U.S. Trade Ambassador Robert Lighthizer released the following statement about President Trump’s State of the Union Address: “After a year of accomplishments by the Trump Administration, America is stronger, more confident and more optimistic. The President’s policies are clearly helping to fuel an economic boom that is creating millions of jobs and putting more money in people’s pockets. His unwavering commitment to promoting America’s interests and insisting on fair and reciprocal trade will deliver even more prosperity to the American people. As the President has said, America is no longer turning a blind eye to unfair foreign trade practices. We are and will continue to strongly enforce our trade laws and defend American workers, farmers, ranchers and businesses.”
Wednesday, January 31, 2018
Army Apparel Contract Awarded
Federal Business Opportunities through January 31, 2018
------------------------------------------------------- Title: Athletic socks Sol. #: W91QVN18T0025 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Safety Shoe Mobile Sol. #: N0025318Q0051 Agency: Department of the Navy ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Running Shoes Sol. #: FA700018T0017 Agency: Department of the Air Force ------------------------------------------------------- Title: USAF Academy T-shirts, Jerseys, and Shorts Sol. #: FA700018T0019 Agency: Department of the Air Force ------------------------------------------------------- Title: DHS Uniforms II Sol. #: 2018-RAT-001 Agency: Department of Homeland Security ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Safety Equipment, Components, and Uniforms - INL/Honduras Sol. #: JDLRFQ14 Agency: Department of State ------------------------------------------------------- Title: BLAST GEAR Sol. #: N4523A7275V520 Agency: Department of the Navy ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Honeywell BLS-4 Positive Pressure Suits Sol. #: 19669 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Commercial Item, Buttons, Berry Amendment Compliant Sol. #: CT2238-18 Agency: Department of Justice ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Athletic socks Sol. #: W91QVN18T0025 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: GLOVES COATED Sol. #: SPMYM218Q1113 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: THREAD Sol. #: SPE1C118Q0079 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Uniform, clothing and Laundry Services Sol. #: CQ18085-CPR Agency: Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority ------------------------------------------------------- Title: INSIGNIA,SHOULDER S Sol. #: SPE1C118Q0134 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: INSIGNIA,SHOULDER S Sol. #: SPE1C118Q0133 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: RFI for Holsters for Sig Sauers with Flashlights Sol. #: 36C10X18Q9084 Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs ------------------------------------------------------- Title: INSIGNIA,SHOULDER S Sol. #: SPE1C118Q0132 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: POUCH,MAGAZINE Sol. #: SPE1C118Q0119 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: FY 18 Contact Glove Sol. #: M67854-18-I-1343 Agency: Department of the Navy ------------------------------------------------------- Title: FY 18 Extreme Cold Weather Cap Sol. #: M67854-18-I-1344 Agency: Department of the Navy ------------------------------------------------------- Title: DECORATION SET,INDI Sol. #: SPE1C118T0898 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: FLAG,NATIONAL Sol. #: SPE1C118T0790 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: SHOULDER CORD,INFAN Sol. #: SPE1C118T0772 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: BLAST GEAR Sol. #: N4523A7275V520 Agency: Department of the Navy ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Polypropylene Felt Spacer IDIQ Sol. #: W52P1J-18-T-3011 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: FELT SHEET Sol. #: SPE1C118Q0091 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Security Forces Deployment Gear Sol. #: F3V3SF7345AW01 Agency: Department of the Air Force ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Cold Weather Mountaineering Boots Sol. #: W912LN-18-T-0004 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Turnout Gear Sol. #: SillFES_DES_TB001 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Ski Skin - SKIFELL 210/45M.CF Sol. #: SPE1C1-18-Q-TDB3 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Ski Skins 45mm Sol. #: SPE1C1-18-Q-TBD2 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Recruiting Uniform and Gear Sol. #: _001 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Tent Cot Sol. #: RILEYHHBNJLB0001 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: DRUM MAJOR'S CEREMONIAL SASH (BALDRIC) Sol. #: W912CN-18-Q-0022 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Customized Medals and Neck Ribbons Sol. #: W91QV1-18-Q-1800 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Polypropylene Felt Spacer IDIQ Sol. #: W52P1J-18-T-3011 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Total Solutions for Law Enforcement, Security, Facilities Management, Fire, Rescue Sol. #: 7FCI-L3-030084-B Agency: General Services Administration ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Cadet Mess Uniform Service Sol. #: W911SD-18-T-0104 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Soldier Protection System Torso and Extremity Protection Blast Pelvic Protector Request for Information (RFI) Sol. #: W91CRB-18-R-BPP Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: STREAMER SET,AWARD Sol. #: SPE1C118Q0130 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: FULL DRESS HAT with POM POM Sol. #: W911SD-18-T-0034 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Modification to ADS Inc BPA Sol. #: Agency: Department of Homeland Security ------------------------------------------------------- Title: BLACK PARKA'S Sol. #: W911SD-18-T-0073 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Red Belt and Red Sash Sol. #: W911SD-18-T-0084 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Plate Carrier Systems (PCS) Sol. #: FA8054-17-R-0001 Agency: Department of the Air Force ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Black Windbreakers Sol. #: W911SD-Windbreakers Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Wilcox NVG Helmet Mounts Sol. #: CAMPBELL5THSFG2BNAMB0002 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: OPTION - Gold Straps For Dress Hats Sol. #: W911SD-18-T-0037 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: TROUSERS, BIB, WET WEATHER THREE SIZES Sol. #: SPE1C118RX005 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Ski Skin - SKIFELL 210/45M.CF Sol. #: SPE1C1-18-Q-TDB3 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Ski Skins 45mm Sol. #: SPE1C1-18-Q-TBD2 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: STREAMER SET,AWARD Sol. #: SPE1C118Q0128 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: MITTEN TRIGGER FINGER & THUMB DESIGN, WITH LINER Sol. #: SPE1C118RX004 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: CLOTH,GLASS Sol. #: SPE1C118T0610 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: DECORATION SET,INDI Sol. #: SPE1C118T0780 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: DRUM MAJOR'S CEREMONIAL SASH (BALDRIC) Sol. #: W912CN-18-Q-0022 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: BODY ARMOR FOR RLE NEW HIRE Sol. #: 140F0918Q0017 Agency: Department of the Interior ------------------------------------------------------- Title: STREAMER SET,AWARD Sol. #: SPE1C118T0887 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: (S) Uniform Supply Contract Base +1 Due date extended to 1/29/18 @1200 Mountain Time Sol. #: 36C25918Q0189 Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs ------------------------------------------------------- Title: RABU MABU Sol. #: SPE1C1-18-R-0032 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Safety Shoe Mobile Service Sol. #: N6470918R0026 Agency: Department of the Navy ------------------------------------------------------- Title: INSIGNIA,SHOULDER S Sol. #: SPE1C118Q0061 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: GREY & WHITE DRESS CAPS Sol. #: W911SD-18-T-0036 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Proximity Suits Sol. #: N0018918Q0086 Agency: Department of the Navy ------------------------------------------------------- Title: OPTION - BRASS FERRULE Sol. #: W911SD-18-T-0032 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Canvas Slip on Shoe, Men's, Heavy Duty sizes 7,8,9,10 Sol. #: 192118fao00000106A Agency: Department of Homeland Security ------------------------------------------------------- Title: DECORATION SET,INDIVID Sol. #: SPE1C118Q0112 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Uniform, clothing and Laundry Services Sol. #: CQ18085-CPR Agency: Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority ------------------------------------------------------- Title: BUCKLE Sol. #: SPE1C118T0883 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: SWAT Boots Sol. #: IQ1_LOG201800027 Agency: United States Capitol Police ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Basketball Jersey Sets Sol. #: W912L9-18-U-0013_01 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Individual Equipment Belts & Pockett Ammo Sol. #: SPE1C1-18-R-0045 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: BAG,WATER CARRYING Sol. #: SPE1C118Q0123 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Wind Tunnel Suits - Custom Fitted Sol. #: FA301618U0059-1 Agency: Department of the Air Force ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Liner, Waterbag, Type II 55 Gallon Sol. #: SPE1C1-18-Q-0124 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Bag, Water, Carrying Sol. #: SPE1C1-18-Q-0123 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: BAG,WATER CARRYING Sol. #: SPE1C118T0881 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: BLACK PARKA'S Sol. #: W911SD-18-T-0073 Agency: Department of the Army -------------------------------------------------------
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.
Tuesday, January 30, 2018
Closing Statement of USTR Robert Lighthizer at the Sixth Round of NAFTA Renegotiations
It is a pleasure to be here in Quebec. Montreal is one of the great cities of the world, and I have not been back in many years, and I’ve missed it. I used to come here in the 70s and 80s with my wife and children to go to Mont-Tremblant and learn how to ski. We loved the French culture, we loved the excellent food, the wonderful skiing and as I recall, it was cold all the time. That hasn’t changed at least.
I always thought that Quebec has the greatest motto anywhere: “Je me souviens.” It is a perfect comment on history, culture, and even the future. I think it is a perceptive motto for a trade negotiator. Maybe we’ll put it up at USTR – “Je me souviens.” You can see it when you walk in.
Since we are in Canada, let me talk a bit about our bilateral trade relationship. I think there is some misunderstanding here that the United States is somehow being unfair in these negotiations and that is not the case.
Free trade agreements are essentially grants of preferential treatment to other countries in exchange for an approximately equal grant of preferential treatment in their economy. Thus, it is reasonable from time to time to assess whether the bargain has turned out to be equitable.
Using Canadian statistics, Canada sold the United States $298 billion U.S. dollars in goods in 2016, the last numbers that we have. We sold Canada $210 billion dollars in goods. Now that’s a lot of two-way trade, but it also means that Canada has an over $87 billion U.S. dollar surplus with the United States. To put this in perspective, that figure is equal to approximately 5.7 percent of Canada’s GDP. When energy is removed, and in some people’s opinion that’s a fair thing to do, the number is still $46 billion dollars. The projected figures for 2017 show that the surplus will be even larger when those numbers are in.
