November 2002 News

WTO Proposal Would Eliminate Tariffs on Industrial and Consumer Goods by 2015

On November 26, The United States announced an ambitious new proposal calling on members of the World Trade Organization (WTO) to eliminate all tariffs on consumer and industrial goods by 2015. Demonstrating continued U.S. leadership in the Doha Development Agenda, the U.S. plan for zero tariffs is comprehensive, and would benefit both developed and developing nations. Read Commerce Press Release (no longer available)

Mexico: New Proposed Mandatory Standard on Automobile Wheels and Rims

On November 15, 2002 the Government of Mexico (GOM) published a new version of the proposed mandatory standard covering automobile wheels and rims. Interested parties have 60 calendar days to submit comments in Spanish about the proposed standard (in Spanish) to the following address: Comité Consultivo Nacional de Normalización de Seguridad al Usuario Información Comercial y Prácticas de Comercio Avenida Puente de Tecamachalco número 6, colonia Lomas de Tecamachalco, sección Fuentes, Naucalpan de Juárez, código postal 53950, Estado de México Telephone 011 52-55 5729-9300, extension 4125 Fax 011 52-55 5520-9715

U.S. and Singapore Agree "in Substance" on Free Trade Agreeement

According to a November 19 fact sheet released by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), the United States and Singapore have "reached agreement in substance" on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Once the FTA goes into effect, the United States will lower any tariffs on Singapore goods to zero. Under the agreement, Singapore commits to enacting a competition law and to ensuring that its government enterprises "will act as commercial entities, will not discriminate against U.S. goods and services, and will not engage in anti-competitive behavior."

Read the USTR Fact Sheet

U.S. Looking to Bolster Ties with Brazil

In November 18 remarks before the American Chamber of Commerce in Sao Paulo, Deputy U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Peter Allgeier said the election of Luis Inacio Lula da Silva as president of Brazil marks the beginning of a new chapter in U.S.-Brazilian relations, and the United States looks forward to building a relationship with the new government and forging an even stronger partnership with Brazil.

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Investors Impressed With Business in Africa, U.S. Official Says

On November 15, a delegation of businessmen led by U.S. Commerce Secretary Donald Evans on an investment trip to Africa were impressed with the vibrancy of the markets and opportunities available there, according to U.S. Embassy officials in South Africa. Read the Complete News Item (no longer available)

Zoellick Hoping for More Asian Free Trade Agreements

U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Robert Zoellick told reporters at a roundtable discussion November 19 in Manila that the United States was looking to build upon present Trade and Investment Framework Agreements (TIFA) with the Philippines, Indonesia, and Thailand as foundations for comprehensive bilateral Free Trade Agreements with those countries.

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Commerce Secretary Evans Concludes Africa Mission

Secretary Evans concluded his weeklong business development mission to Africa by meeting with members of the South African Customs Union (SACU) and reiterating the United States' commitment to pursuing a free-trade agreement with SACU. The Secretary expressed optimism that talks can begin in 2003. Mr. Evans stated, "A U.S.-SACU Free Trade Agreement will send a clear signal to the global business community that the SACU countries are developing a strong investment and business climate." Two firms on the business delegation, Lemna International and Forest Oil, signed business deals with the Ghanaian and South African governments totaling nearly $800 million. View text of Commerce Department press release (no longer available)

Ghana: Commerce Secretary Evans Brings Positive Message

On November 12-13, Secretary Evans led a trade mission to Ghana consisting of 11 U.S. companies and a number of USG officials. Secretary Evans and the mission participants attended various events to signal USG support for Ghana's pro-business orientation, including the opening of the Commerce Department's (DOC) U.S. Commercial Service office in Accra, the first DOC office in Ghana. In a meeting with President Kufuor and the GOG's economic management team, Secretary Evans commended Ghana for its proactive support of private sector development as a catalyst for promoting economic development. At the same time, he underscored USG concerns on resolution of ongoing business disputes. At a reception hosted in his honor, the Secretary made brief comments on the promise of trade as a vehicle for poverty alleviation in Ghana and throughout Africa.

U.S., Australia To Start Negotiations on Free Trade Agreement

On November 13, United States Trade Representative Robert Zoellick officially informed Congress of the Bush administration's intent to negotiate a free trade agreement (FTA) with Australia. "We believe the United States has much to gain in pursuing a negotiation with Australia. The increased access to Australia's market that an FTA would provide would further boost trade in both goods and services, enhancing employment opportunities in both countries," Zoellick said in his letter to Congressional leaders.

Read the USTR Press Release

U.S., India Pursue Increased Trade in High Technology

On November 12-13, U.S. Under Secretary of Commerce Kenneth I. Juster led a senior U.S. government delegation to India for talks on promoting bilateral trade in high technology. During the talks, the two governments agreed to set up an India-U.S. High Technology Cooperation Group and reaffirmed their shared commitment to preventing proliferation of strategic goods and technology.

Read the Text of the Joint Statement

Request for Comments on National Trade Estimate Report

View the text of a Federal Register notice requesting interested parties to assist the Trade Policy Staff Committee (TPSC) in identifying significant barriers to U.S. exports of goods, services and overseas direct investment for inclusion in the annual National Trade Estimate (NTE) report. Public comments are due not later than Friday, December 13. No submissions will be accepted after December 13.

U.S. Trade Representative Sees Vital Opportunity in U.S.-Africa Trade

Speaking at a business roundtable on the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) held at the State Department November 7, United States Trade Representative, Ambassador Robert B. Zoellick said Africa's new leaders want to engage the United States and the world in expanded international trade and such a positive change presents the United States with an opportunity that is "vital to seize," What one finds more and more across Africa, Zoellick told his audience, is "a group of rising leaders who very much want to engage the international economy in a way to try to see how to benefit the people of Africa and to make the people of Africa significant players in the international economy."

