FDA Announces Plans for Proposed Rule to Reduce Addictiveness of Cigarettes and Other Combusted Tobacco Products

Today, the Biden-Harris Administration published plans for future potential regulatory actions that include the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s plans to develop a proposed product standard that would establish a maximum nicotine level to reduce the addictiveness of cigarettes and certain other combusted tobacco products. The goal of the potential rule would be to reduce youth use, addiction and death. 

Each year, 480,000 people die prematurely from a smoking-attributed disease, making tobacco use the leading cause of preventable disease and death in the United States. Additionally, tobacco use costs nearly $300 billion a year in direct health care and lost productivity. 

While nicotine is not what makes smoking cigarettes so toxic, it’s the ingredient that makes it very hard to quit smoking. Addiction to nicotine in combusted products is the main driver of sustained use of these products. In fact, more than half of adult cigarette smokers make a serious quit attempt each year (quitting for at least a day), but most do not succeed due to the addictive nature of cigarettes. Such a product standard, if proposed and then finalized after a thorough process, would make those products minimally- or non-addictive.

“Nicotine is powerfully addictive,” said FDA Commissioner Robert M. Califf, M.D. “Making cigarettes and other combusted tobacco products minimally addictive or non-addictive would help save lives. The U.S. Surgeon General has reported that 87 percent of adult smokers start smoking before age 18, and about two-thirds of adult daily smokers began smoking daily by 18 years of age. Lowering nicotine levels to minimally addictive or non-addictive levels would decrease the likelihood that future generations of young people become addicted to cigarettes and help more currently addicted smokers to quit.” 

A paper published by the FDA in the New England Journal of MedicineExternal Link Disclaimer in 2018 projected that by year 2100, a potential nicotine product standard could result in more than 33 million people not becoming regular smokers, a smoking rate of only 1.4%, and more than 8 million fewer people dying from tobacco-related illnesses. The current smoking rate is 12.5%. Read More→

https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-announces-plans-proposed-rule-reduce-addictiveness-cigarettes-and-other-combusted-tobacco

FDA Infant Formula Update: June 17, 2022

Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is providing an update on additional steps it has taken that will lead to more infant formula available in the U.S. under the agency’s recent increased flexibilities.

Company (Product Origin): Danone (Ireland)

Product(s): Aptamil First Infant Milk Stage 1 (This infant formula is appropriate for most infants and meets U.S. nutrient requirements, but it may not be suitable for infants born prematurely, or with a low birth weight, infants who had low iron levels at birth, or infants who are at risk for becoming iron deficient due to illness. Parents and caregivers of infants born prematurely, or with a low birth weight, infants who had low iron levels at birth, or infants who are at risk for becoming iron deficient due to illness should check with their child’s health care provider to determine if this formula is appropriate for their child.  Additional iron may be needed in these instances.)

Type of Formula: General

Estimated Quantity: About 750,000 cans (about 1.3 million pounds or nearly 19 million full-size, 8-ounce bottles)

Availability: Expected in July - the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is evaluating options for getting the products to the U.S. as quickly as possible.

More Information and Where to Find the Products: Expected to be sold at major retailers. In July, consumers can learn more about Aptamil in the U.S. at us.aptamil.comExternal Link Disclaimer.

The FDA is exercising enforcement discretion for the importation of the infant formula products listed above following the review of information provided pertaining to nutritional adequacy and safety, including microbiological testing, labeling and additional information about facility production and inspection history. 

The agency is leveraging a number of flexibilities to bolster the supply of products that serve as the sole source of nutrition for many infants while ensuring the infant formula can be used safely and provides adequate nutrition. The FDA remains in further discussions with manufacturers and suppliers regarding additional supply to ensure there’s adequate infant formula available wherever and whenever parents and caregivers need it.

The FDA issued guidance on May 16 that outlined a process by which the agency would not object to the importation of certain infant formula products intended for a foreign market or distribution in the U.S. of products manufactured here for export to foreign countries. This guidance also may provide flexibilities to those who manufacture infant formula products domestically and may be able to further increase the quantity of domestically-produced product for the U.S. market. The agency has posted a webpage that will be updated with information about additional products headed to the U.S. Read More→

https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-infant-formula-update-june-17-2022

FREIGHT RAIL COUPLER SYSTEMS AND COMPONENTS FROM CHINA DO NOT INJURE U.S. INDUSTRY, SAYS USITC

The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that a U.S. industry is not materially injured or threatened with material injury by reason of imports of freight rail coupler systems and components from China that the U.S. Department of Commerce (Commerce) has determined are subsidized and sold in the United States at less than fair value.