Now I ask Canadians because we’re in Canada, is it not fair for us to wonder whether this imbalance could in part be caused by the rules of NAFTA? Would Canada not ask this same question if the situation were reversed? So we need to modernize and we need to rebalance.
Now let me turn to the Sixth Negotiating Round and the status of our talks. We believe that some progress was made. We closed one chapter, as Ildefonso [Guajardo] said it was the chapter on corruption, which is a very important chapter, and we made some progress on a few others. More importantly though, we finally began to discuss some of the core issues. So this round was a step forward, but we are progressing very slowly.
We owe it to our citizens, who are operating in a state of uncertainty, to move much faster. Of course, negotiating as a group of three is more difficult than bilateral talks. Often, issues become more complicated and contentious when there are three parties.
I would like to comment on two proposals by the Canadians, one of which has been in the press quite a bit, and that is a presumed compromise on rules of origin. We find that the automobile rules of origin idea that was presented, when analyzed, may actually lead to less regional content than we have now and fewer jobs in the United States, Canada, and likely Mexico. So this is the opposite of what we are trying to do.
In another proposal, Canada reserved the right to treat the United States and Mexico even worse than other countries if they enter into future agreements. Those other countries may, in fact, even include China, if there is an agreement between China and [Canada]. This proposal, I think if the United States had made it, would be dubbed a “poison pill.” We did not make it, though. Obviously, this is unacceptable to us, and my guess is it is to the Mexican side also.
Finally, I would like to refer, because I think it fits into this context to an unprecedented trade action that Canada brought against the United States very recently. It constitutes a massive attack on all of our trade laws. If it were successful, it would lead to more Chinese imports into the United States and likely fewer Canadian goods being sold in our market. Now we understand that countries often challenge specific actions taken by another country in the context of trade laws. This is normal and what we expect. But this litigation essentially claims that 24 years ago, the United States effectively gave away its entire trade regime in the Uruguay Round. Of course, we view this case as frivolous, but it does make one wonder if all parties are truly committed to mutually beneficial trade. It also underscores why so many of us are concerned about binding dispute arbitration. What sovereign nation would trust to arbitrators or the flip of a coin their entire defense against unfair trade?
To conclude, some real headway was made here today. The United States views NAFTA as a very important agreement. We are committed to moving forward. I am hopeful progress will accelerate soon. We will work very hard between now and the beginning of the next round, and we hope for major breakthroughs during that period. We will engage with both Mexico and Canada urgently, and we will go where these negotiations take us. Thank you very much.
United States, Korea Continue Modification and Amendment Negotiations on KORUS FTA
The United States delegation will be led by Michael Beeman, Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for Japan, Korea and APEC. The Republic of Korea delegation at the meeting will be led by Ms. Myung-hee Yoo, Director General from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE).
At the direction of President Trump, in July 2017 Ambassador Lighthizer initiated talks to consider matters affecting the operation of the KORUS FTA, including amendments and modifications to resolve several problems regarding market access in Korea for U.S. exports and, most importantly, to address the significant trade imbalance. The last meeting was held in Washington DC on January 5, 2018.
Monday, January 29, 2018
CCMI launches Fiber Box 2
Fiber Box 2 contains 24 samples of animal fibers including Cashmere, Yak, Camel Hair and Qiviut.
In many cases, animal fibers are chemically treated in dyeing, bleaching and other processes. Morphological features of fibers may change in these processes. Also, DNA and protein in the fibers are affected by heat and chemicals. Fibers are sometimes chemically treated to add particular characteristics. Changes in surface morphology and protein damage caused by chemical treatment may make identifying and distinguishing different animal fibres more difficult. Therefore, it is important for fiber analysts to understand the modification of fibers caused by chemical processing, whether the analyst applies microscopic methods or alternative methods such as protein and DNA analysis.
Fiber Box 2 also contains samples of genuine South American Camelids (Alpaca and Llama) and Qiviuk (Must ox hair).
The CCMI Fiber Box 2 will sell for 1,000 USD (One Thousand U.S. Dollars). The price includes freight to the destination but does not include the import duty of the importing country. The box will be sent by courier upon receipt of payment. Any questions please contact Jane Lomas of the Boston office at jlomas@cashmere.org.
