Trade Compliance Center - Making America's Trade Agreements Work for You!

Secretary Locke Addresses National DEC Conference on Importance of Exporting
During his remarks to the National District Export Council Conference (DEC) on November 4, Commerce Secretary Gary Locke discussed efforts to promote the sale of U.S. goods and services overseas, efforts that will create sustainable economic growth and good-paying jobs. Exporters from around the country discussed trade issues and exporting best practices. This year’s theme was “Global Competitiveness and the Opportunities for U.S. Exporters.” U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk, U.S. Small Business Administration Administrator Karen Mills, and Export-Import Bank Chairman and President Fred Hochberg joined Locke at the conference.
View text of Secretary’s remarks

Locke Statement on Nomination of Suresh Kumar as U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service Director General

View the text of Commerce Secretary Locke’s statement regarding President Obama’s announcement that he will nominate Suresh Kumar, an experienced global trade professional, as the new Assistant Secretary of Commerce and Director General of the U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service. The Secretary said that Kumar “... has the experience to help U.S. companies expand their markets and bottom lines through exporting.” Kumar, who currently serves as president and managing partner of KaiZen Innovation, previously served as a special advisor to the Clinton Foundation, and has extensive academic experience.

The Joint Committee responsible for supervising operation of the United States-Morocco Free Trade Agreement (FTA) met in Washington November 3. The delegations, which were co-chaired by U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk and Moroccan Minister of External Commerce Abdellatif Maazouz, discussed bilateral trade, investment and economic issues of mutual interest, as well as the administration of the FTA. The FTA contributes significantly to the strong U.S.-Morocco relations, and both delegations acknowledged the importance of engaging their respective private sectors to take advantage of the FTA.

United States Requests WTO Panel Against China Over Export Restraints on Raw Materials

On November 4, USTR announced that the United States has requested that the WTO establish a dispute settlement panel regarding China's export restraints on numerous raw materials critical to U.S. manufacturers and workers. The materials at issue are key inputs for numerous downstream products in the steel, aluminum, and chemical sectors across the globe. The United States and EU requested formal consultations with China at the WTO on June 23, 2009, and Mexico filed its consultations request on August 21, 2009. The EU and Mexico are joining the United States in requesting the establishment of a WTO dispute settlement panel regarding this matter.

View the text of the USTR press release regarding the November 2 talks which U.S. trade and development officials held with officials from the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA). The participants met to review progress on their work together under the U.S.-COMESA Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA). Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for Africa Florizelle Liser and COMESA Secretary-General Sindiso Ngwenya co-chaired the meeting, which examined collaborative efforts in a variety of areas, such as work on implementation of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), cooperation in the WTO, and trade capacity building.

China Agrees to Improve Access for U.S. Companies, Reopen Markets and Clamp Down on Internet Piracy at JCCT

China agreed to reopen its market to U.S. pork and live swine, remove barriers for American firms to China’s growing clean energy market, and clamp down on Internet piracy at the 20th session of the U.S.-China Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade (JCCT) in Hangzhou, China. Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke and U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk co-chaired the JCCT, along with Chinese Vice Premier Wang Qishan. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack led the discussions on key agricultural issues. Ambassador Kirk stated, “The 20th JCCT gave us the chance to see the great things our two countries have accomplished as well as the significant challenges that lie ahead.” Secretary Locke commented, “We are pleased that China agreed to remove local content requirements for foreign participation in China’s wind farm market, opening up China’s energy market to U.S. companies and creating jobs in America.” Secretary Vilsack noted, ““China’s intent to remove its H1N1-related ban on U.S. pork marks an important step forward in cooperation between the countries on agriculture issues.”
View Commerce press release

Secretary Locke Kicks Off Visit to China with Discussions on Intellectual Property and Innovation
On October 27, Commerce Secretary Gary Locke stressed the importance of protecting intellectual property at the Pearl River Delta International Forum on Innovation and Intellectual Property. At the forum, Locke spoke to government officials and business leaders and acknowledged that while China has made some progress protecting the intellectual property of foreign companies operating within its borders, more must be done. Later, at Jinan University, Locke joined a conversation with students about the significance of intellectual property rights for the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs.

Secretary Locke to Highlight Trade, IPR and Energy During China Trip
Commerce Secretary Gary Locke will travel to Guangzhou and Hangzhou, China, October 26-30, to co-chair the 20th session of the U.S.-China Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade (JCCT) and to stress the importance of strong intellectual property rights protection and enforcement around the world. The JCCT, established in 1983, is the main forum for addressing bilateral trade matters and promoting commercial opportunities between the United States and China. Secretary Locke will co-chair the annual high-level JCCT meeting with U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk and Chinese Vice Premier Wang Qishan in Hangzhou on October 28-29. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack will join this effort to address key U.S. trade and economic priorities. The 2009 JCCT marks the first time three Obama cabinet officials have traveled together to a key economic summit abroad.

View the USTR press release regarding U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk’s October 15 meeting with Australian Minister of Trade Simon Crean to review progress under the United States - Australian Free Trade Agreement (FTA). This was the fourth review of implementation of the agreement, which went into effect in 2005. During the meeting Ambassador Kirk and Minister Crean reviewed the implementation and operation of the FTA. They discussed in detail a range of issues covered by the agreement, including agriculture, intellectual property rights, and investment, labor and environment issues. On multilateral issues, Ambassador Kirk emphasized the United States' resolve to achieve an ambitious and balanced conclusion to the WTO Doha Round. They also discussed advancing a bold agenda at the November Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Ministers' and Leaders' meetings, as well as other regional economic developments.

United States-Afghanistan Joint Statement on the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) Council Meeting

View the text of the United States-Afghanistan statement on their Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) Council Meeting, which was held in Washington on October 9. The meeting demonstrates the continuing close cooperation between Afghanistan and the United States on economic, trade, and investment issues. It manifests the importance both countries place on strengthening a long-term relationship and strategic partnership that broadens our cooperation beyond military and security ties to programs that promote the private sector and economic development. Over the long term, solid economic, trade, and investment policies will create jobs, boost investment, and build sustainable development. Discussions covered five areas, including investment climate issues, South and Central Asia regional trade issues, and progress on Afghanistan's accession to the WTO.

Ambassador Kirk Hosts Meeting of US-Central Asia Trade & Investment Framework Council

View the text of the USTR press release regarding the fifth meeting of the United States-Central Asia Trade and Investment Framework Council. Attendees included delegations from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, all of which are parties to the United States-Central Asia Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA), as well as representatives from several USG agencies, including the Commerce Department. This breadth of participation was emphasized when Commerce Secretary Gary Locke joined Ambassador Kirk for a portion of the discussions with the Ministers. In addition to the TIFA meeting, USTR partnered with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to host a public-private conference on U.S.-Central Asia trade and investment on October 7, which featured remarks by Deputy USTR Demetrios Marantis.

Secretary Locke Opens ITA’s Sustainability and U.S. Competitiveness Summit
Commerce Secretary Gary Locke addressed attendees of the International Trade Administration’s Sustainability and U.S. Competitiveness Summit at the Commerce Department on October 8. Representatives from nearly every federal agency and industry leaders from various business sectors discussed government efforts to support sustainable business practices and enhance U.S. competitiveness. Locke stressed manufacturing as a vital job source and said its revitalization is key to putting people back to work in good-paying jobs. Locke also introduced Commerce’s Sustainable Business Clearinghouse, an online information portal which serves as the central information portal for U.S. companies on what the Commerce Department and other federal government agencies are doing to support sustainable manufacturing in the United States.

View Commerce press release

United States Requests WTO Panel in Challenge of EU Restrictions on U.S. Poultry Exports

On October 8, USTR announced that the United States has asked the WTO to establish a dispute settlement panel regarding the EU’s restrictions on imports of U.S. poultry. The United States has asked the panel to review whether the EU's ban on the import and marketing of poultry meat and poultry meat products processed with pathogen reduction treatments judged safe by U.S. and European food safety authorities is consistent with the EU's WTO obligations. Nefeterius McPherson, a USTR spokeswoman, stated, "The U.S. poultry subject to the EU ban is safe. There is no scientific evidence that the use of pathogen reduction treatments pose any health risk to consumers." The WTO Dispute Settlement Body will consider the U.S. request to establish a panel at its October 23 meeting.

