Miscellaneous International Trade Notices

1. USTR is Seeking to Resolve Issues with Pending FTAs

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative has posted USTR Kirk's remarks, as prepared for delivery, for the Retail Industry Leaders Association Logistic Conference. Among other things, Kirk stated that the USTR is currently seeking to resolve outstanding issues on the Colombian, Korean, and Panamanian Free Trade Agreements in an effort to move those forward at the appropriate time. (Remarks, posted 02/24/10, available at http://www.ustr.gov/about-us/press-office/speeches/transcripts/2010/february/remarks-ambassador-ron-kirk-retail-industry)

2. USTR Removes Saudi Arabia from Special 301 Watch List

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative recognized Saudi Arabia's progress in the protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights by removing Saudi Arabia from the Special 301 Watch List. The decision to remove Saudi Arabia from the Special 301 Watch List resulted from an "Out-of-Cycle Review" announced last April in the 2009 Special 301 report. (Press release, dated 02/24/10, available at http://www.ustr.gov/about-us/press-office/press-releases/2010/february/united-states-trade-representative-ron-kirk-annou)

3. President Continues National Emergencies on Cuba

The President is continuing the national emergency with respect to Cuba and the emergency authority regulating the anchorage and movement of vessels, as set out in Proclamation 6867 (issued due to Cuba's destruction of two unarmed civilian aircraft) as amended and expanded by Proclamation 7757 (which denied monetary and material support to the Cuban government). (FR Pub 02/25/10, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/pdf/2010-4107.pdf)

4. ITA Issues Preliminary CV Determination on Certain Steel Standard, Line, and Pressure Pipe from China

The International Trade Administration has issued a fact sheet announcing its preliminary affirmative countervailing duty determination on certain seamless carbon and alloy steel standard, line, and pressure pipe from China, with preliminary CV duty rates ranging from 11.06 to 12.97%. (Fact sheet, dated 02/24/10, available at http://ia.ita.doc.gov/download/factsheets/factsheet-prc-pipe-cvd-prelim-023410.pdf)

5. LA Mayor Issues Statement on Ruling to Allow Port's CTP Concessions to Remain in Effect

Los Angeles Mayor Villaraigosa issued a statement of support in response to the recent ruling by the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals to allow concession agreements to continue at the Port of Los Angeles as part of the Clean Truck Program. (News release, posted 02/25/10, available at http://www.portoflosangeles.org/newsroom/2010_releases/news_022410_ctp_ruling.asp)

6. UPS Agrees to Pay Over $50,000 to EPA for Violations of Hazardous Waste Requirements

The Environmental Protection Agency reports that United Parcel Service has agreed to pay a $53,931 civil penalty to EPA Region 7 to settle a series of alleged violations of federal laws regarding the management of hazardous wastes at its freight facility in Lenexa, Kan., including failures to comply with generator requirements, update hazardous waste notification, etc. (News release, dated 02/23/10, available at http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/0/7DD2A25954F65EB9852576D30074CD91)

7. CPSC Announces Open Meetings with Industry Stakeholders

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has updated its list of meetings between CPSC and industry stakeholders that are open to the public, unless otherwise stated (partial list):

U.S. Association of Importers of Textiles and Apparel (USA-ITA) and Commissioner Adler; 03/09/10; to discuss a broad range of issues raised by implementation of the CPSIA across their global supply chains;

Underwriters Laboratories (UL) et al & CPSC staff; 03/02/10-03/03/10; to discuss UL 2201, standard for portable generators; and

Outdoor Power Equipment Institute and CPSC staff; 03/04/10; to discuss recreational off-highway vehicles (ROVs).

8. DHS OIG Reports on Poorly Performing Contractors

The Department of Homeland Security's Office of Inspector General has posted OIG-10-50, a report on DHS' Use of Suspension and Debarment Actions for Poorly Performing Contractors. (OIG 10-50, February 2010, available at http://www.dhs.gov/xoig/assets/mgmtrpts/OIG_10-50_Feb10.pdf )

9. DHS OIG Posts Report on CBP FY 2009 Financial Statements

The Department of Homeland Security's Office of Inspector General has posted an Independent Auditors' Report on CBP's FY 2009 Financial Statements, which discusses material weaknesses in financial reporting; property, plant, and equipment; and drawbacks, and significant deficiencies in inactive obligations; entry process; and information technology. (OIG 10-51, dated February 2010, available at http://www.dhs.gov/xoig/assets/mgmtrpts/OIG_10-51_Feb10.pdf)

10. DHS OIG Posts Report on Container Security Initiative

The Department of Homeland Security's Office of Inspector General has posted a letter report, "CBP's Container Security Initiative Has Proactive Management and Oversight but Future Direction Is Uncertain." (OIG 10-52, dated February 2010, available at http://www.dhs.gov/xoig/assets/mgmtrpts/OIG_10-52_Feb10.pdf)

11. FAS Issues Report on India and China as Divergent Agricultural Export Markets

The Foreign Agricultural Service has issued an International Agriculture Trade Report entitled, "India and China: Divergent Markets for U.S. Agricultural Exports," which states, among other things, that China has emerged as a major market for agricultural products whereas India (though somewhat liberalizing trade) remains a largely closed market. (Report, dated 02/24/10, available at http://www.fas.usda.gov/itp/china/India_Chinamarket022010.pdf)

12. OFAC Adds Individuals, Entity to SDN List

The Office of Foreign Assets Control has added seven individuals and one entity (Mexican trucking company Transportadora Purepecha S.A. de C.V.) to its Specially Designated Nationals list. (List, dated 02/25/10, available at http://www.treas.gov/offices/enforcement/ofac/actions/20100225.shtml)

13. DHS Posts Deputy Secretary's Remarks at National Fusion Center Conference

On February 23, 2010, Department of Homeland Security Deputy Secretary Janet Holl Lute delivered remarks highlighting DHS' continued commitment to sustaining and supporting fusion centers and the key role they play in facilitating information sharing among federal, state, local and tribal and private sector partners at the fourth annual National Fusion Center Conference in New Orleans. (News release, dated 02/23/10, available at http://www.dhs.gov/ynews/releases/pr_1266965523899.shtm)

14. CPSC Lists Voluntary Recall

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has published notice of the following voluntary recall:

(CPSC recalls available at http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prerelfeb10.html)

15. Foreign Trade Zone Board Actions and Notices

The Foreign Trade Zone Board has issued the following actions and notices:

FTZ 21-Application for Subzone: Foreign Trade Subzone 21; Charleston, SC

FTZ 59 - Application for Subzone: Foreign Trade Zone 59; Lincoln, NE

16. Revised FDA Import Alert

The Food and Drug Administration has posted revised version of the following Import Alert on the detention without physical examination of:

99-19: Food Products Due to the Presence of Salmonella