Wednesday, January 24, 2018
CPSC Official to Attend Fiber Manufacturers Meeting
Federal Business Opportunities through January 24, 2018
------------------------------------------------------- Title: Total Solutions for Law Enforcement, Security, Facilities Management, Fire, Rescue Sol. #: 7FCI-L3-030084-B Agency: General Services Administration ------------------------------------------------------- Title: SFS MOBILITY BAGS Sol. #: W912JA-18-R-0117 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: GLOVES, CUT RESISTANT Sol. #: SPMYM218Q1034 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: CARRIER,SELF-PROTEC Sol. #: SPE1C118T0880 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Combat Pants Sol. #: CB8008 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: USCG Crew Helmet Request for Information Sol. #: USCG_Helmet_RFI Agency: Department of Homeland Security ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Womens' White Overblouse Sol. #: W911SD-18-T-0074 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Canvas Slip on Shoe, Men's, Heavy Duty sizes 7,8,9,10 Sol. #: 192118fao00000106A Agency: Department of Homeland Security ------------------------------------------------------- Title: BADGES Sol. #: POLKDESPOLICELJP0005 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: FLY,TENT Sol. #: Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Full Dress Hat and Cap Hardware Sol. #: W911SD-18-T-0077 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Patches and Chevrons Sol. #: W911SD-18-T-0076 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: White Cotton Webbing Sol. #: W911SD-18-T-0044 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: BLACK PARKA'S Sol. #: W911SD-18-T-0073 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Horse Hair Cloth Sol. #: W911SD-18-T-0030 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Combat Pants Sol. #: CB8008 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: CLIPBOARD,PILOT'S Sol. #: SPE1C118Q0121 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: CUSTOM TARPS Sol. #: W912GY-18-R-0003 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------ Title: Clipboard Pilot, with Light Sol. #: SPE1C1-18-Q-0121 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Canvas Slip on Shoe, Men's, Heavy Duty sizes 7,8,9,10 Sol. #: 192118fao00000106 Agency: Department of Homeland Security ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Uniform, clothing and Laundry Services Sol. #: CQ18085-CPR Agency: Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority ------------------------------------------------------- Title: gloves Sol. #: spmym218q0909 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Cell Padding and Installation Sol. #: W91WRZ-18-Q-0016 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: LINER,ENTRANCE WALL Sol. #: Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Court Shoes Sol. #: W911SD-18-T-0046 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: INSIGNIA,SHOULDER S Sol. #: SPE1C118Q0095 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Canvas Slip on Shoe, Men's, Heavy Duty sizes 7,8,9,10 Sol. #: 192118fao00000106 Agency: Department of Homeland Security ------------------------------------------------------- Title: CANTEEN,WATER Sol. #: SPE1C118Q0117 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: STREAMER,WARNING Sol. #: SPE1C118Q0118 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: RAINCOATS with POUCH Sol. #: W911SD-18-T-0033 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: DRUM MAJOR'S CEREMONIAL SASH (BALDRIC) Sol. #: W912CN-18-Q-0022 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: US Corps of Engineers Flags and Pennants Sol. #: W912BU18T0004 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: SOCKS, BOOT, ANTIMICROBIAL, GREEN Sol. #: SPE1C1-18-R-0041 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: UNIFORMS Sol. #: 36C24718Q0182 Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Ballistic Vests and Accessories Sol. #: HQ0034-18-R-0052 Agency: Other Defense Agencies ------------------------------------------------------- Title: GLOVES Sol. #: SPMYM2-18-Q-0948 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: FY 18 Extreme Cold Weather Cap Sol. #: M67854-18-I-1344 Agency: Department of the Navy ------------------------------------------------------- Title: (S) Uniform Supply Contract Base +1 Sol. #: 36C25918Q0189 Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs ------------------------------------------------------- Title: FY 18 Contact Glove Sol. #: M67854-18-I-1343 Agency: Department of the Navy ------------------------------------------------------- Title: POUCH,MAGAZINE Sol. #: SPE1C118T0844 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: TARPAULIN Sol. #: Agency: Defense Logistics Agency Office: DLA Acquisition Locations ------------------------------------------------------- Title: SHELL, COMBAT VEHICLES Sol. #: SPRDL118R0091 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Women's Marine Corps Dress Blue Coat Sol. #: SPE1C1-18-R-0042 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Horse Hair Cloth Sol. #: W911SD-18-T-0030 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Socks, Flyer's Anti-Exposure Sol. #: SPE1C1-18-R-0044 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: INSIGNIA,GRADE,ENLISTED Sol. #: SPE1C118T0527 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Laundry Supply and Services Sol. #: 12034318Q0029 Agency: Department of Agriculture ------------------------------------------------------- Title: GLOVES Sol. #: SPMYM2-18-Q-0948 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: CANTEEN,WATER Sol. #: SPE1C118T0841 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Tent Cot Sol. #: RILEYHHBNJLB0001 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Pack, Fireline, Complete Sol. #: SPE1C1-18-Q-TBD1 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Canvas Slip on Shoe, Men's, Heavy Duty sizes 7,8,9,10 Sol. #: 192118fao00000106 Agency: Department of Homeland Security ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Combat Pants Sol. #: CB8008 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Wind Tunnel Suits - Custom Fitted Sol. #: FA301618U0059-1 Agency: Department of the Air Force ------------------------------------------------------- Title: INSIGNIA,SHOULDER S Sol. #: SPE1C118Q0094 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: LAMINATED VINYL NYLON CLTH Sol. #: SPMYM1-18-R-0010 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: SILICA CLOTH Sol. #: HSCG40-18-Q-20029 Agency: Department of Homeland Security ------------------------------------------------------- Title: COVERALLS Sol. #: SPMYM1-18-R-0009 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.