Secretary Locke Opens CommerceConnect in Michigan
During his October 5 visit to Michigan, Commerce Secretary Gary Locke officially opened the Department’s first one-stop shop, CommerceConnect, in Plymouth. The one-stop initiative is focused on integrating Commerce Department programs to help businesses at every point of their life cycle, and the staff there will act as case workers for individual businesses that seek assistance. The office will be a partner for Detroit-area business owners and entrepreneurs, allowing them to leverage several different federal programs at once to help companies grow and create jobs.
View text of Secretary Locke’s remarks

Commerce Department Announces New Public-Private Partnerships
Commerce Secretary Gary Locke announced October 5 that eight firms have joined the Department’s Corporate Partnership Program . The program, which is aimed at boosting exports and solidifying U.S. jobs for small- and medium-sized U.S. businesses, promotes exporting through Commerce’s U.S. Commercial Service . Citing the “vast untapped export potential” of small- and medium-sized businesses, Secretary Locke said the partnerships allow us to help more of these businesses sell internationally, “especially… firms that have yet to take that first step into world markets, and to prosper nationally.” These new partners—Aon Consulting; Federation of International Trade Associations; Gartner, Inc; Lufthansa; Reed Exhibitions; TÜV Rheinland; Think Global; and Trade Center Management Associates—will provide ongoing support to commercial service efforts designed to increase exports and help U.S. businesses successfully compete in the world market. These eight new firms join the existing 11 Commercial Service partners in the five-year-old program .

Secretary Locke Extols Promise of U.S.-Latin American Cooperation
In his October 5 remarks before the Association of American Chambers of Commerce in Latin America (ACCLA), Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke outlined a vision for enhanced cooperation in the hemisphere based on expanded trade and a renewed focus on corporate social responsibility efforts by U.S. companies. Locke stated, “It’s time for America to get back to what it does best: building and exporting products around the world that help people live healthier, wealthier and more productive lives.” Noting that Latin America will be a key ally in the effort to restore economic growth, the Secretary added, “… I'm excited to have AACCLA as a crucial Commerce partner in working with our friends in the hemisphere.”

U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk unveiled the first steps in a new initiative aimed at increasing exports by small and medium-sized firms in the United States on October 5. In addition to announcing a U.S. International Trade Commission investigation to better understand how many of America's small and medium-sized enterprises export now, Kirk is convening a USTR-wide working group to ensure that its policymaking and enforcement efforts immediately seek to better serve these companies. He also stated that USTR will work in conjunction with agencies tasked with trade promotion - such as the Commerce Department and the Small Business Administration - that have complementary programs on export expansion. USTR will seek to set priorities for new trade agreements and for the implementation of existing trade agreements that are more responsive to the needs of these businesses and their workers.

On September 30, the State Department's Advisory Committee on International Economic Policy ("ACIEP") presented its report regarding the 2004 U.S. Model Bilateral Investment Treaty ("BIT"). The Administration is reviewing the U.S. model BIT, last updated in 2004, to ensure that it is consistent with the public interest and the overall U.S. economic agenda. U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk commented that the report “… demonstrates the complex nature of the issues and their importance to a wide range of stakeholders, and the Administration will carefully consider the views set forth in the report in the course of its review."

Kirk Calls for Increased IPR Protection at Global Intellectual Property Center Annual Summit

View the text of U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk’s remarks to the Global Intellectual Property Center Annual Summit on September 30. Noting the importance of IPR protection and the impact that theft of intellectual property has on American creators and inventors, Ambassador Kirk added that such theft “can also harm the unwitting consumers of potentially harmful counterfeit goods.” He stated that key partners are working to forge an Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement by 2010 which, together with other IPR safeguards, “…will ensure lawful access for more consumers in more countries to original, high-quality American products, rather than counterfeit or pirated black-market goods.”

