The Census Bureau has announced that the U.S.' international trade deficit decreased to $30.7 billion in August from $31.9 billion (revised) in July, as exports increased and imports decreased. (Census Bureau information, posted 10/09/09, available at http://www.census.gov/foreign-trade/data/)
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative has announced that the U.S. has asked the World Trade Organization to establish a dispute settlement panel regarding the European Union's restrictions on imports of U.S. poultry. (Press release, dated 10/08/09, available at http://www.ustr.gov/about-us/press-office/press-releases/2009/october/united-states-requests-wto-panel-challenge-eu-rest)
The Department of Homeland Security has issued a notice announcing that it has begun the third and final national dialogue for the Quadrennial Homeland Security Review. The third dialogue, which ends on October 4, presents the final study group proposals, including the vision, goals, objectives, and key strategic outcomes from the mission studies as well as the path forward for the Homeland Security National Risk Assessment Study Group. DHS is seeking input on the strategic approaches proposed by the study groups, the implications of these proposed strategic approaches, and the proposed strategic outcomes. (DHS notice, dated 10/02/09, available at http://www.dhs.gov/journal/theblog/2009/10/third-dialogue.html.)
The Bureau of Industry and Security has issued an advisory opinion regarding whether allowing the free download of certain encrypted software reviewed and classified as "mass market" would be in violation of the Export Administration Regulations.
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative has issued a question & answer document on the imposition of Section 421 duties on imports of certain tires for passenger vehicles and light trucks that are produced in China. (See ITT's Online Archives or 09/17/09 news, 09091705, for BP summary of the FR notice) (Q&A document, available at http://www.ustr.gov/sites/default/files/Information%20on%20China%20Tires%20Safeguard.pdf)
China's Ministry of Commerce has responded to the recent U.S. decision to impose 35-25% additional duties over three years on imports of tires for passenger cars and light trucks from China with two actions: (i) filing a formal complaint to the World Trade Organization through a request for consultations; and (ii) launching anti-dumping and anti-subsidy investigations into certain U.S. automobile and poultry products. (Mofcom press releases, dated 09/15/09 and 09/14/09 available at http://english.mofcom.gov.cn/aarticle/newsrelease/commonnews/200909/20090906516774.html and http://english.mofcom.gov.cn/aarticle/newsrelease/commonnews/200909/20090906514107.html)
The Office of Foreign Assets Controls has issued a final rule, effective September 9, 2009, which amends the Sudanese Sanctions Regulations (SSR) by issuing a general license that authorizes the exportation and reexportation of agricultural commodities, medicine, and medical devices to the Specified Areas of Sudan1, as well as the conduct of related transactions.
CBP has posted updated versions of the following draft ACE ABI CATAIR chapters:
U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Port of Los Angeles has issued a Public Bulletin advising the public of, and inviting comments on, a proposed fee schedule change for the Centralized Examination Station operated by Price Transfer, Incorporated, for the CBP Anti-Terrorism Contraband Enforcement Team (A-TCET) at the Los Angeles/Long Beach Seaport. (Bulletin LA09-022, dated 09/03/09, available via email by sending a request to documents@brokerpower.com)
The Bureau of Industry and Security and the Office of Foreign Assets Controls have each issued final rules, effective September 3 and September 8, 2009, respectively, which ease restrictions on U.S.-Cuban trade regarding certain telecommunications transactions and certain agricultural and medical device travel-related transactions, pursuant, in part, to a Presidential directive.