Miscellaneous International Trade Notices

1. President Issues Executive Order Closing Federal Gov't on Dec. 26th

2. Census Update on AESDirect Account Administration Transition

The Census Bureau has issued an Automated Export System broadcast announcing that on October 1, 2008, it and the AESDirect Help Desk began the process of moving all user accounts to the upgraded Account Maintenance features. All AESDirect program users are currently being gradually phased into the new procedures. In addition, users may choose to make the upgrade prior to the scheduled phase in. By January 30, 2009, all AESDirect program users must make the upgrade or be forced to upgrade. (AES Broadcast 2008063 available by emailing documents@brokerpower.com.)

3. AMS Finalizes Size Requirements Prescribed under Potato Marketing Order

The Agricultural Marketing Service has issued a final rule, effective January 14, 2009, adopting, without change, an interim final rule relaxing the size requirements prescribed under the Washington potato marketing order. This rule also continues in effect the action that relaxed the minimum size requirement from July 1 through September 30 of each year for imported red-skinned, round type potatoes under the import regulations as required by the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937, among other things. (D/N AMS-FV-08-0036;FV08-946-1 FIR, FR Pub 12/15/08, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/pdf/E8-29600.pdf)

4. OFAC Designates Three Individuals under Terrorism EO

The Office of Foreign Assets Control has issued a notice publishing the names of three newly designated individuals whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to Executive Order 13224 of September 23, 2001, "Blocking Property and Prohibiting Transactions With Persons Who Commit, Threaten To Commit, or Support Terrorism." (FR Pub 12/15/08, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/pdf/E8-29596.pdf)

4. State Dept Authorizes New Border Crossing at Otay Mesa, CA

The State Department has issued a Presidential permit, effective December 8, 2008, authorizing the General Services Administration to construct, operate, and maintain a vehicular and pedestrian border crossing called "Otay Mesa East" near San Diego, California, at the international boundary between the U.S. and Mexico. (Public Notice 6450, FR Pub 12/15/08, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/pdf/E8-29622.pdf)

5. ICE Seizes Over $500,000 Worth of Counterfeit Goods

Immigration and Customs Enforcement has issued a news release announcing that counterfeit products including Nike, Christian Dior and Ralph Lauren with an estimated retail value of $542,310 were recently seized following a seven-month investigation. (ICE, dated 12/11/08, available at http://www.ice.gov/pi/nr/0812/081211charleston.htm)

6. Transatlantic Economic Council Fact Sheet

The White House has posted a fact sheet on the recently held third meeting of the Transatlantic Economic Council (TEC). (Fact sheet, dated 12/12/08, available at http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/12/20081212-7.html)

7. U.S., Canada Sign MOU on Emergency Management Cooperation

The State Department has issued a notice announcing that on December 12, 2008, the U.S. and Canada signed a revised and updated U.S.-Canada Agreement on Emergency Management Cooperation. The agreement provides a framework for the two countries to cooperate in planning for and responding to natural and man-made incidents, emergencies, and disasters. Among other things, the MOU addresses a Security and Prosperity Partnership (SPP) goal of coordinating appropriate responses to catastrophic incidents in North America, a goal reiterated at the 2007 and 2008 North American Leaders' Summits. (State Department, dated 12/12/08, available at http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2008/dec/113182.htm)

8. CARB Adopts Regulations Aimed at Cleaning Up Truck Emissions

The California Air Resources Board has issued a news release announcing that it adopted two regulations directly aimed at cleaning up harmful emissions from the estimated one million heavy-duty diesel trucks that operate in California. Beginning January 1, 2011, the Statewide Truck and Bus rule will require truck owners to install diesel exhaust filters on their rigs, with nearly all vehicles upgraded by 2014. Owners must also replace engines older than the 2010 model year according to a staggered implementation schedule that extends from 2012 to 2022. Also adopted, the Heavy Duty Vehicle Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction measure requires long-haul truckers to install fuel efficient tires and aerodynamic devices on their trailers that lower greenhouse gas emissions and improve fuel economy. (CARB, dated 12/12/08, available at http://www.arb.ca.gov/newsrel/nr121208.htm)

9. FAS Posts Market and Trade Data Reports

The Foreign Agricultural Service has posted the following Market and Trade Data Feature Reports:

World Agricultural Production: Dry November Lessens 2008 Argentine Sunflower Production

Cotton: World Markets and Trade

Grain: World Markets and Trade

Oilseeds: World Markets and Trade

10. FAS' Global Agriculture Information Network Reports

FAS issued the following GAIN reports:

Australia Wine: Voluntary

France Agricultural Situation: Country Report

Germany Bio-Fuels: Read-out from Fuels of the Future Congress in Berlin

Philippines Agricultural Situation: Inflation Slows to 9.9 Percent in November

Russian Federation Fishery Products: New Regulation for Veterinary Surveillance on Fish and Seafood Products

Russian Federation Agricultural Situation: Russia's Federal Budget Outlays for Agriculture in 2009

Thailand Grain and Feed: Weekly Rice Price Update

United Kingdom Retail Food Sector: UK Supermarket Chain Profiles