Saturday, September 21, 2019
USTR Statement on the United States Deputy-Level Trade Talks with China
Thursday, September 19, 2019
USTR Announces More Exclusions from China 301 Tranche 3 and Set Uniform Date for Expiration
The exclusion are retroactive to September 24, 2018. Initially, USTR announced that exclusions would be in effect for one year from the date they are publication the Federal Register. This policy, however, would have resulted in disparities in the effective periods between exclusions granted early in the exclusion process and those granted later. Accordingly, the Trade Representative has amending the exclusion process so as to adopt a uniform expiration date for exclusions granted for the $200 billion trade action, subject to special circumstances. In particular, all exclusions from Tranche 3 will be effective from September 24, 2018, to August 7, 2020.
Here are the articles excluded from the action in the latest announcement--
(1) Chabazite zeolites having a silica-alumina ratio of 20:1 to 24:1, valued at $31 to $39 per kg (described in statistical reporting number 3824.99.3900)
(2) Cups of polypropylene, with a fluted wood paper filter fitted and affixed to the inside, measuring 44.1 mm in height, of a kind used to produce capsules for single-cup coffee brewing systems (described in statistical reporting number 3923.90.0080)
(3) Anti-electrostatic discharge mats, comprising a conductive rubber mat measuring 40 cm or more but not exceeding 60 cm in width, 80 or more but not exceeding 125 cm in length, and 2 mm in thickness, with integrated discharge points for a grounding wire clip or an anti-static wrist strap, such mats printed on the surface with measuring rules and technical reference data (described in statistical reporting number 4016.91.0000)
(4) O-rings, of nitrile rubber, ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber or fluoroelastomers (described in statistical reporting number 4016.93.1010)
(5) Dog harnesses and retractable dog leashes (described in statistical reporting number 4201.00.3000)
(6) Portable, single-use grills for heating food, each comprising bamboo charcoal fuel, expanded perlite insulation, bamboo rods for suspending foods over the charcoal flame, and cut paper or paperboard in shapes specially designed for assembly of a grill body (described in statistical reporting number 4402.10.0000)
(7) Laminated wood flooring panels having a hardwood veneer finished surface and a backing of pine strips or blocks, the panels having tongue-and-groove outer edges and being in thickness greater than 1.4 cm but not greater than 1.5 cm. (described in statistical reporting number 4412.99.5105)
(8) Rattan webbing, woven into decorative patterns (described in statistical reporting number 4601.93.0100)
(9) Paper pulp sponge blocks, measuring 38 cm by 38 cm by 102 cm (15 inches by 15 inches by 40 inches) (described in statistical reporting number 4823.70.0040)
(10) Woven microfiber fabric of 100 percent polyester, not exceeding 150/75 or 104/72 threads per inch, weighing 83 gram/m2 (described in statistical reporting number 5407.10.0010)
(11) Woven fabric sheeting of 65 percent polyester and 35 percent cotton, weighing less than 170g/ m2, not exceeding 45/45 or 110/76 threads per inch (described in statistical reporting number 5513.11.0040)
(12) Polyester or viscose fabric coated with polyurethane, the foregoing measuring 137 cm (54 inches) in width, and weighing 187 grams/m2 (described in statistical reporting number 5903.20.2500)
(13) Stainless steel mesh filters (described in statistical reporting number 7314.14.1000)
(14) Grills composed of steel wire, each measuring 49 cm by 47 cm (19.25 inches by 18.5 inches), weighing 0.36 kg (0.80 lbs.), designed as cooking surface of barbecue grill (described in statistical reporting number 7321.90.6090)
(15) Mounting boards of aluminum for guitar sound modifying (“effect”) devices, each consisting of an aluminum frame with above ground slots for the placement of devices and floor level slots for the on/off foot-operated pedal switches which control the modifying devices (described in statistical reporting number 7616.99.5190)
(16) Hand rails of tubular stainless steel, with wall connectors, of a length exceeding 300 mm but not exceeding 1.3 m (described in statistical reporting number 8302.41.6080)
(17) Stamped and formed latches of steel (described in statistical reporting number 8302.49.6085)
(18) Stamped and formed brackets of steel (described in statistical reporting number 8302.50.0000)
