The International Trade Administration’s proposed increase of more than 100% for user fees for trade promotion services would be “a very difficult hurdle for small and medium enterprises,” said Gene Eckhart, senior director-international operations at the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), in a public comment regarding the ITA’s June 13 proposed rule.

Acting Commerce Secretary Rebecca Blank said the U.S. will participate in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation’s (APEC) Cross Border Privacy Rules (CBPR) system. This voluntary system promotes a baseline set of data privacy practices for companies doing business in participating APEC economies. The goal of the system is to enhance electronic commerce, facilitate trade and economic growth, and strengthen consumer privacy protections across the Asia Pacific region, Commerce said.

The International Trade Administration is asking for applications for recognition by Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) to act as an Accountability Agent for U.S.-based companies that are subject to Federal Trade Commission jurisdiction as part of APEC’s Cross Border Privacy Rules (CBPR) system. The CBPR Accountability Agents are third-party organizations that provide verification services related to the data privacy policies and practices for those businesses seeking CBPR certification. A recognized Accountability Agent would only be able to certify as CBPR compliant those organizations that are subject to the enforcement authority of the Cross-border Privacy Enforcement Arrangement-participating privacy enforcement authorities within the economies in which it has been approved to operate. There is no deadline for applications.

The Foreign Trade Zones Board issued the following notices for July 26:

“The Obama administration is committed to encouraging trade and investment with Sub-Saharan Africa, which is a region rich with emerging opportunities for U.S. exporters,” said Francisco Sánchez, under secretary for International Trade, in testimony before the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, Subcommittee on African Affairs on the International Trade Administration’s efforts to increase U.S. trade and investment with Sub-Saharan Africa.

The Foreign Trade Zones Board issued the following notices for July 25:

The International Trade Administration extended the deadline to Aug. 1 for nominees to its recently reestablished Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Advisory Committee. The deadline was originally July 16.

The International Trade Administration is seeking applications by Aug. 24 for appointment to the U.S.-Turkey Business Council. According to the ITA, The Committee will provide joint recommendations to the two governments that reflect private sector views, needs, and concerns regarding creation of an environment in which the private sectors of both countries can partner, thrive, and enhance bilateral commercial ties that could form the basis for expanded trade and investment between the U.S. and Turkey. Each applicant must be a senior-level executive of a U.S.-owned or controlled company that is incorporated in and has its main headquarters located in the United States and that is currently doing business in Turkey.

The U.S. Department of the Interior said it reviewed the rules proposed by the National Marine Fisheries Service that would lift the trade restrictions on importing bigeye tuna from Bolivia and Georgia but didn't have any comments "at this time." The proposed rule would also make administrative changes to the section containing species-specific harmonized tariff codes in support of the International Trade Program. Comments are due July 25. In the rulemaking, NMFS would also consider administrative changes in support of the International Trade Permit (ITP) program to implement recent changes to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule.

The Foreign Trade Zones Board issued the following notices for July 23: