IDCP by Ecuadorian-flag purse seine vessels or purse seine vessels operating under Ecuadorian jurisdiction to continue to be imported into the U.S. (FR Pub 05/13/05, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20051800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2005/pdf/05-9604.pdf)