Tuesday, January 23, 2018
Foreign Military Business Opportunity
Here is the tender, defining the scope: http://ted.europa.eu/TED/notice/udl?uri=TED:NOTICE:476330-2017:TEXT:EN:HTML&src=0M
The tender is described in this article. Please use google translate from Norwegian to English. https://forsvaret.no/forsvarsmateriell/historisk-avtale-om-felles-anskaffelse-av-nye-uniformer
Statement by Canadian Minister of International Trade on successful conclusion of Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership
“Strengthening Canada’s economic relationship with countries in the large and economically fast-growing Asia-Pacific region to support prosperity and create jobs for our middle class is a priority for Canada.
“Today, I am pleased to announce that Canada and the 10 other remaining members of the Trans-Pacific Partnership concluded discussions in Tokyo, Japan, on a new Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). We are happy to confirm the achievement of a significant outcome on culture as well as an improved arrangement on autos with Japan, along with the suspension of many intellectual property provisions of concern to Canadian stakeholders.
“Canada has always said that we would only agree to a deal that is in Canada’s best interests. To that end, Canada has been working very hard on the new CPTPP, from spearheading the first meetings of officials in May 2017 to proposing several suspensions and changes to secure better terms for Canadians throughout this burgeoning region.
“Over the past year, we have also worked collaboratively with our partners to make the necessary changes so that the agreement builds real prosperity and creates opportunities. We said from the beginning that we didn’t want just any deal; we wanted a good deal for Canada and for Canadians. Canada went to great lengths to ensure to reach a progressive agreement that will benefit Canada and Canadians for decades to come. These involved a whole-of-government approach and direct engagement at the highest levels. The agreement reached in Tokyo today is the right deal. Our government stood up for Canadian interests, and this agreement meets our objectives of creating and sustaining growth, prosperity and well-paying middle-class jobs today and for generations to come.
“Canada has shown that it can and will work hard to set the terms of trade so the middle class can compete and win on the world stage.
“Canada successfully concluded an agreement with hard-fought gains for Canadians, thanks in large part to a dedicated and hard-working negotiating team and Canada’s special envoy Ian McKay.”
Canadian Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Catherine McKenna to promote NAFTA, in Mexico City, Houston, and Miami
As part of these efforts, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Catherine McKenna, will visit Mexico City, Houston, and Miami from January 22nd to January 24th, to meet with government leaders, climate scientists, and businesses to promote trade, jobs, climate solutions, and clean technology.
In Mexico City, Minister McKenna will meet with Rafael Pacchiano Alamán, Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources, to discuss the ongoing NAFTA negotiations on the environment chapter and the Canada-Mexico collaboration on climate change and ocean health.
In Houston and Miami, Minister McKenna will meet with government leaders and clean-technology companies to promote the importance of NAFTA as an engine of clean growth and prosperity. She will also meet with scientists working to help communities adapt to the impacts of climate change, including floods and other natural disasters.
During her visit, Minister McKenna will also host round tables with business leaders to advance opportunities for Canadian companies and workers, particularly in green technologies, and to meet with youth to discuss climate action and practical solutions to the impacts of climate change.
Notice of Proposed Changes to the Slate of Industry Trade Advisory Committees
The deadline for submission of written comments is February 5, 2018 at midnight EST.
Section 135 of the Trade Act of 1974, as amended (19 U.S.C. 2155), establishes a private-sector trade advisory system to ensure that U.S. trade policy and trade negotiation objectives adequately reflect U.S. commercial and economic interests.
The current ITACs expire in February 2018, and the Secretary and the Trade Representative intend to renew the ITACs as described below for a new four-year charter terms for the ITACs to begin in February 2018 and end in February 2022.
For the 2014-2018 charter term, the Secretary and Trade Representative chartered: Thirteen sectoral ITACs advising on issues that affect specific sectors of U.S. industry; three ITACs advising on crosscutting, functional issues that affect all industry sectors and include specifically appointed members along with non-voting members from the industry specific ITACs to represent a broad range of industry perspectives; and a Committee of Chairs of the ITACs as follows:
- (ITAC 1) Aerospace Equipment
- (ITAC 2) Automotive Equipment and Capital Goods
- (ITAC 3) Chemicals, Pharmaceuticals, Health/Science Products and Services
- (ITAC 4) Consumer Goods
- (ITAC 5) Distribution Services
- (ITAC 6) Energy and Energy Services
- (ITAC 7) Forest Products
- (ITAC 8) Information and Communications Technologies, Services, and Electronic Commerce
- (ITAC 9) Building Materials, Construction, and Nonferrous Metals
- (ITAC 10) Services and Finance Industries
- (ITAC 11) Small and Minority Business
- (ITAC 12) Steel
- (ITAC 13) Textiles and Clothing
- (ITAC 14) Customs Matters and Trade Facilitation
- (ITAC 15) Intellectual Property Rights
- (ITAC 16) Standards and Technical Trade Barriers and a Committee of Chairs of the Industry Trade Advisory Committees.
