The International Trade Commission has issued Federal Register notice that it has instituted an investigation, "The Economic Effects of Significant U.S. Import Restraints: Seventh Update; Special Topic: Global Supply Chains" (Inv. No. 332-325), as requested by the U.S. Trade Representative.
In President Obama's weekly address on October 16, 2010, he laid out a policy agenda of offering tax incentives to businesses that hire new employees, making the research and experimentation tax credit permanent and providing a tax cut for clean energy manufacturing to encourage domestic hiring and investment. He also wants to close tax loopholes worth billions of dollars that encourage companies to invest overseas.
The International Trade Commission has announced that its annual report on shifts in U.S. merchandise trade during 2009 has been posted to its website. It is also providing an opportunity to submit comments relating to the 2010 report and possible contents of the 2011 report. (See ITT's Online Archives or 09/10/10 news, 10091017, for BP summary of the ITC's "Shifts in U.S. Merchandise Trade 2009.")
The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) has issued a notice that lists those applying for ocean transportation intermediary licenses as a non-vessel-operating common carrier (NVOCC), ocean freight forwarder (FF) or NVOCC/FF OTI, as follows:
The State Department announces that the Shipping Coordinating Committee will conduct an open meeting on November 8, 2010 to prepare for the ninety-seventh Session of the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) Legal Committee to be held at the IMO headquarters in London, United Kingdom, from November 15-19, 2010.
The International Trade Administration announces a U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board meeting on October 26, 2010 in Las Vegas, where the members will hear presentations made by various government officials on issues related to the travel and tourism sector. The agenda for the event includes updates regarding implementation of the Travel Promotion Act, the Administration’s travel and tourism initiatives, implementation of the National Export Initiative, and the programs and activities of the Departments of Homeland Security, State, and Transportation impacting the travel and tourism sector.
The Federal Maritime Commission has posted comments of Commissioner Rebecca Dye at the 2010 Midwest Specialty Grains Conference and Trade Show, which include updates on the economic downturn, antitrust immunity, and goals regarding fact-finding investigation No. 26, "Vessel Capacity and Equipment Availability in the U.S. Export and Import Liner Trades." (See ITT's Online Archives or 07/01/10 news, 10070106, for BP summary of FMC's announcement of seven approaches to stem vessel capacity and equipment shortages.)
The Census Bureau on October 15, 2010 released retail sales data for September 2010. Retail sales rose 0.6 percent, essentially matching the revised August gain of 0.7 percent. This figure exceeded private-sector expectations of 0.4 percent. Motor vehicle sales increased a strong 1.6 percent. Sales excluding automotive dealers edged up 0.4 percent, also higher than private-sector expectations of a 0.3-percent gain.
The Overseas Private Investment Corporation reports that its Executive Vice President signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between OPIC and the Moldovan Investment and Export Promotion Organization (MIEPO) outlining a collaborative effort to mobilize U.S. private sector investment in Moldova.
The Maritime Administration is seeking applications for membership on the Marine Transportation System National Advisory Council, which advises and makes recommendations on impediments that hinder the effective use and expansion of America’s Marine Highways; waterways and ports, and their intermodal, road, rail, and marine high connections; and guidelines for the development of a national freight policy from a marine transportation perspective to the Secretary of Transportation via the Maritime Administrator. Applications are due by November 17, 2010.