USITC INSTITUTES SECTION 337 INVESTIGATION OF CERTAIN HIGH-STRENGTH ALUMINUM OR ALUMINUM ALLOY-COATED STEEL, AND AUTOMOTIVE PRODUCTS AND AUTOMOBILES CONTAINING SAME

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) voted to institute an investigation of certain high-strength aluminum or aluminum alloy-coated steel, and automotive products and automobiles containing 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 ArcelorMittal of Luxembourg on April 17, 2024, and supplemented on April 24 and May 1, 2024. The complaint alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in the importation into the United States and sale of certain high-strength aluminum or aluminum alloy-coated steel, and automotive products and automobiles containing same that infringe patents 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 respondents in this investigation:

  • VinFast Auto Ltd. of Hai Phong City, Vietnam,

  • VinFast Auto, LLC of Los Angeles, CA,

  • VinFast USA Distribution, LLC of Los Angeles, CA,

  • Vingroup USA, LLC of Los Angeles, CA, and

  • VinFast Trading and Production JSC, of Hai Phong City, Vietnam.

By instituting this investigation (337-TA- 1402), 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.

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https://www.usitc.gov/press_room/news_release/2024/er0520_65198.htm

USTR Issues Federal Register Notice on Section 301 Proposed Tariff Modifications and Machinery Exclusion Process

WASHINGTON – United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai today released the following statement concerning the statutory review of the tariff actions in the Section 301 investigation of China’s Acts, Policies, and Practices Related to Technology Transfer, Intellectual Property, and Innovation:

“Today, I am following through on my commitment to stand up to the People’s Republic of China’s unfair trade practices by issuing a formal proposal to modify the tariff actions,” said Ambassador Katherine Tai. “The President has directed me to make substantial tariff increases on targeted, strategic products, and this is an important step to carry out that vision. The President and I will continue to fight for American workers, and for our economic future and national security.”

In a Report issued last week, the Trade Representative found that the People’s Republic of China (PRC) has not eliminated its technology transfer related acts, policies, and practices, which continue to impose a burden or restriction on U.S. commerce. The Report also found that the PRC has persisted, and in some cases become aggressive, including through cyber intrusions and cybertheft, in its attempts to acquire and absorb foreign technology. Based on these findings, Ambassador Tai recommended a series of actions to President Biden to further encourage the PRC to eliminate its harmful, acts, policies, and practices. 

On May 14, 2024, after considering the advice of the Trade Representative, President Biden directed the Trade Representative to take a number of actions.

In accordance with President Biden’s direction, Ambassador Tai is issuing a formal proposal in the Federal Register to increase tariffs on specific products in strategic sectors. The notice also establishes the framework for an exclusion process for machinery, and proposes temporary exclusions for 19 tariff lines for solar manufacturing equipment. The notice establishes a 30-day period for public comment on these modifications.

Background
In May 2022, USTR commenced the statutory four-year review process by notifying representatives of domestic industries that benefit from the tariff actions of the possible termination of those actions and of the opportunity for the representatives to request continuation. In September 2022, USTR announced that because requests for continuation were received, the tariff actions had not terminated and USTR would conduct a review of the tariff actions. USTR opened a docket on November 15, 2022, for interested persons to submit comments with respect to a number of considerations concerning the review. USTR received nearly 1,500 comments.

As part of the statutory review process, throughout 2023 and early 2024, USTR and the Section 301 Committee (a staff-level body of the USTR-led, interagency Trade Policy Staff Committee) held numerous meetings with agency experts concerning the review and the comments received. 

Specifically, the Report concludes:

The Section 301 actions have been effective in encouraging the PRC to take steps toward eliminating some of its technology transfer-related acts, policies, and practices and have reduced some of the exposure of U.S. persons and businesses to these technology transfer-related acts, policies, and practices.

The PRC has not eliminated many of its technology transfer-related acts, policies, and practices, which continue to impose a burden or restriction on U.S. commerce. Instead of pursuing fundamental reform, the PRC has persisted, and in some cases become aggressive, including through cyber intrusions and cybertheft, in its attempts to acquire and absorb foreign technology, which further burden or restrict U.S. commerce.