For the 2018-2022 charter term, after considering the statutory factors listed above, the Secretary and the Trade Representative propose to streamline the ITACs as follows based on the nature of the U.S. industry in various sectors, the level of interest in serving on an ITAC (using the number of members and applications for appointment during the 2014-2018 charter terms), the level of activity of each ITAC (using the number of meetings and recommendations submitted during the 20142018 charter terms), and constraints on the resources to support and engage with the ITACs.
Combining the current ITACs on Distribution Services and on Services and Finance Industries into one ITAC on Services.
Combining the current ITACs on Forest Products and on Building Materials, Construction, and Nonferrous Metals into one ITAC on Forest Products, Building Materials, Construction, and Nonferrous Metals.
Changing the name of the ITAC on Information and Communications Technologies, Services, and Electronic Commerce to the ITAC on Digital Economy to reflect the innovation in and full scope of that industry sector.
Discontinuing the Committee of Chairs of the ITACs to both preserve staff resources and to ensure that all ITAC members receive relevant, timely, and unfiltered information directly from appropriate government staff.
This streamlining would result in eleven sectoral ITACs and three functional ITACs for the new four-year charter term as follows:
- (ITAC 1) Aerospace Equipment
- (ITAC 2) Automotive Equipment and Capital Goods
- (ITAC 3) Chemicals, Pharmaceuticals, Health/Science Products and Services
- (ITAC 4) Consumer Goods
- (ITAC 5) Forest Products, Building Materials, Construction and Nonferrous Metals
- (ITAC 6) Energy and Energy Services
- (ITAC 7) Steel
- (ITAC 8) Digital Economy
- (ITAC 9) Small and Minority Business
- (ITAC 10) Services
- (ITAC 11) Textiles and Clothing
- (ITAC 12) Customs Matters and Trade Facilitation
- (ITAC 13) Intellectual Property Rights
- (ITAC 14) Standards and Technical Trade Barriers
FTC Eliminates Out-Dated and Unnecessary Rule Relating to Textile Labeling
On January 23, 2018, the Federal Trade Commission published in the Federal Register (83 FR 3068) Rules and Regulations Under the Textile Fiber Products Identification Act; File Rule.
SUMMARY: The Commission amends the Rules and Regulations Under the Textile Fiber Products Identification Act ("Textile Rules") to delete therequirement that an owner of a registered word trademark, used as a house mark, furnish the FTC with a copy of the mark's registration with the United States Patent and Trademark Office ("USPTO") before using the mark on labels.
DATES: Effective on February 22, 2018.
The Commission imposed this requirement in 1959, presumably to obviate the need for the Commission to obtain paper copies of registrations from the USPTO. However, registered house marks now can be found by searching online or at the USPTO's website (www.uspto.gov)
Monday, January 22, 2018
Penalties for Violations of Wool Rules Increased
On January 22, 2018, the Federal Trade Commission published in the Federal Register (83 FR 2902) Adjustments to Civil Penalty Amounts. Among the penalties being adjusted update for inflation are the penalties for violations of the Wool Products Labeling Act of 1939.
TEXTILE RULES: Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collection; Comment Request.
On January 22, 2018, the Federal Trade Commission published in the Federal Register (83 FR 2992) Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collection; Comment Request.
The Textile Fiber Products Identification Act ("Textile Act") prohibits the misbranding and false advertising of textile fiber products. The Textile Rules establish disclosure requirements that assist consumers in making informed purchasing decisions, and recordkeeping requirements that assist the Commission in enforcing the Rules. The Rules also contain a petition procedure for requesting the establishment of generic names for textile fibers.Estimated annual hours burden: 37,007,147 hours (782,600 recordkeeping hours + 36,224,547 disclosure hours).
Recordkeeping: Staff estimates that approximately 12,040 textile firms are subject to the Textile Rules' recordkeeping requirements. Based on an average burden of 65 hours per firm, the total recordkeeping burden is 782,600 hours.
:Disclosure: Approximately 10,744 textile firms, producing or importing about 20.8 billion textile fiber products annually, are subject to the Textile Rules' disclosure requirements. Staff estimates the burden of determining label content to be 65 hours per year per firm, or a total of 698,360 hours and the burden of drafting and ordering labels to be 80 hours per firm per year, or a total of 859,520 hours. Staff believes that the process of attaching labels is now fully automated and integrated into other production steps for about 40 percent of all affected products. For the remaining 12.48 billion items (60 percent of 20.8 billion), the process is semi-automated and requires an average of approximately ten seconds per item, for a total of 34,666,667 hours per year. Thus, the total estimated annual disclosure burden for all firms is 36,224,547 hours (698,360 hours to determine label content + 859,520 hours to draft and order labels + 34,666,667 hours to attach labels). Staff believes that any additional burden associated with advertising disclosure requirements or the filing of generic fiber name petitions would be minimal (less than 10,000 hours) and can be subsumed within the burden estimates set forth above.
Estimated annual cost burden: $239,778,909 (solely relating to labor costs).
