Miscellaneous International Trade Notices
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has issued waivers which will grant Chile and Singapore access to U.S. government procurement markets for goods and services pursuant to the free trade agreements (FTAs) each have entered into with the U.S. USTR sources explain that these waivers were granted because the U.S. has determined that Chile and Singapore will grant U.S. products and suppliers the same access. (FR Pub 12/19/03, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/14mar20010800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2003/pdf/03-31372.pdf (Chile) and http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/14mar20010800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2003/pdf/03-31371.pdf (Singapore))
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1. USTR Waivers Grant Chile & Singapore Certain Access to U.S. Gov't Procurement Markets
2. USTR Files for Consultations With Egypt Over Textile & Apparel Duties
The Washington File reports that the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has filed a request for consultations with Egypt in the World Trade Organization (WTO) with regard to Egyptian duties on textile and apparel imports. (Wash File Pub 12/23/03, available at http://usinfo.state.gov/topical/econ/wto/03122301.htm)
3. FMC to Hold Closed Meeting on China's Shipping Restrictions, Practices, Etc.
The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) has announced that it will be holding a closed meeting on January 21, 2004 in Washington, DC to consider Docket No. 98-14, Shipping Restrictions, Requirements and Practices of the People's Republic of China. (See ITT's Online Archives or 12/12/03 news, 03121215, for most recent BP summary on new U.S.-China maritime agreement.) The FMC notes that it will also consider the following matters during its January 21, 2004 meeting: (a) Petition of China Ocean Shipping (Group) Company for a Partial Exemption from the Controlled Carrier Act (P3-99); and (b) Petitions of China Shipping Container Lines Co., Ltd. for Permanent Full Exemption and of SINOTRANS Container Lines Co., Ltd. (SINOLINES) for a Full Exemption From the First Sentence of Section 8(C) of the Shipping Act of 1984 (P4-03 and P6-03). (FMC notice (FR Pub 01/05/04) available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/05jan20040800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/pdf/03-32340.pdf.
4. AMS Extends Comment Period for Proposed Rule on Exempting Organic Products from Assessments
The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) has issued a notice extending the comment period to February 2, 2004 (from January 2, 2004) for its proposed rule which would exempt organic producers and marketers from assessments for marketing promotion activities under marketing order programs. (See ITT's Online Archives or 12/08/03 news, 03120899 3, for BP summary of proposed rule.) (D/N FV03-900-1 EXT, FR Pub 12/30/03, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/14mar20010800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2003/pdf/03-31945.pdf)