Economic analyses generally find that tariffs (particularly PRC retaliation) have had small negative effects on U.S. aggregate economic welfare, positive impacts on U.S. production in the 10 sectors most directly affected by the tariffs, and minimal impacts on economy-wide prices and employment.

Negative effects on the United States are particularly associated with retaliatory tariffs that the PRC has applied to U.S. exports.

Critically, these analyses examine the tariff actions as isolated policy measures without reference to the policy landscape that may be reinforcing or undermining the effects of the tariffs.

Economic analyses, including the principal U.S. Government analysis published by the U.S. International Trade Commission, generally find that the Section 301 tariffs have contributed to reducing U.S. imports of goods from the PRC and increasing imports from alternate sources, including U.S. allies and partners, thereby potentially supporting U.S. supply chain diversification and resilience.

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https://ustr.gov/about-us/policy-offices/press-office/press-releases/2024/may/ustr-issues-federal-register-notice-section-301-proposed-tariff-modifications-and-machinery

USITC VOTES TO CONTINUE INVESTIGATIONS ON 2,4-DICHLOROPHENOXYACETIC ACID (“2,4-D”) FROM CHINA AND INDIA

USITC VOTES TO CONTINUE INVESTIGATIONS ON 2,4-DICHLOROPHENOXYACETIC ACID (“2,4-D”) FROM CHINA AND INDIA

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 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (“2,4-D”) from China and India that are allegedly sold in the United States at less than fair value and subsidized by the governments of China and India.

Chairman David S. Johanson and Commissioners Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, Jason E. Kearns, 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 2,4-D from China and India, with its preliminary countervailing duty determinations due on or about June 27, 2024, and its preliminary antidumping duty determinations due on or about September 10, 2024.

The Commission’s public report 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid (“2,4-D”) from China and India (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-710-711 and 731-TA-1673-1674 (Preliminary), USITC Publication 5511, May 2024) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.

The report will be available by June 7, 2024; 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

2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid (“2,4-D”) from China and India

Investigation Nos. 701-TA-710-711 and 731-TA-1673-1674 (Preliminary)

Product Description: The merchandise covered by these investigations is 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (“2,4-D”) and its derivative products, including salt and ester forms of 2,4-D. The end use is as an herbicide with action against a variety of broadleaf weeds, but not grasses. 2,4-D has the Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) registry number of 94-75-7 and the chemical formula C8H6Cl2O3. Salt and ester forms of 2,4-D include 2,4-D sodium salt (CAS 2702-72-9), 2,4-D diethanolamine salt (CAS 5742-19-8), 2,4-D dimethyl amine salt (CAS 2008-39-1), 2,4-D isopropylamine salt (CAS 5742-17-6), 2,4-D triisopropanolamine salt (CAS 3234180-3), 2,4-D choline salt (CAS 1048373-72-3), 2,4-D butoxyethyl ester (CAS 1929-733), 2,4-D 2-ethylhexylester (CAS 1928-43-4), and 2,4-D isopropylester (CAS 94-11-1). All 2,4-D, as well as the salt and ester forms of 2,4-D, is covered by the scope irrespective of purity, particle size, or physical form. The conversion of a 2,4-D salt or ester from 2,4-D acid, or the formulation of nonsubject merchandise with the subject 2,4-D, its salts, and its esters in the country of manufacture or in a third country does not remove the subject 2,4-D, its salts, or its esters from the scope. For any such formulations, only the 2,4-D, 2,4-D salt, and 2,4-D ester components of the mixture is covered by the scope of the investigations.  Read More →

https://www.usitc.gov/press_room/news_release/2024/er0517_65182.htm

BOLTLESS STEEL SHELVING UNITS PREPACKAGED FOR SALE FROM MALAYSIA, TAIWAN, THAILAND, AND VIETNAM INJURE 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 boltless steel shelving units prepackaged for sale from Malaysia, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam that the U.S. Department of Commerce (Commerce) has determined are sold in the United States at less than fair value.

Chairman David S. Johanson and Commissioners Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, Jason E. Kearns, 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 Malaysia, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam. 

The Commission’s public report Boltless Steel Shelving Units Prepackaged for Sale from Malaysia, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam (Inv. Nos. 731-TA-1608-1611 (Final), USITC Publication 5508, June 2024) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.

