Miscellaneous International Trade Notices
The Journal of Commerce reports that fuel prices and security surcharges are likely to offset rate reductions for air-cargo shippers in 2008. (JoC, dated January 2008, www.joc.com)
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1. Fuel Prices, Security Charges Likely to Affect Air Cargo Shippers in 2008
2. U.S. Telecomm Providers Ask USTR to Open Talks with China, Germany
The CalTrade Report states that U.S.-based telecommunication providers still face significant market barriers abroad and that an industry association has asked the U.S. Trade Representative to open dispute settlement talks with China and Germany. (The CalTrade Report, dated 01/18/08, available at http://www.caltradereport.com/eWebPages/front-page-1199661155.html)
3. China Initiates Quota License on Wheat, Corn, Rice Flour Exports
China's Ministry of Commerce has issued a press release announcing that China has initiated quota license administration on exports of wheat, corn, and rice flour as of January 1, 2008, in order to moderately adjust the export scale, as well as stabilize current domestic grain price and guarantee China's grain safety in conformity with World Trade Organization rules. China's export rebate of grain and its flour were abolished on December 20, 2007, and the temporary tariffs were imposed from January 1, 2008. (MOFCOM, dated 01/04/08, available at http://english.mofcom.gov.cn/aarticle/newsrelease/significantnews/200801/20080105319875.html)
4. FSIS Updates its Export Requirements and Plant Lists
The Food Safety and Inspection Service has updated its Export Requirements for the Philippines, Taiwan, and Japan, and its Plant Lists for Russia (beef) and Australia. (FSIS Export Requirements and Plant Lists, updated 01/15/08 through 01/18/08, available at http://www.fsis.usda.gov/Regulations_&_Policies/Export_Information/index.asp)
5. China's Exports of Textiles and Apparel Experience 20% Growth in 2007
China's Textile and Economic Information Web site reports that China exported $141.6 billion of textile and apparel products in the first 10 months of 2007, a growth of 20.1% over the same period of 2006. Between January and October, the Chinese mainland sold $21.12 billion to the U.S., up 23.3% from the same period the previous year. (CTEI Posting,dated 01/08/08, available at http://www.ctei.gov.cn/english/e_show.asp?xx=6093)
6. GAO Recommends Measures Against Energy Commodity Tanker Attacks
The Government Accountability Office has issued a report entitled, "Maritime Security: Federal Efforts Needed to Address Challenges in Preventing and Responding to Terrorist Attacks on Energy Commodity Tankers." Among other things, GAO recommends that cognizant agencies have multiple attack response plans in place and help ensure that ports plan for dealing with economic consequences of an attack. (GAO-08-141, dated 12/07, available at http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d08141.pdf)
7. IAM Urges Commerce Department to Stop China Technology Transfers
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, one of the nation's largest labor unions, has issued a press release calling on the Department of Commerce to suspend a new program that allows companies in China to gain expedited access to sensitive U.S. aerospace technology, including telecommunication and composites technologies with potential military applications. (IAM press release, dated 01/04/08, available at http://www.goiam.org/content.cfm?cID=12063)
8. Commerce to Hold Americas Competitiveness Forum in August 2008
The Commerce Department has issued a press release announcing that it will convene the second annual Americas Competitiveness Forum (ACF) on Aug. 17-19, 2008, in Atlanta. The forum will provide an opportunity for governments, the business community, and representatives from academia and non-governmental organizations to discuss actions that can be taken to improve competitiveness and economic prosperity in the Americas. (Commerce Press Release, dated 01/09/08, available at http://www.commerce.gov/NewsRoom/PressReleases_FactSheets/PROD01_005017)
9. GAO Testifies on Freight Railroad Rates and Other Industry Trends
The Government Accountability Office has issued testimony to Congress entitled: "Freight Railroads: Updated Information on Rates and Other Industry Trends." Among other things, the GAO found that railroad rates experienced a 9 percent annual increase over 2004, the largest annual increase in twenty years. (GAO-08-218T, dated 10/23/07, available athttp://www.gao.gov/new.items/d08218t.pdf)
10. GAO Testifies on the Internet Infrastructure
The Government Accountability Office has issued testimony to Congress entitled: "Internet Infrastructure: Challenges in Developing a Public/Private Recovery Plan." Among other things, the testimony recommended DHS strengthen its ability to help recover from Internet disruptions. (GAO-08-212T, dated 10/23/07, available athttp://www.gao.gov/new.items/d08212t.pdf)
11. OFAC Publishes Enforcement Information for January 4th
The Office of Foreign Assets Control has issued a notice announcing the following enforcement information for January 4, 2008:
(OFAC notice available at http://www.treas.gov/offices/enforcement/ofac/civpen/penalties/01112007.pdf)