Chair Jason E. Kearns, Vice Chair Randolph J. Stayin, and Commissioners David S. Johanson, Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, and Amy A. Karpel voted in the negative. 

As a result of the Commission’s negative determinations, Commerce will not issue antidumping duty and countervailing duty orders on imports of these products from China.

The Commission’s public report Freight Rail Coupler Systems and Components from China (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-670 and 731-TA-1570 (Final), USITC Publication 5331, July 2022) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.

The report will be available by July 21, 2022; when available, it may be accessed on the USITC website at: http://pubapps.usitc.gov/applications/publogs/qry_publication_loglist.asp.

UNITED STATES INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20436

FACTUAL HIGHLIGHTS

Freight rail coupler systems and components from China
Investigation Nos: 701-TA-670 and 731-TA-1570 (Final)

Product Description:  Freight rail coupler systems and components ("FRC") are metal structures used to connect freight rail cars together. FRC are comprised of a system of four main metal components: knuckles, coupler bodies, coupler yokes, and follower blocks. Knuckles are typically metal castings in the shape of a hook that pivot on a vertical hinge between a "locked" and an "unlocked" position to allow for interlocking with knuckles of adjacent FRC. Coupler bodies are a metal casting that hold the knuckle and allow it to pivot. The coupler body fits within the coupler yoke, which is a metal casting that attaches the FRC to a freight car. The follower block is a rectangular piece of metal that separates the FRC with the adjacent draft gear of a freight car (designed to absorb some of the forces when connecting freight rail cars). FRC are designed to connect two freight cars together by automatically interlocking the knuckles of both FRC when the freight cars are pushed together. Read More→

https://www.usitc.gov/press_room/news_release/2022/er0614ll1950.htm

USITC INSTITUTES SECTION 337 INVESTIGATION OF CERTAIN ELECTRONIC DEVICES AND SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES WITH TIMING-AWARE DUMMY FILL AND COMPONENTS THEREOF

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) voted to institute an investigation of certain electronic devices and semiconductor devices with timing-aware dummy fill and components thereof. The products at issue in the investigation are described in the Commission’s notice of investigation.

The investigation is based on a complaint filed by Bell Semiconductor, LLC of Bethlehem, PA on April 28, 2022 and supplemented on May 6, 2022, May 13, 2022, and May 19, 2022 (as revised on May 25, 2022). The complaint, as supplemented, alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in the importation into the United States, the sale for importation, and the sale within the United States after importation of certain electronic devices and semiconductor devices with timing-aware dummy fill and components thereof that infringe the patent asserted by the complainant. The complainant requests that the USITC issue a limited exclusion order and cease and desist orders.

The USITC has identified the following as the respondents this investigation:

NXP Semiconductors, N.V. of Eindhoven, The Netherlands;
NXP B.V. of Eindhoven, The Netherlands;
NXP USA, Inc. of Austin, TX;
SMC Networks, Inc. d/b/a IgniteNet of Irvine, CA;
Micron Technology, Inc. of Boise, ID;
NVIDIA Corporation of Santa Clara, CA;
Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. of Santa Clara, CA;
Acer, Inc. of New Taipei City, Taiwan;
Acer America Corporation of San Jose, CA;
Infineon Technologies America Corp. of Milpitas, CA;
Analog Devices Inc. of Norwood, MA;
Bose Corporation of Framingham, MA;
Marvell Technology Group, Ltd. of Hamilton, Bermuda;
Marvell Semiconductor, Inc. of Santa Clara, CA;
Suteng Innovation Technology Co., Ltd. d/b/a RoboSense of Shenzen, China;
Kioxia Corporation of Tokyo, Japan;
Kioxia America, Inc. of San Jose, CA;
Socionext Inc. of Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan;
Socionext America, Inc. of Santa Clara, CA;
Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. of San Diego, CA;
Lenovo Group Ltd. of Haidan District, China; and
Motorola Mobility LLC of Chicago, IL.

By instituting this investigation (337-TA-1319), the USITC has not yet made any decision on the merits of the case. The USITC’s Chief Administrative Law Judge will assign the case to one of the USITC’s administrative law judges (ALJ), who will schedule and hold an evidentiary hearing. The ALJ will make an initial determination as to whether there is a violation of section 337; that initial determination is subject to review by the Commission.