The report will be available by June 11, 2024; 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

Boltless Steel Shelving Units Prepackaged for Sale from Malaysia, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam

Investigation Nos. 731-TA-1608–1611 (Final)

Product Description:  Boltless steel shelving units that are prepackaged for sale are used for storage in homes, basements, garages, offices, and commercial and industrial operations. “Boltless” refers to a system of assembly that uses rivets or other protrusions on horizontal support members that fit into slots in the vertical posts to form the frame for the shelving unit. By avoiding the need for nuts and bolts, screws, or tubular collars on the posts, the boltless system does not require tools for assembly. The prepackaged unit, containing all the appropriate parts, is sold in several common sizes, either with or without decking (i.e., shelves). The term “prepackaged for sale” means that, at a minimum, the steel vertical supports (i.e., uprights and posts) and steel horizontal supports (i.e., beams, braces) necessary to assemble a completed shelving unit (with or without decks) are packaged together for ultimate purchase by the end-user. Read More

https://www.usitc.gov/press_room/news_release/2024/er0514_65165.htm

USITC INSTITUTES SECTION 337 INVESTIGATION OF CERTAIN FIREARM DISASSEMBLY TONGS

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) voted to institute an investigation of certain firearm disassembly tongs. 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 GTUL LLC of Cedar Point, NC, on February 15, 2024. An amended complaint was filed on April 12, 2024, and supplemented on April 15, 16, and 26, 2024. The amended complaint alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in the importation into the United States and sale of certain firearm disassembly tongs that infringe a patent asserted by the complainant. The complainant requests that the USITC issue a general exclusion order, or in the alternative a limited exclusion order, and cease and desist orders. 

The USITC has identified the following respondents in this investigation:

  • OFFROADCALI of Livermore, CA,

  • ROADRUNNERMATERIALS SPR GROUP INC, of Livermore, CA,

  • DRP-California Mission Trading Company, Inc. of Livermore, CA,

  • Eurasiaparts Automotive Parts of Temecula, CA,

  • Brementech of Antioch, CA, and

  • MTCPARTS.COM of Livermore, CA. 

By instituting this investigation (337-TA-1401), 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.

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https://www.usitc.gov/press_room/news_release/2024/er0514_65169.htm

USITC VOTES TO CONTINUE INVESTIGATIONS ON FERROSILICON FROM BRAZIL, KAZAKHSTAN, MALAYSIA, AND RUSSIA

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 ferrosilicon from Brazil, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, and Russia that are allegedly sold in the United States at less than fair value and subsidized by the governments of Brazil, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, and Russia.

Chairman David S. Johanson and Commissioners Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, Jason E. Kearns, 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 ferrosilicon from Brazil, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, and Russia, with its preliminary countervailing duty determinations due on or about June 21, 2024, and its preliminary antidumping duty determinations due on or about September 4, 2024.

The Commission’s public report Ferrosilicon from Brazil, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, and Russia (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-712-715 and 731-TA-1679-1682 (Preliminary), USITC Publication 5506, May 2024) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.

The report will be available by June 7, 2024; 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

Ferrosilicon from Brazil, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, and Russia

Investigation Nos. 701-TA-712-715 and 731-TA-1679-1682 (Preliminary)

Product Description: The merchandise covered by these investigations is ferrosilicon in all forms and sizes, regardless of grade, including ferrosilicon briquettes. Ferrosilicon is a ferroalloy containing by weight four percent or more iron, more than eight percent but not more than 96 percent silicon, three percent or less phosphorus, 30 percent or less manganese, less than three percent magnesium, and 10 percent or less any other element. Ferrosilicon is primarily used in the production of steel and cast iron. Read More → https://www.usitc.gov/press_room/news_release/2024/er0510_65155.htm

CBP launches new dashboards for enhanced visibility into trade violations and enforcement efforts

CBP debuts Enforce and Protect Act and e-Allegations dashboards


WASHINGTON - U.S. Customs and Border Protection launched two dynamic statistics dashboards focusing on the Enforce and Protect Act and e-Allegations programs, marking the latest in a series of actions to improve the transparency and effectiveness of CBP’s trade enforcement efforts.  

 “With the launch of these dashboards, we are empowering the trade community and the public with clear insights into the scope and nature of trade violation allegations,” said CBP’s Executive Director of Trade Remedy Law Enforcement Eric Choy. “These tools underscore our dedication to fair and effective trade enforcement by making key data accessible.”   