Commerce Secretary Gary Locke Urges Western Hemisphere to Resist ‘Protectionist Temptations’
In his keynote remarks at the third Americas Competitiveness Forum (ACF) in Santiago on September 28, Commerce Secretary Locke urged Western Hemisphere nations to resist temptations to turn inward and erect trade barriers as they continue to deal with the effects of the global economic slowdown. The Secretary added that “… the Obama Administration will be your strongest ally in your efforts to revive economic growth in the Americas.”

During his stay in Santiago, Mr. Locke met with Peruvian Minister of Production Mercedes Aráoz to discuss issues critical to improving hemispheric competitiveness. They also emphasized the importance of the U.S.-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement as a mechanism to encourage continued bilateral collaboration that affords trade opportunities to businesses. In a meeting with ministers from Costa Rica, El Salvador and Nicaragua, the Secretary underscored the U.S. Government’s commitment to ensuring that the Central America-Dominican Republic-United States Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR) is an effective mechanism for sustainable economic growth.

USTR Kirk Welcomes Action by Bahamas to Restore Protection for U.S. Pay TV Content

On September 30, U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk welcomed steps by the Government of The Bahamas toward fulfilling their commitment to restore copyright protection for U.S. pay television content in line with a Letter of Understanding signed with the United States in November 2000. Kirk referred to a new law entering into force on October 1 that will provide the necessary legal tools to ensure that legitimate American companies don't have to compete with unauthorized transmissions of their own shows.

Locke to Lead U.S. Delegation to Chile for the Americas Competitiveness Forum

Commerce Secretary Gary Locke will travel to Santiago, Chile, September 27-29, to participate in the third Americas Competitiveness Forum (ACF). The ACF brings together representatives from the public and private sectors to discuss ways to spark innovation, create jobs and expand trade among the countries of the Western Hemisphere. The U.S. Department of Commerce hosted the first two ACFs in Atlanta in 2007 and 2008. Secretary Locke will be joined by the Presidents of Chile and Guatemala, as well as ministers of trade and economy from throughout the region and senior representatives from business and academia.

As part of the Obama Administration's trade enforcement efforts, on September 24 USTR initiated the next steps in an effort to better spot and address standards-related measures that impede U.S. producers' ability to access foreign markets, and sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures restricting U.S. agricultural exports. U.S. Trade Representative announced them measures in July. Notices published in the Federal Register will initiate the process of gathering information on standards-related measures, SPS measures, and other barriers to trade, requesting public comments on the most significant barriers faced by U.S. agricultural producers and other exporters. Commenting on these steps, Ambassador Kirk stated, “We are heightening USTR's focus on some of the most significant barriers that our exporters face, so that trade can be a more effective tool for restoring this country's economy."

On September 22, staff from USTR, the Commerce Department and U.S. Customs and Border Protection concluded the first-ever meeting with customs authorities from all six major semiconductor producing economies to discuss the problems posed by trade in counterfeit semiconductor products, which is posing an increasing threat. Customs experts from China, Chinese Taipei, the European Union, Japan, Korea and the United States convened in Korea before the launch of the annual Governments/Authorities Meeting on Semiconductors (GAMS), with representatives of their respective industries and trade ministry officials. During this session, customs experts reaffirmed their commitment to protect and enforce intellectual property rights. All participants underlined the importance of having access to information from the semiconductor industry on products and processes to facilitate identification of suspected counterfeit products and agreed to undertake, as appropriate, enforcement measures against semiconductor counterfeiting, to keep other members informed and to report back on their activities to the 2011 GAMS meeting.

View the text of a September 21 USTR press release regarding Ambassador Ron Kirk’s meeting earlier that day with Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Igor Shuvalov. During their meeting, Kirk and Shuvalov discussed multilateral and bilateral trade issues involving the United States and Russia, including concerns regarding U.S. exports of agricultural products, IPR protection, and licensing procedures for certain information technology products. When they discussed Russia's ongoing efforts to join the WTO, Ambassador Kirk welcomed Mr. Shuvalov's clarification of Russia's aspirations with regard to WTO accession and operation of its overall trade regime, and reiterated that the United States continues to support Russia's individual accession to the WTO and will continue to provide constructive support to achieve that goal.