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U.S. Economy Ranked First in Global Competitiveness

According to the World Economic Forum's "Global Competitiveness Report 2002-2003" released on November 12, The United States' economy is the world's most competitive due to its "stellar performance" on technology-related factors and a business environment that is conducive to risk-taking and entrepreneurship.

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Commerce Secretary Evans Promotes U.S. Trade and Investment in Morocco

In a November 11 statement at the U.S. Ambassador's residence in Rabat, Commerce Secretary Donald Evans said he expects negotiations between the United States and Morocco for a Free Trade Agreement to proceed quickly, resulting in economic benefits for both countries."It will strengthen the economic ties between our two countries, it will open up economic opportunities here in Morocco. It will mean more jobs, it will mean better jobs, it will mean a growing economy," Evans said. The United States will negotiate from the principle that "nobody wins unless we all win." He said strengthening labor and environmental standards is an important concern for the United States. Read the Complete News Item (no longer available)

U.S.: Trade Partners Not Manipulating Exchange Rates

The Treasury Department, in its semiannual report to Congress, says that no major U.S. trading partners manipulated exchange rates in the first half of 2002. In addition, the Treasury Department concluded that Export growth was sluggish as the recovery in foreign markets lagged that of the United States.

Read the Complete Report

Mexico: Meeting to Review Standardization and Metrology Law

View the text of a USDOC/USTR memorandum to members of the Industry Sector and Industry Functional Advisory Committees (ISACs/IFACs) regarding the Mexican Government's (GOM) review of its Law on Standardization and Metrology, which is being conducted in conjuction with the GOM's overall review of its standardization system. The last meeting of the series will be held November 19 at 10:00 a.m. at the U.S. Trade Center in Mexico City, Liverpool 31, Col. Juarez.

U.S. Commerce Secretary Taking Positive Message to Africa

On November 7, U.S. Commerce Secretary Donald L. Evans said, "I'm looking forward to taking a very positive message to Africa," days before departing for a three nation trip to Morocco, Ghana and South Africa. Evans pledged to do everything possible to expand and enhance the growing U.S.-Africa trade relationship and that the Bush administration will "continue to shine a spotlight on U.S.-Africa trade and business development." Read the Complete News Item (no longer available)

Secretary Powell Addresses Africa Trade Forum

On November 7, Secretary of State Colin Powell gave an address to a business roundtable at the State Department which reviewed progress made in U.S.-Africa trade under the historic African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) of 2000. "There is much we can do to support Africa's journey to a better future, but as President Bush has pointed out, development must begin at home with governments that rule justly, invest in their people, and governments that encourage economic freedom." Powell went on to cite the many U.S. programs to assist Africa's economic growth and development. Governments, he said, must do their part with education, prevention, and treatment.

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U.S. Requests WTO Dispute Settlement Consultations with Venezuela on Restrictive Import Licensing Practices

View the text (no longer available) of a USTR press release regarding the U.S. request for dispute settlement consultations with Venezuela at the WTO to discuss its import licensing practices that restrict annual imports of a wide range of U.S. agricultural goods including corn, dairy products, fruits, poultry and beef to approximately $200 million.

Central America and Morocco: Requests for Comments on Proposed Free Trade Agreements

USDOC and USTR are advising members of the Industry Sector and Industry Functional Advisory Committees (ISACs/IFACs) of the upcoming USTR public hearings and requests for comments on the proposed Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with Central America and Morocco. On October 1, USTR Zoellick notified the Congress that the President intends to initiate these two FTAs, as required under the procedures of the Bipartisan Trade Promotion Authority Act of 2002. Notice of these hearings were published in the Federal Register on October 10 in the case of Morocco, and on October 16 in the case of Central America. Written comments are due by Monday, November 25, 2002 for Morocco, and by Monday, December 2, 2002 for Central America.

Commerce Under Secretary Juster Urges Compliance with U.S. Regulations Opposing Boycott of Israel

In a November 4, 2002, press release Commerce Under Secretary for Industry and Security Kenneth I. Juster reminded U.S. companies to comply with laws and regulations prohibiting U.S. companies from supporting foreign government boycotts against Israel. "The U.S. Government is strongly opposed to restrictive trade practices or boycotts targeted at Israel," Juster said, referring to Arab League efforts to reinvigorate the boycott against Israel. Penalties to U.S. exporters participating in a boycott include civil penalties and denial of export privileges.

Read the Commerce Press Release

Hemispheric Trade Ministers Set Schedule for Advancing FTAA

On November 1, 2002, trade ministers from the first Summit of the Americas, composed of the presidents of the Western Hemisphere's 34 democratic nations --who in 1994 agreed to pursue the establishment of Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA)-- convened in Quito, Ecuador, to continue their efforts to create a hemispheric free trade zone by 2005 that will comprise more than 800 million consumers. At the conclusion of the Quito ministerial, the trade ministers released a 40-point declaration that outlines the objectives and importance of the FTAA. "We consider that the establishment of the FTAA, through increased trade flows, trade liberalization and investment in the hemisphere, shall contribute to growth, job creation, higher standards of living, greater opportunities and poverty reduction in the hemisphere."

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ITC Remedy Proposals: Pedestal Actuators from China

On October 29, 2002, the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) announced the remedy proposals it will forward to the President in its China safeguard investigation concerning pedestal actuators. Today's action follows the Commission's October 18, 2002, determinations on market disruption in the investigation when the Commission found that pedestal actuators from China are being imported into the United States in such increased quantities or under such conditions as to cause market disruption to the domestic producers of like or directly competitive products.

Read the complete International Trade Commission Press Release