Members of the public and trade community can use the new dashboards to explore updated data and global trends on the trade violations that CBP receives, including information on the possible countries of origin and the volume and types of trade violation allegations CBP processes through the Trade Violations Reporting Tool. The dashboards are available on CBP.gov at Enforce and Protect Act (EAPA) Statistics | U.S. Customs and Border Protection (cbp.gov) and e-Allegations Statistics | U.S. Customs and Border Protection (cbp.gov).   

The Enforce and Protect Act dashboard offers a transparent platform for stakeholders to track the volume, types, and geographic locations of antidumping duty and countervailing duty evasion allegations. The Enforce and Protect Act program allows the trade community to file allegations of evasion of antidumping and countervailing duties and to participate in an on-the-record investigation. Allegations must meet certain criteria; please visit the Enforce and Protect Act webpage to learn more about the program.  

 Through the e-Allegations program, CBP invites the trade community and the general public to report a wide variety of commercial trade violations to CBP. The e-Allegations process enables CBP, in collaboration with our partners, to protect the United States economy from the effects of unfair trade practices and guard against the entry of products that could pose a threat to health and safety.  

Visit the e-Allegations website to learn more about the program, and report any Enforce and Protect Act or e-Allegation allegations through the online Trade Violation Reporting Tool.  

 Follow CBP Office of Trade on X: @CBPTradeGov.

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https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/national-media-release/cbp-launches-new-dashboards-enhanced-visibility-trade-violations

United States and United Kingdom Take Action to Reduce Russian Revenue from Metals

New Prohibitions Issued on Aluminum, Copper, and Nickel

WASHINGTON — Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury, in coordination with the United Kingdom, issued two new prohibitions to disrupt the revenue that Russia earns from its export of aluminum, copper, and nickel. 

This new action prohibits the import of Russian-origin aluminum, copper, and nickel into the United States, and limits the use of Russian-origin aluminum, copper, and nickel on global metal exchanges and in over-the-counter derivatives trading. This action solidifies Treasury’s follow through on the G7 Leaders’ Statement to reduce Russia’s revenues from metals. 

“Our new prohibitions on key metals, in coordination with our partners in the United Kingdom, will continue to target the revenue Russia can earn to continue its brutal war against Ukraine,” said Secretary of the Treasury Janet L. Yellen. “By taking this action in a targeted and responsible manner, we will reduce Russia’s earnings while protecting our partners and allies from unwanted spillover effects.”

“Disabling Putin’s capacity to wage his illegal war in Ukraine is better achieved when we act alongside our allies,” said Jeremy Hunt, United Kingdom Chancellor of the Exchequer. “Thanks to Britain’s leadership in this area, our decisive action with the U.S. to jointly ban Russian metals from the two largest exchanges will prevent the Kremlin funnelling more cash into its war machine.”

To implement this policy, Treasury has issued a new determination under E.O. 14068 prohibiting the importation into the United States of aluminum, copper, and nickel of Russian Federation origin produced on or after April 13, 2024 (the “metals”).  Treasury also issued a complementary determination under Executive Order (E.O.) 14071 that prohibits the exportation, reexportation, sale, or supply to any person located in the Russian Federation of (1) warranting services for the metals produced on or after April 13, 2024 on a global metal exchange and (2) services to acquire the metals produced on or after April 13, 2024 as part of the physical settlement of a derivative contract.  

As a result of today’s collective actions, metal exchanges, like the London Metal Exchange (LME) and Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME), will be prohibited from accepting new aluminum, copper, and nickel produced by Russia. Metal exchanges provide a central role in facilitating the trading of industrial metals around the globe. By taking joint action, the United States and UK are depriving Russia and its metals producers of an important source of revenue.

For more information on the implementation of today’s action, please see OFAC’s Frequently Asked Questions 1168 through 1172.

Click here to read the Determination under E.O. 14068: Prohibitions Related to Imports of Aluminum, Copper, and Nickel of Russian Federation Origin.

Click here to read the Determination under E.O. 14071: Prohibitions on Certain Services for the Acquisition of Aluminum, Copper, or Nickel of Russian Federation Origin.