(19) Spark ignition reciprocating piston engines of a cylinder capacity exceeding 100 cc but not exceeding 250 cc, not exceeding 10.0 kW (described in statistical reporting number 8407.32.9040)
(20) Fuel pumps for internal combustion, spark ignition piston engines (described in statistical reporting number 8413.30.9030)
(21) Parts, of aluminum, iron or steel, for blowers other than fans of 8414.51 (described in statistical reporting number 8414.90.1080)
(22) Mouse input devices for automatic data processing (ADP) machines, each valued over $70 (described in statistical reporting number 8471.60.9050)
(23) Trackpad input units for automatic data processing (ADP) machines, each valued over $100 (described in statistical reporting number 8471.60.9050)
(24) Printed circuit assemblies to enhance the graphics performance of automatic data processing (ADP) machines (“accelerator modules”) (described in statistical reporting number 8473.30.1180)
(25) Printed circuit assemblies for rendering images onto computer screens (“graphics processing modules”) (described in statistical reporting number 8473.30.1180)
(26) Printed circuit assemblies, constituting unfinished logic boards (described in statistical reporting number 8473.30.1180)
(27) Parts and accessories of machines of heading 8471 not incorporating goods of headings 8541 or 8542 (described in statistical reporting number 8473.30.5100)
(28) Refrigerated and heated vending machines for dispensing live bait and fishing tackle, each machine weighing more than 350 kg (described in statistical reporting number 8476.81.0000)
(29) Power supplies suitable for physical incorporation into automatic data processing (ADP) machines or units thereof of heading 8471, each with a power output exceeding 500 W, measuring 148mm in length, 43 mm in width and 335 mm in height (described in statistical reporting number 8504.40.6018)
(30) Cold cathode electric neon discharge lamps, measuring 6.5 mm (1/4 inch) or less in diameter and 16 mm (5/8 inch ) or less in length (described in statistical reporting number 8539.39.9000)
(31) Guide pins and guide bolts designed for use in brakes and servo-brakes of subheading 8708.30 (described in statistical reporting number 8708.30.5090)
(32) Aluminum radiators for motor vehicles of headings 8701 to 8705 (other than for tractors suitable for agricultural use), measuring 50 cm or more but not exceeding 77 cm (20 inches to 30 inches) in width, 50 cm or more but not exceeding 77 cm (20 inches to 30 inches) in height, and 5 cm or more but not exceeding 11 cm (2 inches to 4 inches) in thickness, consisting of upper and lower tanks or side tanks welded to a center core (described in statistical reporting number 8708.91.5000)
(33) Single-speed bicycles having both wheels exceeding 63.5 cm in diameter, weighing less than 16.3 kg without accessories and not designed for use with tires having a cross-sectional diameter exceeding 4.13 cm (described in statistical reporting number 8712.00.2500)
(34) Tractor trailer skirts, consisting of panels designed to be attached to each side of a trailer, each with an upper section having a polyethylene core, steel layer and polyester finish coat and each lower section composed of thermoplastic vulcanite compound (described in statistical reporting number 8716.90.5060)
(35) Miniature lighting sets of a kind used for Christmas trees (described in statistical reporting number 9405.30.0010)
(36) LED light fixtures, of a kind used in horticulture, containing over 5,000 LEDs spread across 6 light bars (described in statistical reporting number 9405.40.8440)
(37) Garden, patio and table top wick burning torches for outdoor use (described in statistical reporting number 9405.50.4000)
(38) Lamp shades of fabric over metal frame (described in statistical reporting number 9405.99.4090)
AGOA TPLs Announced
Wednesday, September 18, 2019
Presidential Message to Congress Regarding the Notification of Initiation of United States–Japan Trade Agreement
On September 16, 2019, President Donald Trump notified Congress that he intends to enter into a trade agreement regarding tariff barriers with Japan under section 103(a)(2) of the Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities and Accountability Act of 2015 (Public Law 114-26, Title I).
On October 16, 2018, the President notified the Congress that he intended to initiate trade negotiations with Japan on a United States-Japan Trade Agreement. The Administration now proposes pursuing negotiations with Japan in stages and has reached an initial trade agreement regarding tariff barriers with Japan and intenda to enter into the agreement in the coming weeks.