The USITC will make a final determination in the investigation at the earliest practicable time. Within 45 days after institution of the investigation, the USITC will set a target date for completing the investigation. USITC remedial orders in section 337 cases are effective when issued and become final 60 days after issuance unless disapproved for policy reasons by the U.S. Trade Representative within that 60-day period.

###
https://www.usitc.gov/press_room/news_release/2022/er0607ll1949.htm

U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services, April 2022

The U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis announced today that the goods and services deficit was $87.1 billion in April, down $20.6 billion from $107.7 billion in March, revised.

Exports, Imports, and Balance (exhibit 1)

April exports were $252.6 billion, $8.5 billion more than March exports. April imports were $339.7 billion, $12.1 billion less than March imports.

The April decrease in the goods and services deficit reflected a decrease in the goods deficit of $19.1 billion to $107.7 billion and an increase in the services surplus of $1.5 billion to $20.7 billion.

Year-to-date, the goods and services deficit increased $107.9 billion, or 41.1 percent, from the same period in 2021. Exports increased $151.3 billion or 18.8 percent. Imports increased $259.2 billion or 24.3 percent.

The average goods and services deficit decreased $0.3 billion to $94.3 billion for the three months ending in April.

  • Average exports increased $8.3 billion to $243.2 billion in April..

  • Average imports increased $8.0 billion to $337.4 billion in April.

Year-over-year, the average goods and services deficit increased $27.9 billion from the three months ending in April 2021.

  • Average exports increased $40.4 billion from April 2021.

  • Average imports increased $68.3 billion from April 2021. Read More→

Fifteenth Annual Federal Trade Commission Microeconomics Conference

Thursday, November 3, 2022 - Friday, November 4, 2022

Constitution Center
400 7th St SW
Washington, DC 20024
United States

Directions & Nearby

Event Description

The Federal Trade Commission's Bureau of Economics and the Tobin Center for Economic Policy at Yale University will host the 15th Annual FTC Microeconomics Conference on November 3 and 4, 2022 in Washington, D.C. This event will bring together scholars working in areas related to the FTC’s antitrust, consumer protection, and public policy missions.
The scientific committee for the conference is:

  • Dirk Bergemann (Yale University)

  • Julie Holland Mortimer (Boston College)

  • Catherine Tucker (Massachusetts Institute of Technology)

Organizers: Tom Koch (FTC) and Will Violette (FTC)
Staff Contact: Stephanie Aaron (202-326-3099)

We are continually monitoring the coronavirus situation as it pertains to our conference. If circumstances are such that an in-person conference would not be wise or feasible, we are making contingency plans to have an online event. Read More→

https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/events/2022/11/fifteenth-annual-federal-trade-commission-microeconomics-conference

USDA Deputy Secretary Bronaugh to Lead United Kingdom Trade Mission

WASHINGTON, D.C., June 15, 2022 – Representatives from 37 U.S. agribusinesses and farm organizations will join U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Secretary Dr. Jewel Bronaugh for an agribusiness trade mission to London, United Kingdom (UK), June 22-24.

“The United States enjoys a well-deserved reputation as the provider of world-class agricultural products that meet the demands of consumers around the globe. I’m very excited to lead a delegation to the United Kingdom, one of our top trading partners,” Bronaugh said. “The United Kingdom presents strong marketing opportunities for many U.S. consumer-oriented products.”

U.S. agricultural exports to the United Kingdom totaled $1.9 billion in 2021.

Participants will engage directly with foreign buyers, receive in-depth market briefs from the FAS and industry trade experts, and participate in site visits.

In addition to representatives from the following companies and organizations, Dr. Bronaugh will be joined by officials from the Georgia, Indiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin departments of agriculture. Read More→

https://www.usda.gov/media/press-releases/2022/06/15/usda-deputy-secretary-bronaugh-lead-united-kingdom-trade-mission

USITC INSTITUTES SECTION 337 INVESTIGATION OF CERTAIN ELECTRONIC DEVICES AND SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES WITH TIMING-AWARE DUMMY FILL AND COMPONENTS THEREOF

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) voted to institute an investigation of certain electronic devices and semiconductor devices with timing-aware dummy fill and components thereof. The products at issue in the investigation are described in the Commission’s notice of investigation.