 

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USITC INSTITUTES SECTION 337 INVESTIGATION OF CERTAIN CAMERAS, CAMERA SYSTEMS, AND ACCESSORIES USED THEREWITH

May 1, 2024
News Release 24-036
Inv. No(s). 337-TA-1400
Contact: Philip Stone, 202-205-1819

USITC INSTITUTES SECTION 337 INVESTIGATION OF CERTAIN CAMERAS, CAMERA SYSTEMS, AND ACCESSORIES USED THEREWITH

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) voted to institute an investigation of certain cameras, camera systems, and accessories used therewith. 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 GoPro, Inc. of San Mateo, CA, on March 29, 2024. The complaint alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in the importation into the United States and sale of certain cameras, camera systems, and accessories used therewith that infringe patents 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 respondents in this investigation:

  • Arashi Vision Inc., d/b/a Insta360, of Shenzhen, China, and

  • Arashi Vision (U.S.) LLC, d/b/a Insta360, of Irvine, CA.

By instituting this investigation (337-TA-1400), 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.

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https://www.usitc.gov/press_room/news_release/2024/er0501_65117.htm

PAPER SHOPPING BAGS FROM TURKEY INJURE 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 paper shopping bags from Turkey that the U.S. Department of Commerce (Commerce) has determined are sold in the United States at less than fair value.

Chairman David S. Johanson and Commissioners Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, Jason E. Kearns, and Amy A. Karpel voted in the affirmative. 

As a result of the Commission’s affirmative determination, Commerce will issue an antidumping duty order on imports of this product from Turkey. 

The Commission’s public report Paper Shopping Bags from Turkey (Inv. No. 731-TA-1626 (Final), USITC Publication 5504, April 2024) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigation.

The report will be available by May 14, 2024; 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

Paper Shopping Bags from Turkey
Investigation No: 731-TA-1626 (Final)

Product Description: The merchandise covered by this investigation is certain paper shopping bags (PSBs), which have handles of any type, regardless of whether there is any printing, regardless of how the top edges are finished (e.g., folded, serrated, or otherwise finished), regardless of color, and regardless of whether the top edges contain adhesive or other material for sealing closed. PSBs have a width of at least 4.5 inches and depth of at least 2.5 inches. PSBs typically are made of kraft paper but can be made from any type of cellulose fiber, paperboard, or pressboard with a basis weight less than 300 grams per square meter (GSM). A non-exhaustive illustrative list of the types of handles on PSBs include handles made from any materials such as twisted paper, flat paper, yarn, ribbon, rope, string, or plastic, as well as die-cut handles (whether the punchout is fully removed or partially attached as a flap). Read More → https://www.usitc.gov/press_room/news_release/2024/er0416_65064.htm

United States and Taiwan to Hold Negotiating Round for the U.S.-Taiwan Initiative on 21st Century Trad

April 26, 2024

WASHINGTON – The United States and Taiwan, under the auspices of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States (TECRO), will hold another in-person negotiating round for the U.S.-Taiwan Initiative on 21st Century Trade in Taipei, Taiwan, beginning April 29, 2024.
 
The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) will lead the U.S. delegation as the designated representative of AIT.  The U.S. delegation will be led by Assistant United States Trade Representative for China, Mongolia and Taiwan Affairs Terry McCartin and will include representatives from other U.S. government agencies.
 
The delegations are expected to discuss several of the trade areas set forth in the initiative’s negotiating mandate.
 
These meetings will be closed press. Additional details about subsequent negotiating rounds will be provided at a later date.
 
This negotiating round comes after the two sides concluded an initial agreement under the initiative covering customs administration and trade facilitation, good regulatory practices, services domestic regulation, anticorruption, and small- and medium-sized enterprises.  As a result of this agreement, U.S. businesses will be able to bring more products to Taiwan and customers there, while creating more transparent and streamlined regulatory procedures that can facilitate investment and economic opportunities in both markets, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises.
 
The first agreement was signed by representatives of AIT and TECRO on June 1, 2023. The text of this agreement can be found on USTR’s website.
 
These trade negotiations are being conducted consistent with the United States’ one China policy, which is guided by the Taiwan Relations Act, the three U.S.-China Joint Communiques, and the Six Assurances.

