In the February 19, 2004 Federal Register, the International Trade Administration (ITA) issued a notice terminating the antidumping (AD) duty investigation of certain processed hazelnuts from Turkey.
On February 23, 2004, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) confirmed that a "highly pathogenic" strain of avian influenza (HPAI) had been identified in a Gonzales County, Texas broiler chicken flock.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has issued its first version (dated February 12, 2004) of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) concerning its final rule requiring the advance electronic presentation of information pertaining to cargo (sea, air, rail, or truck) prior to its being brought into, or sent from, the U.S.
On December 16, 2003, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued a Request for Information (RFI) soliciting information and descriptions (i.e., white papers) on innovative concepts for smart and secure containers and related infrastructure to be used in the international trade system. CBP states that the objective is to achieve cargo container security and integrity upon arrival at U.S. ports of entry.
The Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements (CITA) has issued a notice announcing that the U.S. and Vietnam have amended the existing U.S.-Vietnam textile and apparel visa arrangement in order to implement the Electronic Visa Information System (ELVIS) for textiles and apparel that are subject to quota limits, that are produced or manufactured in Vietnam and exported on or after March 22, 2004.
In December 2003, the U.S. concluded negotiations with El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua on a comprehensive U.S.-Central America Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA). In January 2004, the U.S. concluded its CAFTA negotiations with Costa Rica.
The Journal of Commerce (JoC) reports that California Assemblyman Alan Lowenthal has proposed legislation to charge a premium fee for daytime use of the Los Angeles and Long Beach marine terminals, which would make shippers pay for extending the life of existing infrastructure. The article notes that the fee is also designed to push more truck traffic into off-peak hours, thereby reducing congestion on the freeway and at terminal gates. (JoC, dated 02/09/04-02/15/04, www.joc.com)
On February 8, 2004, the U.S. and Australia concluded a free trade agreement (FTA) that is designed to, among other things, eliminate and reduce tariffs and other trade barriers.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued its first version (dated February 12, 2004) of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) concerning its final rule requiring the advance electronic presentation of information pertaining to cargo (sea, air, rail, or truck) prior to its being brought into, or sent from, the U.S.
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has issued a notice announcing the product petitions that have been accepted for further review in the 2003 Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) Annual Review.