View the text of a September 18 USTR statement released upon the conclusion of meetings of senior representatives of key WTO members to discuss next steps on the Doha Round of world trade talks. Senior officials met all week in Geneva to follow through on guidance that came out of an informal ministerial meeting in New Delhi, India earlier this month (which U.S. Trade Representative Kirk participated in), to draw up a process of engagement for the next 2-3 months. USTR spokesperson Carol Guthrie stated that the USG is pleased “with the efforts and outcome that emerged this week,” especially with the recognition that key members will need to “…begin a sustained bilateral engagement to assess the nature of the gaps that exist… particularly with regard to market-opening contributions under Doha by key emerging markets.” She added, "While we do not underestimate the challenges presented to many members by the remaining issues, we believe that with this kind of direct and sustained engagement important progress can be made in advancing Doha toward a successful conclusion."

Ambassador Ron Kirk concluded his first trip to Brazil as the United States Trade Representative on September 18. His visit gave him an opportunity to listen to and meet with Brazilian government, business and labor leaders to discuss ways to build upon the U.S.-Brazil bilateral relationship. In Sao Paulo, Kirk addressed business leaders at the American Chamber of Commerce, where he emphasized the importance of the U.S. and Brazil working together. In Brasilia, he met with representatives from the National Confederation of Industry Minister of Exterior Relations Celso Amorim. Kirk told the press at a post-meeting press conference with Amorim that their discussions “… provided an excellent opportunity for us to build upon an already constructive bilateral relationship... I look forward to working with Minister Amorim and his government as our work proceeds."

View USTR press release

Commerce Secretary Gary Locke Meets with France’s Minister of State for Foreign Trade Anne-Marie Idrac

On September 16, Commerce Secretary Gary Locke held his first meeting with France’s Minister of State for Foreign Trade, Anne-Marie Idrac. Secretary Locke and Minister of State Idrac shared views on the importance of increasing trade and economic growth, and Locke affirmed, “The U.S. government is committed to expanding trade and avoiding protectionist policies.” The Secretary suggested that the Doha Round must be balanced and ambitious, adding, “The United States and France would benefit from increasing trade with developing nations.” He also highlighted opportunities that both countries have to grow the economy by focusing on the creation of green jobs and the exports of green technologies and raised concerns about the French government’s views toward agricultural biotechnology, saying he’s concerned that France is moving away from sound science.

On September 14, U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk announced that Gail Strickler has been selected as the new Assistant United States Trade Representative for Textiles. Strickler will be responsible for supervising negotiations affecting textile and apparel products, advising Ambassador Kirk on textile and apparel trade policy matters and working to expand the industry's access to foreign markets. Ambassador Kirk said that Ms. Strickler, who has extensive textile industry experience, “…will play a pivotal role in helping the U.S. Trade Representative's office and the industries adapt to a trade environment that has undergone significant changes in the recent past, and to exploring new market opportunities."

Kirk: White House Fulfilling Trade Enforcement Pledge With Announcement of Remedies in Chinese Tire Case

Following an announcement by the White House, on September 11 U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk released a statement on the U.S. decision to impose remedies under Section 421 of the 1974 Trade Act to stop a harmful surge of imports into the U.S. of Chinese tires for passenger cars and light trucks. The three-year remedies, consisting of an additional tariff of 35 percent ad valorem in the first year, 30 percent ad valorem in the second, and 25 percent ad valorem in the third year, are being imposed after a finding by the United States International Trade Commission that a harmful surge of imports of Chinese tires disrupted the U.S. market for those products. President Obama also announced that Trade Adjustment Assistance will be targeted to help affected workers, industries, and communities immediately, while tariff changes take effect. Commenting on the USG’s actions, Ambassador Kirk stated, "When China came in to the WTO, the U.S. negotiated the ability to impose remedies in situations just like this one… This Administration is doing what is necessary to enforce trade agreements on behalf of American workers and manufacturers. Enforcing trade laws is key to maintaining an open and free trading system."