USITC Reports on Dominican Republic 2-for-1 Program
On September 18, 2019, the U.S. International Trade Commission ("USITC") published Publication Number: 4950 Investigation Number: 332-503 Earned Import Allowance Program: Evaluation of the Effectiveness of the Program for Certain Apparel from the Dominican Republic.
The EIAP allows apparel manufacturers in the Dominican Republic who use U.S. fabric to produce certain apparel to earn a credit that can be used to ship eligible apparel made with non-U.S.-produced fabric into the United States duty free. The Dominican Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act, as amended, requires the USITC, an independent, nonpartisan, factfinding federal agency, to evaluate annually the effectiveness of the EIAP program and make recommendations for improvements.
The USITC's 10th and final annual review was submitted to the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Ways and Means and the U.S. Senate Committee on Finance on September 17, 2019. Highlights of the report follow.
- Of the 13 registered firms, only four used the program in its final year, the same as the prior year.
- In 2018, U.S. imports of woven cotton bottoms from the Dominican Republic fell 4 percent by value to just under $1.4 million in 2018, down from $1.5 million in 2017, and fell 2 percent by quantity to 150,716 SMEs in 2018 from 153,679 SMEs in 2017. The continued decline in U.S. imports under the EIAP in its final year likely reflects a significant decline in woven trouser manufacturing capacity in the Dominican Republic, a simultaneous shift by U.S. importers to Asian suppliers during the life of the program, and anticipation of the expiration of the program on December 1, 2018. The general decline in the program’s usage after U.S. imports under the EIAP peaked in 2010 may also reflect the lack of changes made to the program despite the recommendations put forth since the first annual review.
- No new recommendations to improve the program were received during the 10th annual review of the EIAP, nor were there any known requests or efforts to extend the program beyond its expiration date. During the previous nine annual reviews, the government of the Dominican Republic, industry representatives, and users of the program consistently made three principal recommendations to improve the EIAP: 1) lower the 2-for-1 ratio of U.S. to foreign fabric to a 1-for-1 ratio; 2) expand the program coverage to enable other types of fabrics and apparel items to be included in the EIAP; and 3) change the requirement that dyeing and finishing of eligible fabrics occur in the United States.
Military Shelter Contract Awarded
Federal Business Opportunities through September 18, 2019
------------------------------------------------------- Title: Maritime Package Sol. #: FA527019QA069 Agency: Department of the Air Force ------------------------------------------------------- Title: POUCH ZIP-ON PANEL 2.0 Sol. #: W912JA19R0019 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: PPE Equipment for DES Sol. #: W912CN19Q0074 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Tent Shelter Air Beam Sol. #: JacksonDRIMDAV0016 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: EMS PPE Jackets Various Sizes Qty 50 Sol. #: McCOYDESDJT0031 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Tactical Gear Sol. #: A01151-BK Agency: Department of the Air Force ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Trng Equip. for Integrated Learning Sol. #: W91249-19-R-0025 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: CLOTH,PLAIN WEAVE Sol. #: SPE1C119T2420 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: BIA Headquarters Flag Display Accessories Sol. #: 404TBD Agency: Department of the Interior ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Tactical Operations Dry Suit Sol. #: 160ALSE_MS Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: FLAME STRETCH PANT Sol. #: N0018919Q0481_01 Agency: Department of the Navy ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Riot Gear Sol. #: 15B61219Q00000012 Agency: Department of Justice ------------------------------------------------------- Title: NAME BADGE AND ACCESSORIES Sol. #: HDEC0419R0054 Agency: Other Defense Agencies ------------------------------------------------------- Title: SPEAR TSA & MSAP Sol. #: H92403-19-R-0006 Agency: Other Defense Agencies ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Total Solutions for Law Enforcement, Security, Facilities Management, Fire, Rescue Sol. #: 7FCI-L3-030084-B Agency: General Services Administration ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Foul Weather PPE Sol. #: DJF-19-0200-PR-0007879 Agency: Department of Justice ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Joint Service Lightweight Integrated Suit Technology (JSLIST) Sol. #: SPE1C117R0020_JSLIST Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: 68AS Weatherproof Rolling Duffel bags Sol. #: FA301619U0221 Agency: Department of the Air Force ------------------------------------------------------- Title: OCP Massif Jackets Sol. #: W912TF19Q5022 