Miscellaneous International Trade Notices
According to the Census Bureau, the U.S. international trade deficit decreased to $32.9 billion in October from $35.7 billion (revised) in September, as exports increased more than imports. (Press release, dated 12/10/09, available at http://www.census.gov/foreign-trade/index.html.)
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1. Goods and Services Deficit Declines in October Due to Export Increase
2. Freight Transportation Services Index Declines 1.2% in October
The Bureau of Transportation Statistics has announced that the Freight Transportation Services Index (TSI) fell 1.2 percent in October from its September level, declining for the second consecutive month. (Press release, dated 12/09/09, available at http://www.bts.gov/press_releases/2009/bts057_09/html/bts057_09.html)
3. AMS Final Rule Modifies Import Regulations for Irish Potatoes, Etc.
The Agricultural Marketing Service issued a final rule, effective January 11, 2010, which modifies the import regulations for Irish potatoes by reducing the number of marketing order areas determined as being in the most direct competition with imported potatoes from five to three; exempting U.S. No. 1 grade potatoes imported in certain small containers from size requirements; and removing certain language from Marketing Orders No. 948 and 953 that reference the regulation of imported Irish potatoes. In addition, this rule makes minor administrative changes to the potato, onion, and tomato import regulations to update informational references. (D/N AMS-FV-08-0018; FV08-980-1FR, FR Pub 12/10/09, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-29023.pdf)
4. FTZ Board Receives Application by Baltimore for Special Purpose Subzone Status
An application has been submitted to the Foreign-Trade Zones Board by the City of Baltimore, grantee of FTZ 74, requesting special-purpose subzone status for the distribution facility of Michelin North America, Inc. (MNA), located in Elkton, Maryland. (D/N 55-2009, FR Pub 12/10/09, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-29472.pdf)
5. OFAC Blocks Property/Interests in Property of 10 Entities, 22 People
The Office of Foreign Assets Control is publishing the name of 10 entities and 22 individuals whose property and interests in property have been blocked pursuant to the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act. (FR Pub 12/10/09, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-29438.pdf)
6. China's AQSIQ Announces New Food Safety Standards as of Dec. 1st
China's General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine announced that a number of new national food safety standards were to be implemented starting from Dec. 1, 2009. These include standards on specific foods, (e.g., sports beverages), manufacturing standards on quality and safety (e.g., Good Manufacturing Practice for Powdered Formula for Infants), testing standards (e.g., Method for Determination of Soybean Isoflavone in Health-care Food-HPLC), packing standards (e.g., Cling Wrap Film for Keeping Food Fresh), and general standards (e.g., General Requirement of Disposable Plastic Tableware). (News release, dated 12/10/09, available at http://english.aqsiq.gov.cn/NewsRelease/NewsUpdates/200912/t20091210_132640.htm)
7. China's MOFCOM Creates FTA Webpage
China's Ministry of Commerce has created a "China FTA Network" webpage that gives information on China's pending and current FTAs, as well as a FTA tariff calculator. According to the webpage, China has 14 FTA partners comprising 31 economies, of which 8 Agreements have been signed already. (Webpage, dated 12/10/09, available at http://fta.mofcom.gov.cn/english/index.shtml)
8. CPSC Lists Voluntary Recalls
The Consumer Product Safety Commission has published notice of the following voluntary recalls:
| Product: Reason | Company | Release |
|---|---|---|
| Snap Beads: Choking Hazard | Edushape Ltd. (NY) | 10-709 |
| Amby Baby Motion Beds: Suffocation Hazard | Amby Baby USA (MN) | 10-056 |
| Evenflo ExerSaucer 1-2-3 Tea for Me Activity Learning Centers: Choking Hazard | Evenflo Co. Inc. (OH) | 10-057 |
| Packaged Terminal Air Conditioner/ Heat Pump (PTACs) Units: Fire Hazard | Goodman Company, LP (TX) | 10-058 |
| Monday the Bullfrog Plush Books: Choking Hazard | Simon & Schuster Inc. (NY) | 10-059 |
(CPSC recalls available at http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prereldec09.html)
9. Revised FDA Import Alerts
The Food and Drug Administration has posted revised versions of the following Import Alerts on the detention without physical examination of:
Foods Containing Illegal and/or Undeclared Colors
Seafood Products Due to the Presence of Salmonella
10. FAS Global Agriculture Information Network Reports
The Foreign Agriculture Service issued the following GAIN reports:
Colombia Colombian Government Extends Subsidies to Coffee Sector: Coffee
China Fuzhou, propelled by the ocean's legacy, sails on: Market Development Reports
11. Canada Posts Notices on SLA Exports, Vegetable Marketing Order, Hatching Egg TRQ, Patents
In the December 9, 2009 edition of the Canada Gazette, the following trade-related notices were posted:
Allocation Method Order (2010) - Softwood Lumber Products Export and Import Permits Act
Quebec Wood Producer's Levies (Interprovincial and Export Trade) Order - Order Amending Agricultural Products Marketing Act
British Columbia Vegetable Marketing Levies Order - Order Amending Agricultural Products Marketing Act
Canadian Hatching Egg Producers Quota Regulations - Regulations Amending Farm Products Agencies Act
Patent Rules - Rules Amending Patent Act
(Notices, posted 12/09/09, available at http://canadagazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p2/2009/2009-12-09/html/index-eng.html)