The investigation is based on a complaint filed by Bell Semiconductor, LLC of Bethlehem, PA on April 28, 2022 and supplemented on May 6, 2022, May 13, 2022, and May 19, 2022 (as revised on May 25, 2022). The complaint, as supplemented, alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in the importation into the United States, the sale for importation, and the sale within the United States after importation of certain electronic devices and semiconductor devices with timing-aware dummy fill and components thereof that infringe the patent asserted by the complainant. The complainant requests that the USITC issue a limited exclusion order and cease and desist orders.

The USITC has identified the following as the respondents this investigation:

NXP Semiconductors, N.V. of Eindhoven, The Netherlands;
NXP B.V. of Eindhoven, The Netherlands;
NXP USA, Inc. of Austin, TX;
SMC Networks, Inc. d/b/a IgniteNet of Irvine, CA;
Micron Technology, Inc. of Boise, ID;
NVIDIA Corporation of Santa Clara, CA;
Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. of Santa Clara, CA;
Acer, Inc. of New Taipei City, Taiwan;
Acer America Corporation of San Jose, CA;
Infineon Technologies America Corp. of Milpitas, CA;
Analog Devices Inc. of Norwood, MA;
Bose Corporation of Framingham, MA;
Marvell Technology Group, Ltd. of Hamilton, Bermuda;
Marvell Semiconductor, Inc. of Santa Clara, CA;
Suteng Innovation Technology Co., Ltd. d/b/a RoboSense of Shenzen, China;
Kioxia Corporation of Tokyo, Japan;
Kioxia America, Inc. of San Jose, CA;
Socionext Inc. of Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan;
Socionext America, Inc. of Santa Clara, CA;
Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. of San Diego, CA;
Lenovo Group Ltd. of Haidan District, China; and
Motorola Mobility LLC of Chicago, IL. Read More→

https://www.usitc.gov/press_room/news_release/2022/er0607ll1949.htm

USITC INSTITUTES SECTION 337 INVESTIGATION OF CERTAIN GRAPHICS SYSTEMS, COMPONENTS THEREOF, AND DIGITAL TELEVISIONS CONTAINING THE SAME

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) voted to institute an investigation of certain graphics systems, components thereof, and digital televisions containing the same.  The products at issue in the investigation are described in the Commission’s notice of investigation.

The investigation is based on a complaint filed by Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. of Santa Clara, CA and ATI Technologies ULC of Markham, Ontario, Canada on May 5, 2022.  The complaint alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in the importation into the United States and sale of certain graphics systems, components thereof, and digital televisions containing the same that infringe patents asserted by the complainants.  The complainants request that the USITC issue a limited exclusion order and cease and desist orders. 

The USITC has identified the following as the respondents this investigation:

TCL Industries Holdings Co., Ltd. of Huizhou, Guangdong, China;
TCL Industries Holdings (H.K.) Limited of Pak Shek Kok, New Territories, Hong Kong;
TCL Electronics Holdings Limited, of Sha Tin, New Territories, Hong Kong;
TCL Technology Group Corporation of Huizhou, Guangdong, China;
TTE Corporation of Sha Tin, New Territories, Hong Kong;
TCL Holdings (BVI) Limited of Sha Tin, New Territories, Hong Kong;
TCL King Electrical Appliances (Huizhou) Co. Ltd., of Huizhou, Guangdong, China;
Shenzhen TCL New Technologies Co., Ltd. of Shenzen, Guangdong, China;
TCL MOKA International Limited of Sha Tin, New Territories, Hong Kong;
TCL Smart Device (Vietnam) Co., Ltd. of Binh Duong Province, Vietnam;
Manufacturas Avanzadas SA de CV of Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, Mexico;
TCL Electronics Mexico, S de RL de CV of Benito Juarez, Distrito Federal, Mexico;
TCL Overseas Marketing Ltd. of Sha Tin, New Territories, Hong Kong; and
Realtek Semiconductor Corp. of Hsinchu, Taiwan. Read More→

https://www.usitc.gov/press_room/news_release/2022/er0601ll1943.htm

United States and Taiwan Announce the Launch of the U.S.-Taiwan Initiative on 21st-Century Trade

WASHINGTON – Deputy United States Trade Representative Sarah Bianchi and Taiwan Minister-Without-Portfolio John Deng met today virtually under the auspices of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States (TECRO).  In coordination with AIT and TECRO, the two sides launched the U.S.-Taiwan Initiative on 21st-Century Trade, which is intended to develop concrete ways to deepen the economic and trade relationship, advance mutual trade priorities based on shared values, and promote innovation and inclusive economic growth for our workers and businesses.
 