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Commerce Initiates Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Investigations of Certain Epoxy Resins from the People’s Republic of China, India, the Republic of Korea, Taiwan, and Thailand

On April 24, 2024, the U.S. Department of Commerce (Commerce) announced the initiation of antidumping duty (AD) investigations of certain epoxy resins (epoxy resins) from the People’s Republic of China (China), India, the Republic of Korea (Korea), Taiwan, and Thailand, and countervailing duty (CVD) investigations of epoxy resins from China, India, Korea, and Taiwan.

ALLEGED DUMPING RATES:

ALLEGED SUBSIDY RATES:

Canada Customs Notice 24-17: CARM: Launch to External Clients Rescheduled to October 2024

Ottawa, April 26, 2024

1. On April 19, 2024, the CBSA issued a news release to provide an update on its plans for the launch of the CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management (CARM) system.

2. The CBSA communicated that CARM will launch Release 2 internally at the CBSA on May 13, as planned, to advance the Agency’s compliance and enforcement efforts.

3. Responding to uncertainty in the labour environment, the CBSA also indicated that it is preserving the status quo for industry when they account for duties and taxes. It is therefore the intention of the CBSA to reschedule the launch to Trade Chain Partners (TCPs) to October 2024.

4. As a result, the CARM system will not become the official system of record that importers and other trade chain partners will use to account for imported goods and pay for duties and taxes, on May 13 2024, as previously communicated.

5. This notice is to address potential impacts of the rescheduling of the external launch of the CARM system may have on TCPs and also to provide information on what to expect during the period leading to the new October implementation date. Read More→
https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/cn-ad/cn24-17-eng.html

Bridge Collapse: USDA Provides Guidance to Importers of Agricultural Shipments Bound for the Baltimore Seaport

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is providing guidance to importers of agricultural shipments bound for the Baltimore seaport following the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge. At this time, cargo operations remain suspended at the Baltimore seaport.

Importers of agricultural shipments bound for the Baltimore seaport should follow this guidance:

  • Effective immediately, plant and plant products, including permits issued for the consignments of plant and plant products to the Baltimore seaport, will be allowed to arrive at all North Atlantic ports of entry (including Norfolk/Newport News, VA) for APHIS/ U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) inspection and/or clearance. While most of the permitted plant materials are already authorized to enter through various ports staffed with CBP Agriculture Specialists and APHIS plant inspection stations, importers who need assistance should call APHIS’ Plant Protection and Quarantine program at 301- 851-2046.

  • Effective immediately, APHIS Veterinary Services’ (VS) animal product and animal by-product permits issued for the consignment of shipments to the Baltimore seaport will be allowed to arrive at all North Atlantic ports of entry for APHIS/CBP inspection and clearance. Impacted permits will not be amended at this time. Importers who have any questions should call VS at 301- 851-3300, or send an email to apie@usda.gov.

  • Live animal imports regulated by VS and traveling to the United States under an import permit (to include germplasm and hatching eggs) must arrive at the port of entry specified on the import permit. If you have an import permit that specifies the Baltimore seaport as the port of entry for the shipment, please immediately contact VS Live Animal Import Permits at laippermits@usda.gov, or call 301- 851-3300, Option 2.

For APHIS Core Message Sets, filers should visit our website section on the different entry types and when to file, and especially review the section on entry type 61 (in-bonds). For help with the APHIS Core Message Set filing, please visit our website, send an email to ace.itds@usda.gov, or call our Help Desk at 1-833- 481-2102.

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https://www.aphis.usda.gov/news/program-update/bridge-collapse-usda-provides-guidance-importers-agricultural-shipments-bound

Increase in the NEXUS Application Fee and Change in the NEXUS Application Fee for Certain Minors

AGENCY:

U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Department of Homeland Security.

ACTION:

General notice.