The U.S. Commerce Department has opened the recruitment period for U.S. companies to apply for private sector membership in the U.S.-India CEO Forum, which is expected to meet in November 2009. The U.S.-India relationship has never been stronger, and never before has the relationship faced such a complex set of global challenges. The CEO Forum presents a unique opportunity for CEOs of U.S. companies that are doing business in India to lend their expertise and perspectives on how to strengthen the bilateral commercial relationship for the benefit of both countries and the world. CEO Forum members will represent the views and interests of the private sector business community in the United States (along with Indian counterparts), and provide policy recommendations to the U.S. and Indian governments on how their countries can improve bilateral commercial ties, expand trade, and increase investment. Companies interested in participating in the Forum should view the Federal Register notice for information on how to apply.

Deputy Secretary Hightower Urges Free and Fair Trade Flows Across U.S. Borders
In his first public speech as Deputy Secretary of Commerce, Dennis F. Hightower identified four key trade priorities of the Commerce Department: visa reform, export controls review, intellectual property protection, and intergovernmental cooperation and trade promotion. The Deputy Secretary, who addressed the Trade North America Conference in Detroit on September 9, also emphasized the need for enforcement of existing trade agreements among the three countries to ensure free and fair trade across the Canadian and Mexican borders, and to resist any impulses toward protectionism. Noting that U.S. businesses are unaware of the array of tools that the U.S. Commerce Department has to help them or are unwilling to navigate government bureaucracy to try to utilize them, Mr. Hightower noted that Secretary Locke launched a pilot program in Detroit to provide a single point of contact for businesses and entrepreneurs. If the concept is successful in Detroit, the Deputy Secretary stated, it will be rolled out in other metropolitan areas across the United States.

U.S. Trade Representative Kirk’s Comments at Close of WTO Ministers' Meeting in New Delhi

At the close of meetings with WTO ministers in New Delhi, India to discuss ways of advancing the Doha Development Agenda (DDA), U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk spoke briefly to the press on September 4. Ambassador Kirk stated that the meetings have “resulted in renewed energy” for the DDA. Noting the need to make progress now to ensure the health of the Round, Kirk stated, “We can build on the multilateral progress made so far, and reinvigorate the process with sustained bilateral engagement, in order to go further.” Adding that the U.S. negotiating team is ready to sit down for sustained talks, Kirk urged that President Obama’s nominee as U.S. Ambassador to the WTO, Michael Punke, be swiftly confirmed by the U.S. Senate to lead the U.S. negotiating team.

USTR Kirk Welcomes Nomination of Michael Punke as WTO Ambassador

On September 3, U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk praised President Obama’s announcement of intent to nominate Michael Punke to serve as U.S. Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the WTO. Ambassador Kirk made the announcement at a meeting of 36 trade ministers discussing WTO negotiations in New Delhi, India. Punke has worked in international trade law and policy for two decades, including as White House Director for International Economic Affairs in the Clinton Administration, Senior Policy Advisor at USTR, and International Trade Counsel to Senator Max Baucus. Ambassador Kirk called for swift confirmation of the new nominee.

Commerce Secretary Locke’s Statement on China’s Decision to Remove Discriminatory Taxes on Imported Auto Parts
In a September 1 press release, Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke welcomed news that, effective the same day, China will remove the discriminatory taxes it has been imposing on imported auto parts. China had until September 1 to come into compliance with a WTO ruling that China’s auto policies were inconsistent with WTO rules. The United States, along with Canada and the EU, had welcomed that ruling. China’s Commerce Ministry and other government agencies announced action abolishing the discriminatory taxes. The Secretary added that the Commerce Department “will continue to vigorously monitor all foreign countries' compliance with trade obligations to ensure U.S. workers and firms reap the benefits from our trade agreements.”

Secretary Locke to Participate in Americas Competitiveness Forum in Santiago, Chile

Commerce Secretary Gary Locke announced he will participate in the third annual Americas Competitiveness Forum (ACF) September 27-29, 2009, in Santiago, Chile. The ACF brings together representatives from the public and private sectors to discuss ways to spark innovation, create jobs, and expand trade among the countries of the hemisphere. The Commerce Department hosted the first two ACFs in Atlanta in 2007 and 2008. “I am looking forward to traveling to Chile to participate in the third Americas Competitiveness Forum,” Locke said. “Exports have always been crucial to American prosperity, and they have assumed an even greater significance in the current economic climate.”