As a key outcome of the meeting, both sides will work at pace under the auspices of AIT and TECRO to develop an ambitious roadmap for negotiations for reaching agreements with high-standard commitments and economically meaningful outcomes in the following trade areas:
 

  • Trade facilitation. The United States and Taiwan seek to harness best practices with respect to facilitating trade, including accelerated implementation of the WTO’s Trade Facilitation Agreement, adopting provisions on digitalization of trade facilitation measures, and ensuring inclusivity in accessing customs procedures. In addition, the two sides intend to explore negotiating provisions on electronic payments, risk management, protection of trader information, and support for small and medium enterprises’ (SME) access to technology used for the clearance of goods/

    Regulatory practices. The United States and Taiwan hold shared values of good governance and respect for the rule of law and believe in the adoption of provisions supporting sound, transparent regulatory practices, including timely online accessibility to information about regulations and regulatory processes, adequate time for public consultations and consideration of comments, and ensuring that regulatory decisions are based on high quality information, science, and evidence. The two sides would also seek to explore the possibility of provisions on transparency and good governance in services. Read More→

https://ustr.gov/about-us/policy-offices/press-office/press-releases/2022/june/united-states-and-taiwan-announce-launch-us-taiwan-initiative-21st-century-trade

United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai and Japan’s Ambassador to the United States Koji Tomita Sign an Agreement to Revise the Beef Safeguard Mechanism Under the U.S.-Japan Trade Agreement

WASHINGTON – Ambassador Katherine Tai today signed a new agreement with Japan’s Ambassador to the United States Koji Tomita to revise the beef safeguard mechanism under the U.S.-Japan Trade Agreement (USJTA). This updated agreement will amend the beef safeguard trigger level under the USJTA with a new, three-trigger safeguard mechanism.  The amendment will allow U.S. beef exporters to more reliably meet Japan’s growing demand for high-quality beef, providing more predictability and reducing the probability that safeguard duties would be imposed on U.S. beef, as occurred in early 2021.
 
“This agreement ensures that American farmers and ranchers can continue to meet Japan’s growing demand for high-quality U.S. beef while increasing market opportunities in a vital market,” said Ambassador Katherine Tai. “I want to thank Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and Ambassador Rahm Emanuel for helping to get this agreement done. Together, the United States and Japan are demonstrating our commitment to working together on shared priorities to achieve concrete, economically meaningful results for our people.”
 
“This agreement demonstrates how strong allies can work together to benefit each other – and it’s another example of how the Biden-Harris Administration is strengthening trade ties and creating new and better markets for our agricultural producers and exporters,” said Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack. “Japan is already the United States’ second-largest beef export market, and thanks to the work of Ambassador Tai and Ambassador Emanuel our producers and exporters have greater opportunities and greater certainty that their products will not be subject to higher tariffs.”
 
“This deal is a win for America’s farmers and ranchers, and for Japan’s consumers,” said Ambassador Rahm Emanuel. “It allows us to build our share of a beef export market that was worth $2.4 billion in 2021, and since this agreement was announced, we’ve seen Japanese buyers boost their purchases of high-quality American beef by 30% over last year.” Read More→

https://ustr.gov/about-us/policy-offices/press-office/press-releases/2022/june/united-states-trade-representative-katherine-tai-and-japans-ambassador-united-states-koji-tomita

USITC MAKES DETERMINATIONS IN FIVE-YEAR (SUNSET) REVIEW CONCERNING CERTAIN COATED PAPER SUITABLE OR HIGH-QUALITY PRINT GRAPHICS USING SHEET-FED PRESSES FROM CHINA AND INDONESIA

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that revoking the existing antidumping and countervailing duty orders on imports of certain coated paper suitable for high-quality print graphics using sheet-fed presses from China and Indonesia would be likely to lead to continuation or recurrence of material injury within a reasonably foreseeable time. 

As a result of the Commission’s affirmative determinations, the existing orders on imports of this product from China and Indonesia will remain in place. 

Chair Jason E. Kearns, Vice Chair Randolph J. Stayin, and Commissioners David S. Johanson, Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, and Amy A. Karpel voted in the affirmative. 

Today’s action comes under the five-year (sunset) review process required by the Uruguay Round Agreements Act.  See the attached page for background on these five-year (sunset) reviews.