SUMMARY:

In this document, CBP is announcing an increase in the application fee for the NEXUS program and a change in the NEXUS application fee for certain minors. This change to the NEXUS program is being made simultaneously with changes to the Global Entry and Secure Electronic Network for Travelers Rapid Inspection (SENTRI) programs in order to harmonize the fees, application procedures and standard for exempting minors from payment of the application fee. CBP is simultaneously issuing a separate final rule updating the Global Entry and SENTRI regulations to be consistent with the changes herein. Read More→

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/04/02/2024-06852/increase-in-the-nexus-application-fee-and-change-in-the-nexus-application-fee-for-certain-minors

New DHS Textile Enforcement Actions Crack Down on Illicit Trade to Support 500,000 American Textile Jobs

DHS continues its commitment to facilitate efficient movement of goods by responsible companies

WASHINGTON – The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is outlining an enhanced strategy to combat illicit trade and level the playing field for the American textile industry, which accounts for over 500,000 U.S. jobs and is critical for our national security. Two of DHS’s agencies, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), will further enhance their work together to protect the integrity of our markets, hold perpetrators accountable for customs violations, and safeguard the American textile industry. The plan will serve as the blueprint for future strengthened enforcement efforts through intensified targeting of small package shipments; joint trade special operations; increased customs audits and foreign verifications; and the expansion of the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) Entity List.

The new enforcement plan focuses on the following actions:

  • Cracking down on small package shipments to prohibit illicit goods from U.S. markets by improving screening of packages claiming the Section 321 de minimis exemption for textile, UFLPA, and other violations, including expanded targeting, laboratory and isotopic testing, and focused enforcement operations.

  • Conducting joint CBP-HSI trade special operations to ensure cargo compliance. This includes physical inspections; country-of-origin, isotopic, and composition testing; and in-depth reviews of documentation. CBP will issue civil penalties for violations of U.S. laws and coordinate with HSI to develop and conduct criminal investigations when warranted.

  • Better assessing risk by expanding customs audits and increasing foreign verifications. DHS personnel will conduct comprehensive audits and textile production verification team visits to high-risk foreign facilities to ensure that textiles qualify under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) or the Central America-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR). CBP recently visited 31 facilities in Mexico—the first such visits under USMCA—as well as 18 facilities in Honduras, and is on track to double the number of total foreign verification visits compared to last year.

  • Building stakeholder awareness by engaging in an education campaign to ensure that importers and suppliers in the CAFTA-DR and USMCA region understand compliance requirements and are aware of CBP’s enforcement efforts.

  • Leveraging U.S. and Central American industry partnerships to improve facilitation for legitimate trade.

  • Expanding the UFLPA Entity List to identify malign suppliers for the trade community through review of additional entities in the high-priority textile sector for inclusion in the UFLPA Entity List. Read More→

https://www.dhs.gov/news/2024/04/05/new-dhs-textile-enforcement-actions-crack-down-illicit-trade-support-500000

USITC INSTITUTES SECTION 337 INVESTIGATION OF CERTAIN SMART WEARABLE DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND COMPONENTS THEREOF

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) voted to institute an investigation of certain smart wearable devices, systems, 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 Ouraring, Inc. of San Francisco, CA, and Ōura Health Oy of Oulu, Finland, on March 13, 2024; supplemented on March 21, 2024; and amended on March 22, 2024. The complaint, as amended, alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in the importation into the United States and sale of certain smart wearable devices, systems, and components thereof 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 respondents in this investigation:

  • Ultrahuman Healthcare Pvt. Ltd of Bengaluru, India,

  • Ultrahuman Healthcare SP LLC of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates,

  • Ultrahuman Healthcare Ltd. of London, United Kingdom,

  • Guangdong Jiu Zhi Technology Co. Ltd. of Zhongshan City, China,

  • RingConn LLC of Wilmington, DE, and

  • Circular SAS of Paris, France.

By instituting this investigation (337-TA-1398), 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.

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https://www.usitc.gov/press_room/news_release/2024/er0412_65060.htm

USITC INSTITUTES SECTION 337 INVESTIGATION OF CERTAIN CELLULAR BASE STATION COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT, COMPONENTS THEREOF, AND PRODUCTS CONTAINING SAME

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) voted to institute an investigation of certain cellular base station communication equipment, components thereof, and products containing 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 Motorola Mobility LLC of Chicago, IL, on March 11, 2024, and supplemented on March 19, 2024. The complaint alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in the importation into the United States and sale of certain cellular base station communication equipment, components thereof, and products containing same that infringe patents 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 respondents in this investigation:

  • Ericsson AB of Stockholm, Sweden,

  • Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson of Stockholm, Sweden, and

  • Ericsson Inc. of Plano, TX.

By instituting this investigation (337-TA-1397), 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.

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https://www.usitc.gov/press_room/news_release/2024/er0410_65047.htm