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April 23, 2012

ADD-CVD to End for Steel Wheels from China and Bottom Mount Refrigerator-Freezers from Korea and Mexico

On April 17, 2012 the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) announced their final determinations that domestic industries are not materially injured or threatened with material injury due to imports of bottom mount refrigerator-freezers from Korea and Mexico or due to imports of steel wheels from China. Upon publication of these findings in the Federal Register, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will be instructed to discontinue suspension of liquidation and collection of any antidumping or countervailing duties (AD/CVD) on such products.

The U.S. Department of Commerce previously determined that bottom mount refrigerator-freezers from Korea and Mexico are sold at less than fair value in the United States, and in the case of Korea are also subsidized. They also determined that steel wheels from China are both subsidized and sold at less than fair value. However, in order to continue collection of antidumping or countervailing duties, material injury or the threat of material injury must also be found.

AD/CVD cases affected are:
- Bottom mount refrigerator-freezers from Korea: A-580-865 and C-580-866

- Bottom mount refrigerator-freezers from Mexico: A-201-839

- Steel wheels from China: A-570-973 and C-570-974

The USITC is expected to publish their findings in the Federal Register on or before April 30, 2012, after which CBP will discontinue collection of antidumping and countervailing duties and begin liquidation on all affected entries.

The USITC press release regarding Bottom Mount Refrigerators from Korea and Mexico is available at:
http://www.usitc.gov/press_room/news_release/2012/er0417kk1.htm

The USITC press release regarding Steel Wheels from China is available at:
http://www.usitc.gov/press_room/news_release/2012/er0417kk2.htm


U.S. - Colombia Trade Agreement Effective May 15th

During a joint press conference held on April 15, 2012, U.S. President Obama and Colombian President Santos announced that the U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement will enter into force on May 15, 2012.

According to a press release issued by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), "This announcement follows completion of work by the United States and Colombia to review each other’s laws and regulations related to the implementation of the Agreement, as well as Colombia’s important steps to fulfill the Action Plan Related to Labor Rights. Before the President’s announcement, United States Trade Representative Ron Kirk exchanged letters with officials from the Government of Colombia in which each country confirmed that it had completed its applicable legal requirements and procedures for the Agreement’s entry into force."

A USTR Fact Sheet states that the benefits of the trade agreement include:
- Reduced Duty Rates: Over 80 percent of U.S. exports of consumer and industrial products to Colombia become duty free immediately, with remaining tariffs phased out over 10 years.
- Expanded Access to Services Markets: Colombia will accord substantial market access across its entire services sector. Colombia agreed to eliminate measures that prevented U.S. firms from hiring U.S. professionals, and to phase-out market restrictions in cable television.
- Greater Protection for Intellectual Property Rights: The Agreement provides for improved standards for the protection and enforcement of a broad range of intellectual property rights, consistent with U.S. and emerging international standards of protection and enforcement.
- Fair and Open Government Procurement: U.S. suppliers are granted rights to non-discriminatory treatment in bidding on procurement opportunities offered by a broad range of Colombian government ministries, agencies, public enterprises, and regional governments.
- A Level Playing Field for U.S. Investors: U.S. companies in Colombia are protected against discriminatory or unlawful treatment, and the Agreement provides a neutral and transparent mechanism for settlement of investment disputes.

The full text of the joint press conference is available online at:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2012/04/15/remarks-president-obama-and-president-santos-colombia-joint-press-confer

The USTR press release is available at:
http://www.ustr.gov/about-us/press-office/press-releases/2012/april/united-states-colombia-set-date-entry-force-us-colom

The USTR Fact Sheet can be viewed at:
http://www.ustr.gov/about-us/press-office/fact-sheets/2012/april/benefits-us-colombia-trade-promotion-agreement-more-ame

 

EPA Proposes Electronic Reporting of TSCA Information

In a Federal Register notice published April 17, 2012 the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a proposed rule to require electronic reporting of certain information required to be submitted by manufacturers and importers under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).

As stated in the notice, "This proposed rule would require the use of EPA’s Central Data Exchange (CDX) and the Chemical Information Submission System (CISS) web-based reporting tool for the submission of forms, reports, and other documents except for TSCA section 5 submissions, which would use existing e-PMN software."

The proposed rule covers documents required under TSCA section 4 regulations, TSCA section 8(a) PAIR, and TSCA section 8(d) regulations. In addition, the rule would extend electronic reporting requirements to TSCA section 5 Notices of Commencement of Manufacture or Import (NOCs) and related supporting documents.

Comments must be received by June 18, 2012.


The full text of the Federal Register notice can be accessed online at:
http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2012-04-17/pdf/2012-8937.pdf

 

 

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Tons News is compiled from a number of public sources that, to the best of Tons knowledge, are true and correct. It is our intent to present only accurate information. However, in the event any information contained herein is erroneous, Tons accepts no liability or responsibility.