In an August 28 press release, U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk commented on China's reports to USG officials that it is eliminating, effective September 1, the discriminatory charges it has been imposing on imported auto parts. The necessary amendments to China's laws are expected to be published shortly. China's announcement comes after the WTO agreed with the United States that these charges were contrary to WTO rules. Ambassador Kirk stated, "We are pleased that China has informed us that it is eliminating the additional charges on imported auto parts in response to the WTO ruling. We look forward to carefully reviewing the changes announced by China."

Secretary Locke Discusses Americas Competitiveness Forum at Council of the Americas
Commerce Secretary Gary Locke delivered remarks at the Council of the Americas on August 10, urging private sector companies to participate in the Americas Competitiveness Forum (ACF). He was joined by Chilean Ambassador José Goñi and Americas Society and Council of the Americas President and CEO, Susan Segal. The ACF is the preeminent commercial forum in our hemisphere and presents leaders from the private sector, government, non-profit organizations, and academia with an opportunity to discuss competitiveness issues in the Western Hemisphere. The 2009 ACF will be held in Santiago, Chile, from September 27-29, 2009.

View text of Secretary Locke’s remarks

On August 12, U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk welcomed the results of a WTO dispute settlement panel report which found that major Chinese restrictions on the importation and distribution of copyright-intensive products such as theatrical films, DVDs, music, books and journals are inconsistent with China's WTO obligations. The WTO panel called on China to come into compliance with its obligations to allow U.S. companies to import these products into China and to eliminate the discriminatory requirements faced by imported products and their U.S. distributors in China. Ambassador Kirk called the decision “an important step toward ensuring market access for legitimate U.S. products in the Chinese market, as well as ensuring market access for U.S. exporters and distributors of those products.” In addition to addressing discriminatory requirements on American importers and distributors, the findings also call on China to allow U.S. companies to partner with Chinese enterprises in joint ventures to distribute sound recordings over the Internet.

Dennis F. Hightower Confirmed as Deputy Secretary of Commerce
On August 7, the U.S. Senate confirmed Dennis F. Hightower as Deputy Secretary of Commerce by unanimous consent. Hightower, a seasoned business executive with a 40-year career in the public and private sectors, takes over general management of the Department of Commerce, an organization with nearly 38,000 employees and an operating budget of over $17 billion. “I am grateful to the Senate for moving quickly to confirm Dennis Hightower, and I’m thrilled to have him on board.” Commerce Secretary Gary Locke said. “His management expertise and strong leadership skills will be a valuable asset to the Commerce team as we work to make American businesses more competitive and strengthen the economy.”
View Commerce Department press release

Shifts in U.S. Merchandise Trade 2008, an annual compendium of data and analysis examining changes in trade with key U.S. partners and in crucial U.S. industries, was released August 3 by the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC). The Commission reported that in 2008, the U.S. merchandise trade deficit grew 3 percent; imports were up 8 percent, while exports jumped 12 percent. The report focuses on reasons for key shifts in trade, provides extensive detail, and can be searched by country or commodity sector. Users will find a comprehensive review of U.S. trade performance in 2008, focusing on changes in U.S. exports, imports, and trade balances of key natural resource, agricultural, and manufacturing industries, as well as changes in U.S. trade with major partners and groups.

USITC Releases Year in Trade 2008

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) released The Year in Trade 2008, its annual overview of the previous year's trade-related activities, on July 30. The report is one of the government's most comprehensive reports of U.S. trade-related activities, covering major multilateral, regional, and bilateral developments. The publication provides a practical review of U.S. international trade laws and actions in 2008, a summary of WTO operations, and an overview of U.S. free trade agreements and negotiations and of U.S. bilateral trade relations with major trading partners. It includes complete listings of antidumping, countervailing duty, safeguard, intellectual property rights infringement, and section 301 cases undertaken by the U.S. government in 2008.

View USITC press release