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: **SOLICITATION** G12 Cargo Parachute Sol. #: W56HZV19R0088 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Mechanics Coveralls OCP Sol. #: SPE1C1-19-R-0159 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Firefighter Personal protective equipment Sol. #: W22G1F-19-T-2020 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Arctic Gear Kits Sol. #: F1L1249200AW01 Agency: Department of the Air Force ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Massif Gear Sol. #: W912KC-19-Q-9059 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Firefighter Personal protective equipment Sol. #: W22G1F-19-T-2020 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Class 2 - 65/35% Polyester/Cotten Plain Weave Sol. #: W911QY19PolyCotten Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Plastic Trunk Lockers, Large and Small Sol. #: SPE1C1-19-R-0171 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: FLAME RESISTANT WOVEN CLOTH Sol. #: CT2269-19 Agency: Department of Justice ------------------------------------------------------- Title: COVERALL, WASHABLE Sol. #: SPMYM219Q2845 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Airborne Weapons Case Sol. #: BENNINGWTCANT0003 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Uniforms for Food and Nutrition Service Sol. #: 36C24820Q0007 Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs ------------------------------------------------------- Title: POUCH ZIP-ON PANEL 2.0 Sol. #: W912JA19R0019 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: **SOLICITATION** G12 Cargo Parachute Sol. #: W56HZV19R0088 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Blue Force Gear M4 Slings Sol. #: FA487719QU024 Agency: Department of the Air Force ------------------------------------------------------- Title: BARS FY19 Replenishment - Helmets 1 Sol. #: FA8629-19-R-5019 Agency: Department of the Air Force ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Halo Helmets Sol. #: F1M2M69095AW01 Agency: Department of the Air Force ------------------------------------------------------- Title: HIGH WIND & WATER RESISTANT TENTS Sol. #: NCCC19-0177 Agency: Corporation for National and Community Service ------------------------------------------------------- Title: BARs Packs & Bags Sol. #: FA862919C5027 Agency: Department of the Air Force ------------------------------------------------------- Title: BARs Climbing/Water Rescue Sol. #: FA862919C5026 Agency: Department of the Air Force ------------------------------------------------------- Title: TENT, EZ UP, BLUE 10x10 Sol. #: Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: BARS FY19 Replenishment - Survival/Navigation 1 Sol. #: FA8629-19-R-5021 Agency: Department of the Air Force ------------------------------------------------------- Title: BARs Apparel Sol. #: FA862919C2025 Agency: Department of the Air Force ------------------------------------------------------- Title: BARs Helmets Sol. #: FA8629-19-C-5029 Agency: Department of the Air Force ------------------------------------------------------- Title: BARS Footwear Sol. #: FA8629-19-C-5024 Agency: Department of the Air Force ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Individual Kit Augmentation Sol. #: W912LC-19-Q-0135 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Foul Weather PPE Sol. #: DJF-19-0200-PR-0007879 Agency: Department of Justice ------------------------------------------------------- Title: VM Dome Shelter Sol. #: FA5422-19-Q-0293 Agency: Department of the Air Force ------------------------------------------------------- Title: 36P Tan & Green/45P Tan & Green Flyers Jacket Sol. #: SPE1C1-19-R-0165 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Athletic Shoes Sol. #: W91QVN19R0237 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: COVERALL, WASHABLE Sol. #: SPMYM219Q2834 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Army Green Service Uniform (AGSU) Sol. #: W911QY-19-R-0040 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: SF Mountaineering Equipment Sol. #: W912LC-19-Q-0140 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: BIA Headquarters Flag Display Accessories Sol. #: 404TBD Agency: Department of the Interior ------------------------------------------------------- Title: External Vests for Police Sol. #: 36C26319Q0737 Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs ------------------------------------------------------- Title: DECON 2 Sol. #: 36C24519Q0628 Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs ------------------------------------------------------- Title: NNSY AND AMERICAS SHIPYARD MENS TSHIRTS Sol. #: SPMYM1-19-Q-0050 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: CORE AND NNSY LOGO T-SHIRTS Sol. #: SPMYM1-19-Q-0053 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Level IIIA Body Armor Sol. #: WSMRATECRB0020 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Shelter System Sol. #: 11378124RFQ Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Shelter System Sol. #: 11378089RFQ Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Portable KC135 