The Commission’s public report Certain Coated Paper Suitable for High-Quality Print Graphics Using Sheet-Fed Presses from China and Indonesia (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-470-471 and 731-TA-1169-1170 (Second Review), USITC Publication 5330, June 2022) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the reviews.

The report will be available by June 23, 2022; when available, it may be accessed on the USITC website at: https://www.usitc.gov/commission_publications_library.

BACKGROUND

The Uruguay Round Agreements Act requires the Department of Commerce to revoke an antidumping or countervailing duty order, or terminate a suspension agreement, after five years unless the Department of Commerce and the USITC determine that revoking the order or terminating the suspension agreement would be likely to lead to continuation or recurrence of dumping or subsidies (Commerce) and of material injury (USITC) within a reasonably foreseeable time.

The Commission’s institution notice in five-year reviews requests that interested parties file responses with the Commission concerning the likely effects of revoking the order under review as well as other information. Generally within 95 days from institution, the Commission will determine whether the responses it has received reflect an adequate or inadequate level of interest in a full review.  If responses to the USITC’s notice of institution are adequate, or if other circumstances warrant a full review, the Commission conducts a full review, which includes a public hearing and issuance of questionnaires. Read More→

https://www.usitc.gov/press_room/news_release/2022/er0518ll1938.htm

USITC VOTES TO CONTINUE INVESTIGATIONS ON WHITE GRAPE JUICE CONCENTRATE FROM ARGENTINA

The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that there is a reasonable indication that a U.S. industry is materially injured by reason of imports of white grape juice concentrate from Argentina that are allegedly subsidized by the government of Argentina and sold in the United States at less than fair value.

Chair Jason E. Kearns, Vice Chair Randolph J. Stayin, and Commissioners David S. Johanson, Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, and Amy A. Karpel voted in the affirmative.

As a result of the Commission’s affirmative determinations, the U.S. Department of Commerce will continue its investigations of imports of white grape juice concentrate from Argentina, with its preliminary countervailing duty determination due on or about June 24, 2022 and its preliminary antidumping duty determination due on or about September 7, 2022.

The Commission’s public report White Grape Juice Concentrate from Argentina (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-681 and 731-TA-1591 (Preliminary), USITC Publication 5328, May 2022) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.

The report will be available after June 13, 2022; when available, it may be accessed on the USITC website at: https://www.usitc.gov/commission_publications_library.

UNITED STATES INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION

Washington, DC 20436

FACTUAL HIGHLIGHTS

White Grape Juice Concentrate from Argentina

Investigation Nos. 701-TA-681 and 731-TA-1591 (Preliminary)

Product Description: White grape juice concentrate is concentrated 100 percent grape juice produced from grapes of the Vitis vinifera L. species. White grape juice concentrate has a Brix level of 65 to 68, in frozen or non‐frozen forms. The scope covers white grape juice concentrate regardless of whether it has been certified as kosher, organic, or organic kosher. Read More→

https://www.usitc.gov/press_room/news_release/2022/er0513ll1937.htm

APHIS Invites U.S. Stakeholders to Comment on the Draft NAPPO Strategic Plan

On May 12, the North American Plant Protection Organization (NAPPO) posted on its website the draft NAPPO Strategic Plan for consultation (review and commenting). APHIS is inviting U.S. stakeholders to submit comments to PPQ on the draft by June 8.

For a copy the draft, and specific instructions for submitting comments to PPQ on the NAPPO documents, visit the NAPPO consultation website. Comments should fall into one of three categories: substantial, technical, or editorial. Please provide alternative wording and a justification for any suggested amendments.

For more information, contact PPQ’s NAPPO Technical Director, Stephanie Dubon at stephanie.m.dubon@usda.gov.

Upcoming Events and Activities

NAPPO will hold its annual meeting virtually from October 18-20, 2022. Interested stakeholders are encouraged to participate. Please visit the NAPPO Annual Meeting website for more information.

Stay Involved! U.S. stakeholders are vital to the work of the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) and NAPPO. Your input on proposed projects, review of draft standards and documents, and participation in IPPC and NAPPO events ensures we are developing relevant standards that advance U.S. harmonization goals. Standards facilitate the safe trade of plants, plant products and other regulated articles, harmonize plant protection policies and practices among and between trading partners in North America and internationally, and provide a critical framework for addressing phytosanitary trade issues and negotiating market access requests.

Spread the Word! If you represent a large organization or association, please distribute this message to your membership.

