The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative and the U.S. Department of Agriculture released a statement regarding the decision by Taiwan's Legislative Yuan to bar import of certain U.S. beef and beef products, an action contrary to a recently signed bilateral agreement that entered into force on November 2, 2009. (U.S. requirements for exports to Taiwan, which reflect the bilateral agreement, available here.) (Joint statement, dated 01/05/10, available at http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/!ut/p/_s.7_0_A/7_0_1OB?contentidonly=true&contentid=2010/01/0002.xml)
The International Trade Administration is seeking comments on priorities for the Transatlantic Innovation Dialogue from any interested party, including industry, consumer, labor and environmental groups, trade associations, professional organizations/societies, academia, and Federal, state, and local governments. Comments will be used to identify and select projects for cooperation on innovation policy between the U.S. government and the European Commission. Written comments must be submitted on or before February 5, 2010. (FR Pub 12/31/09, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-31085.pdf)
Mexico's National Service of Agro Alimentary Health, Safety, and Quality (SENASICA) has informed the U.S. Foreign Agricultural Service that Mexico's Import Inspection Points (OISAS) will be closed from December 31, 2009 at 1:00 p.m until January 3, 2010 at 10:00 p.m. for import database updates. All import documents must be submitted prior to 1:00 p.m. December 31, 2009, but any outstanding import documents not completed before December 31 at 3:00 p.m. must be resubmitted on January 4, 2010. FAS states that this closure will affect all U.S. agricultural exports to Mexico which need a SENASICA import permit, except pets traveling with a tourist. (FAS GAIN report, No. MX9095, dated 12/18/09, available at http://gain.fas.usda.gov/Recent%20GAIN%20Publications/Mexican%20Inspection%20Points%20will%20Close%20from%20Dec.%2031%20to%20Jan.%203%20_Mexico_Mexico_12-18-2009.pdf)
The Department of Homeland Security has issued a press release announcing that a large majority of states and territories - 46 of 56 - have informed DHS that they will not be able to meet the Dec. 31 REAL ID material compliance deadline. In order to ensure that the millions of Americans traveling this holiday season are not disrupted, DHS is extending the Dec. 31 REAL ID material compliance deadline. The May 10, 2011, deadline for full compliance remains in effect, and the Department will continue to work closely with states to meet this deadline. However, DHS states that Congress must act to address systemic problems with the REAL ID Act to advance U.S. security interests over the long term. (Press release, dated 12/18/09, available at http://www.dhs.gov/ynews/releases/pr_1261170524591.shtm.)
USTR Kirk recently commented on President Obama's intent to enter into negotiations of a regional, Asia-Pacific trade agreement, known as the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement. Kirk said that the U.S. will have to confront big challenges, from rationalizing rules of origin amongst current FTA partners to addressing agricultural, developmental, and labor challenges elsewhere, to adding additional countries in ways that ensure that the countries maintain a comprehensive, high standard agreement. (Press release, dated 12/15/09, available at http://www.ustr.gov/about-us/press-office/press-releases/2009/december/ustr-ron-kirk-remarks-trans-pacific-partnership-n)
President Obama has ordered the Federal Government to close for the last half of the work day on December 24, 2009, except to the extent that executive branch departments and agencies determine that certain offices and installations must remain open and that certain employees must remain on duty for the full scheduled workday, for reasons of national security, defense, or other public need. (FR Pub 12/16/09, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/E9-30020.htm)
According to multiple press reports, the next Acting Deputy Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection will be Border Patrol Chief David Aguilar. Aguilar has over 30 years of border security experience and was appointed as Chief of the Border Patrol for CBP in 2004.
At the December 9, 2009 meeting of the Bureau of Industry and Security's Regulations and Procedures Technical Advisory Committee, BIS officials discussed a variety of issues, including:
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.)
Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry reminds the public that Japan will act as the chair of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) 2010 Symposium to be held December 9-10, 2009 in Tokyo. Participants will conduct discussions on APEC free trade goals, regional economic integration, the concept of a Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP), and strategies for prosperity in Asia-Pacific. (Press release, dated 11/27/09, available at http://www.meti.go.jp/english/press/data/20091127_01.html)