Nose Shelter Sol. #: W91243-19-Q-BX13 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Purchase of Massif Elements Jackets Sol. #: FA520919U0058 Agency: Department of the Air Force ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Protective Uniforms (shirts, pants, jackets) Leasing and Laundering Services Sol. #: M6739919Q0051 Agency: Department of the Navy ------------------------------------------------------- Title: FASTENER TAPE,HOOK Sol. #: SPE1C119T2393 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Bulletproof Vests Sol. #: FA500019QA106 Agency: Department of the Air Force ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Total Solutions for Law Enforcement, Security, Facilities Management, Fire, Rescue Sol. #: 7FCI-L3-030084-B Agency: General Services Administration ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Repalce Carpet Bldg 151 Sol. #: BRKR192008 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: BODY ARMOR AND TACTICAL GEAR Sol. #: 15B12119Q00000M01 Agency: Department of Justice ------------------------------------------------------- Title: PEW CUSHIONS Sol. #: HOODUSAGMM0005 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Cold Weather Gloves Sol. #: F7B1FG9239AW01 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: NCTRF Female Uniform Shirt Prototypes Sol. #: N0018919QG157 Agency: Department of the Navy ------------------------------------------------------- Title: 315990DISPOSABLE COVERALLS Sol. #: SPMYM219Q2907 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: IHWCU Coats/Trousers Unisex Sol. #: SPE1C120RXXXX Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: HOT WEATHER MILITARY BOOTS Sol. #: W91ZRU19Q0004 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: TARPAULIN Sol. #: SPMYM219Q2910 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: STS Sabre 2 Sol. #: W912KZ-19-Q-5070 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Flag, Contamination Marking (Bio,Toxi, Gas) Sol. #: W56HZV-19-Q-0188 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Umbrella, Shade, Tank Sol. #: W56HZV-19-Q-0197 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Tactical Equipment Sol. #: PCDKWD20190820A Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Shelter System (Small & Medium) Sol. #: FA4613-19-Q-0218 Agency: Department of the Air Force ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Body Armor/Ballistics Equipment Sol. #: W911N2-19-Q-0062 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: BAG,TENT FRAME PART Sol. #: SPE1C119T2390 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: 36 SFS Ballistic Body Amor Plates Sol. #: FA524019Q0105 Agency: Department of the Air Force ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Maritime Package Sol. #: FA527019QA069 Agency: Department of the Air Force ------------------------------------------------------- Title: COVERALL Sol. #: SPMYM219Q2903 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: 36C258-19-AP-0679|VA EMPLOYEE UNIFORMS Sol. #: 36C25819Q0446 Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Tent Shelter Air Beam Sol. #: JacksonDRIMDAV0016 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: BALLISTIC ARMOR PLATES AND CARRIERS Sol. #: 15B30819Q00000009 Agency: Department of Justice ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Support Strap, Map Board, Modular Command Post NSN 8465-01-336-7034 Sol. #: SupportStrap-MapBoard-ModularCommandPost Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Total Solutions for Law Enforcement, Security, Facilities Management, Fire, Rescue Sol. #: 7FCI-L3-030084-B Agency: General Services Administration ------------------------------------------------------- Title: BODY ARMOR AND TACTICAL GEAR Sol. #: 15B12119Q00000M01 Agency: Department of Justice ------------------------------------------------------- Title: shell, combat vehicle Sol. #: SPRDL118R0091 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: NOMEX Sol. #: SPMYM219Q2814 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Level 7 Parkas Sol. #: FA461319Q1047 Agency: Department of the Air Force ------------------------------------------------------- Title: USP Atwater Tactical Clothing Sol. #: 15B61819Q00000015A Agency: Department of Justice ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Cold Weather Gear Sol. #: FA461319Q1042 Agency: Department of the Air Force ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Carpet Sol. #: 2119409Y152125791 Agency: Department of Homeland Security ------------------------------------------------------- Title: MAPBOARD,TENT Sol. #: Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Thread Sol. #: SPE1C1-19-Q-0248 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency -------------------------------------------------------
Clients of Agathon Associates and subscribers to Agathon Associates' Trade Advisor Service can find links to the full solicitations at www.agathonassociates.com/textile-pri/berry/fbo.htm. You will need to enter your username and password. If you do not know your username and password email David Trumbull at david@agathonassociates.com.