Stay Connected! To receive these updates in your inbox, please subscribe to the APHIS Stakeholder Registry and select the “International Phytosanitary Standards” topic. Read More→

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/newsroom/stakeholder-info/stakeholder-messages/plant-health-news/nappo-strategic-plan

Sea Turtle Conservation and Shrimp Imports into the United States

The U.S. Department of State works to protect sea turtles around the world through its certification program, which allows for the importation of wild-caught shrimp into the United States, pursuant to Section 609 of Public Law 101-162 (“Section 609”).  Each year, the Secretary of State (or his delegate) certifies to Congress those governments and authorities of shrimp-harvesting nations and economies that have programs to reduce the incidental taking of sea turtles in shrimp trawl fisheries that are comparable to the United States, or that their particular fishing environments do not pose a threat of the incidental taking of sea turtles.

This year, the Department certified 37 nations and one economy, and granted determinations for thirteen fisheries as having adequate measures in place to protect sea turtles while harvesting wild-caught shrimp.  Annual certifications and determinations are based in part on overseas verification visits by a team composed of Department of State and NOAA Fisheries representatives.

Six of the world’s seven species of marine turtles are listed as endangered or threatened under the Endangered Species Act.  The U.S. government is currently providing technology and capacity-building assistance to other nations to help them meet the standard for certification under Section 609 and to contribute to the recovery of sea turtle species.  The U.S. government also encourages legislation like Section 609 in other nations to prevent the importation of shrimp harvested in a manner harmful to protected sea turtles.

For more information on the Certification to Congress, please see the Federal Register Notice published on May 13, 2022, 87 FR 29425.  For more information on U.S. government sea turtle conservation efforts, please visit the websites of the State Department’s Office of Marine Conservation, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration , and the Fish and Wildlife Service .

https://www.state.gov/sea-turtle-conservation-and-shrimp-imports-into-the-united-states-2/

RAW HONEY FROM ARGENTINA, BRAZIL, INDIA, AND VIETNAM INJURES U.S. INDUSTRY, SAYS USITC

The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that a U.S. industry is materially injured by reason of imports of raw honey from Argentina, Brazil, India, and Vietnam that the U.S. Department of Commerce (Commerce) has determined are sold in the United States at less than fair value.

Chair Jason E. Kearns, Vice Chair Randolph J. Stayin, and Commissioners David S. Johanson, Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, and Amy A. Karpel voted in the affirmative. 

As a result of the Commission’s affirmative determinations, Commerce will issue antidumping duty orders on imports of this product from Argentina, Brazil, India, and Vietnam.

The Commission made a negative critical circumstances finding with regard to imports of this product from Argentina. The Commission made an affirmative critical circumstances finding with regard to imports of this product from Vietnam. 

The Commission’s public report Raw Honey from Argentina, Brazil, India, and Vietnam (Inv. Nos. 731-TA-1560-1562 and 731-TA-1564 (Final), USITC Publication 5327, May 2022) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.

The report will be available by June 20, 2022; when available, it may be accessed on the USITC website at: http://pubapps.usitc.gov/applications/publogs/qry_publication_loglist.asp.

UNITED STATES INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20436

FACTUAL HIGHLIGHTS

Raw Honey from Argentina, Brazil, India, and Vietnam
Investigation Nos.: 731-TA-1560-1562, 1564 (Final)

Product Description:  Honey is a sweet, viscous fluid produced from the nectar of plants and flowers which is collected by honeybees, transformed, and combined with substances of their own, and stored and left in honeycombs to mature and ripen. Raw honey is honey as it exists in the beehive or as obtained by extraction, settling and skimming, or straining. Read More→

https://www.usitc.gov/press_room/news_release/2022/er0511ll1935.htm

USITC MAKES DETERMINATIONS IN FIVE-YEAR (SUNSET) REVIEW CONCERNING HEAVY FORGED HAND TOOLS FROM CHINA

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that revoking the existing antidumping duty orders on imports of heavy forged hand tools from China would be likely to lead to continuation or recurrence of material injury within a reasonably foreseeable time. 

As a result of the Commission’s affirmative determinations, the existing orders on imports of the following classes or kinds of heavy forged hand tools from China: (1) axes and adzes, (2) bars and wedges, (3) hammers and sledges, and (4) picks and mattocks will remain in place. 

Chair Jason E. Kearns, Vice Chair Randolph J. Stayin, and Commissioners David S. Johanson, Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, and Amy A. Karpel voted in the affirmative. 