Friday, January 19, 2018
USTR Releases Annual Reports on China’s and Russia’s WTO Compliance
On January 19, 2019, USTR Released the Annual Reports on China's and Russia's WTO Compliance
"China and Russia have failed to embrace the market-oriented economic policies championed by the World Trade Organization (WTO) and are not living up to certain key commitments they made when they joined the WTO, the U.S. Trade Representative said in annual reports released today on each country’s compliance with WTO rules."p>The complete report on China’s WTO compliance can be found here.Selected highlights of the 2017 annual report on China’s WTO compliance:
- "Today, almost two decades after it pledged to support the multilateral trading system of the WTO, the Chinese government pursues a wide array of continually evolving interventionist policies and practices aimed at limiting market access for imported goods and services and foreign manufacturers and service suppliers."
- China’s regulatory authorities do not allow U.S. companies to make their own decisions about technology transfer and the assignment or licensing of intellectual property rights. Instead, they continue to require or pressure foreign companies to transfer technology as a condition for securing investment or other approvals."
- China is determined to maintain the state’s leading role in the economy and to continue to pursue industrial policies that promote, guide and support domestic industries while simultaneously and actively seeking to impede, disadvantage and harm their foreign counterparts, even though this approach is incompatible with the market-based approach expressly envisioned by WTO members and contrary to the fundamental principles running throughout the many WTO agreements."
- Many of the policy tools being used by the Chinese government are largely unprecedented, as other WTO members do not use them, and include a wide array of state intervention and support designed to promote the development of Chinese industry in large part by restricting, taking advantage of, discriminating against or otherwise creating disadvantages for foreign enterprises and their technologies, products and services."
Selected highlights of the 2017 annual report on Russia’s WTO compliance:
- So far, Russia’s actions strongly indicate that it has no intention of complying with many of the promises it made to the United States and other WTO Members. This trend is very troubling."
- Russia has done little in 2017 to demonstrate a commitment to the principles of the WTO or to many of the specific commitments that it made” in the negotiations leading to Russia’s membership in the WTO."
- The agricultural sector continues to be one of the most challenging sectors for U.S. exporters. In addition to the import ban on nearly all agricultural goods from the United States and other WTO Members, Russia continues to erect barriers to U.S. agricultural exports."
- In 2017, notwithstanding a few tariff reductions, Russia increasingly appeared to turn away from the principles of the WTO, instead turning inward through the adoption of local content policies and practices. Russia continued to rely on arbitrary behind-the-border measures and other discriminatory practices to exclude U.S. exports."
The complete report on Russia’s WTO compliance can be found here.
Bed Bath & Beyond Recalls Hudson Comforters by UGG Due to Risk of Mold Exposure
Recall Details
Units: About 175,000 in the U.S. (In addition, about 20 in Canada)
Description: This recall involves Hudson comforters by UGG. The polyester comforters were sold in four different solid colors: garnet, navy, gray, and oatmeal, and three sizes: twin, full/queen, and king. See “Sold At” section for affected dates of sale.
Incidents/Injuries: None reported
Sold At: Bed Bath & Beyond stores nationwide and online at www.bedbathandbeyond.com from August 2017 through October 2017 for about $70 (twin), $90 (full/queen), and $110 (king).
Manufacturer(s): BHF International LTD, of Hong Kong
Importer(s): Liberty Procurement Co. Inc., of Union, N.J., an affiliate of Bed Bath & Beyond Inc., of Union, N.J.
Distributor(s): Liberty Procurement Co. Inc., of Union, N.J., an affiliate of Bed Bath & Beyond Inc., of Union, N.J.
Manufactured In: China
Pictures available here: https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2018/Bed-Bath--Beyond-Recalls-Hudson-Comforters-by-UGG-Due-to-Risk-of-Mold-Exposure.
Wednesday, January 17, 2018
Proposed Revocation Of One Ruling Letter And Revocation Of Treatment Relating To The Tariff Classification Of A Girl’s Upper Body Garment
Pursuant to 19 U.S.C. §1625(c)(1), CBP is proposing to revoke NY N279310 and to revoke or modify any other ruling not specifically identified to reflect the analysis contained in the proposed Headquarters Ruling Letter (“HQ”) H282945, set forth as Attachment B to this notice. Additionally, pursuant to 19 U.S.C. §1625(c)(2), CBP is proposing to revoke any treatment previously accorded by CBP to substantially identical transactions.
Before taking this action, consideration will be given to any written comments timely received. Comments must be received on or before February 9, 2018.
The proposed revocation, with full analysis, is available in U.S. Customs Bulletin, Vol. 52, No. 2, beginning on Page 28.
Miscellaneous Tariff Bill Clears House, On to Senate
On January 16, 2018, the House of Representatives passed the Miscellaneous Tariff Bill Act of 2018, H.R. 4318, 402 to 0. The bill now goes to the Senate. Tariff relief will be effective 30 days after enactment.