Today’s action comes under the five-year (sunset) review process required by the Uruguay Round Agreements Act.  See the attached page for background on these five-year (sunset) reviews.

The Commission’s public report Heavy Forged Hand Tools from China (Inv. Nos. 731-TA-457-A-D (Fifth Review), USITC Publication 5326, May 2022) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the reviews.

The report will be available by June 10, 2022; when available, it may be accessed on the USITC website at: https://www.usitc.gov/commission_publications_library.

BACKGROUND

The Uruguay Round Agreements Act requires the Department of Commerce to revoke an antidumping or countervailing duty order, or terminate a suspension agreement, after five years unless the Department of Commerce and the USITC determine that revoking the order or terminating the suspension agreement would be likely to lead to continuation or recurrence of dumping or subsidies (Commerce) and of material injury (USITC) within a reasonably foreseeable time. Read More→

https://www.usitc.gov/press_room/news_release/2022/er0509ll1928.htm

Raimondo Announces Temporary Suspension of 232 Tariffs on Ukraine Steel

Suspended tariffs will bolster one of Ukraine’s most important industries

Today, United States Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo announced the United States of America will be temporarily suspending 232 tariffs on Ukrainian steel for one year.  Ukraine’s steel industry is uniquely important to the country’s economic strength, employing 1 in 13 Ukrainians with good-paying jobs.

Some of Ukraine’s largest steel communities have been among those hardest hit by Putin’s barbarism, and the steel mill in Mariupol has become a lasting symbol of Ukraine’s determination to resist Russia’s aggression. Many of Ukraine’s steel mills have continued to pay, feed, and even shelter their employees over the course of fighting. Despite nearby fighting, some Ukrainian mills have even started producing again.   

Creating export opportunities for these mills is essential to their ability to continue employing their workers and maintaining one of Ukraine’s most important industries.

Statement from Commerce Secretary Gina M. Raimondo:

“Steelworkers are among the world’s most resilient—whether they live in Youngstown or Mariupol.  We can’t just admire the fortitude and spirit of the Ukrainian people—we need to have their backs and support one of the most important industries to Ukraine’s economic well-being.  For steel mills to continue as an economic lifeline for the people of Ukraine, they must be able to export their steel.  Today’s announcement is a signal to the Ukrainian people that we are committed to helping them thrive in the face of Putin’s aggression, and that their work will create a stronger Ukraine, both today and in the future.   

“I want to thank President Biden for his leadership in directing us to do all we can to support Ukraine’s people and their economy, as well as the Ukrainian leaders I have had a chance to work with over the past two months.  Ukraine’s diplomatic leaders have been essential partners and advocates for their people, and we will continue to do all we can to support their work toward peace, freedom, and prosperity.” Read More→

https://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2022/05/raimondo-announces-temporary-suspension-232-tariffs-ukraine-steel

CSMS #51819834 - APHIS Veterinary Services Requires eFile System for all New and Renewal Permit Applications - Effective May 31, 2022

Effective May 31, 2022, APHIS Veterinary Services (VS) will require submission of all new and renewal permit applications for live animals and animal products, organisms, and vectors - via the APHIS eFile system.

New permit applicants can create an APHIS eFile account here. Additional information for setting up an account may be viewed under eFile training here.

The eFile VS Permitting Assistant (VSPA) determines movement requirements and prompts applicants to obtain the required documentation and/or apply for permits.　All applicants must use the VSPA to start the permit application. Additionally, applicants with existing VS 16-6 permits must renew them using the VSPA to select materials that match the existing permit.

For help with the application process, please see the written guidance and "How-To" videos under the "Veterinary Services" section - here.

As for amendments to existing permits, applicants must request those changes in the system the permits exist (i.e., ePermits or eFile). All permits in the ePermits system will remain valid until they expire.

For questions, please call 301-851-3300 or email apie@usda.gov (Animal Products, Organisms, and Vectors) or LAIPermits@usda.gov (Live Animals).

https://content.govdelivery.com/bulletins/gd/USDHSCBP-316b53a?wgt_ref=USDHSCBP_WIDGET_2

Preliminary Determination in the Antidumping Duty Investigation of Oil Country Tubular Goods from Argentina, Mexico, and Russia

On May 5, 2022, the Department of Commerce (Commerce) announced its affirmative preliminary determinations in the antidumping duty (AD) investigations of oil country tubular goods from Argentina, Mexico, and Russia