CPSC Staff to Attend Textile Standards Meetings
Federal Business Opportunities through January 17, 2018
------------------------------------------------------- Title: OPTION - BRASS FERRULE Sol. #: W911SD-18-T-0032 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Model Defender Gear Sol. #: FA4528-18-C-0001 Agency: Department of the Air Force ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Black Mohair Braid Sol. #: W911SD-18-T-0060 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Outdoor Retailer Indstry Meetings Sol. #: M67854-18-I-1331 Agency: Department of the Navy ------------------------------------------------------- Title: FY 18 Intense Cold Weather Glove Sol. #: M67854-18-I-1343 Agency: Department of the Navy ------------------------------------------------------- Title: FY 18 Intense Cold Weather Cap Sol. #: M67854-18-I-1344 Agency: Department of the Navy ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Black Windbreakers Sol. #: W911SD-Windbreakers Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: CG Trousers and Slacks Sol. #: SPE1C1-18-R-0034 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Black Windbreakers Sol. #: W911SD-18-T-0045 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: SHOULDER CORD,INFAN Sol. #: SPE1C118T0831 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: DRUM MAJOR'S CEREMONIAL SASH (BALDRIC) Sol. #: W912CN-18-Q-0022 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Proximity Suits Sol. #: N0018918Q0086 Agency: Department of the Navy ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Afghan Hat Market Survey Sol. #: SPE1C118RAAAA Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Cadet Swords Sol. #: W911SD-18-T-0090 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Total Solutions for Law Enforcement, Security, Facilities Management, Fire, Rescue Sol. #: 7FCI-L3-030084-B Agency: General Services Administration ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Housing, Flyer's Helmet Visor Sol. #: 2018-198 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: BADGES Sol. #: POLKDESPOLICELJP0005 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Protective Welding Clothing Sol. #: W91237-18-T-0023 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: UNDERSHIRT,EXTREME Sol. #: SPE1C118Q0093 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: BRAND NAME OR EQUAL BlackPoint Low Profile Holsters and Pouches Sol. #: 70CMSW18Q00000006 Agency: Department of Homeland Security ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Security Forces Equipment Sol. #: FA3016-18-U-0027 Agency: Department of the Air Force ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Cold Weather Mountaineering Boots Sol. #: W912LN-18-T-0004 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Ballistic Vests and Accessories Sol. #: HQ0034-18-R-0052 Agency: Other Defense Agencies ------------------------------------------------------- Title: INSIGNIA,RANK,OFFIC Sol. #: SPE1C118T0585 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: GLOVES,MEN'S Sol. #: SPE1C118T0821 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Aircraft Helmets Sol. #: 70Z048-18-Q-PCL41800 Agency: Department of Homeland Security ------------------------------------------------------- Title: SAFETY SUPPLIES FOR CROW AGENCY WTP Sol. #: 140A0418Q0009 Agency: Department of the Interior ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Pack, Fireline, Complete Sol. #: SPE1C1-18-Q-TBD1 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: UNIFORMS Sol. #: 36C24718Q0182 Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs ------------------------------------------------------- Title: BOOTS,FIREMEN'S Sol. #: SPE1C118Q0086 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: CLOTH,IMPREGNATED Sol. #: SPE1C118T0492 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Black Windbreakers Sol. #: W911SD-Windbreakers Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Plate Carrier Generation III (PC Gen III) Sol. #: M67854-18-R-1309 Agency: Department of the Navy ------------------------------------------------------- Title: INSIGNIA,SHOULDER S Sol. #: SPE1C118Q0092 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: BADGES Sol. #: POLKDESPOLICELJP0005 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: STL - Facilities Engineering Uniform Sol. #: 36C25518Q0122 Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Collars and Cuffs Sol. #: W911SD-18-T-0042 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Waist Band Material for Trousers Sol. #: W911SD-18-T-0041 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Personal Protective Equipment Blanket Purchase Agreement Sol. #: W912HQ-18-T-0001 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: WOVEN NYLON LOOP Sol. #: 18Q0122 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: 667-18-2-124-0005 - Years of Service Employee Recognition Pins Sol. #: 36C25618Q9122 Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Black Wool Mufflers Sol. #: W911SD-18-P-0040 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: FSC 8340 - PAINTER'S DROPCLOTH Sol. #: 47QSWB-D6-18-7024-SQ Agency: General Services Administration ------------------------------------------------------- Title: WHITE POCKETING CLOTH Sol. #: W911SD-18-T-0072 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: BLACK PARKA'S Sol. #: W911SD-18-T-0073 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Tulsa ANG Gear Sol. #: TulsaANGGear Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Tulsa ANG Clothing Sol. #: TulsaANGClothing Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: SFS MOBILITY BAGS Sol. #: W912JA-18-R-0117 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: BOATSWAIN'S PIPE Sol. #: SPE1C118Q0048 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: OPTION - Safety Shoes Sol. #: W91QV1-18-Q-0007 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Carpet Blanket Purchase Agreement Sol. #: FA8101-18-R-0011 Agency: Department of the Air Force ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Auditorium Stage Curtains Sol. #: 36C25618Q9119 Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs ------------------------------------------------------- Title: MILITARY COMBAT EYE PROTECTION (MCEP) QUALIFIED PRODUCTS LIST (QPL) Sol. #: W91CRB17-Army-MCEP-QPL-Spectacles Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Combat Pants Sol. #: CB8008 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: CSU-22/P, ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY ANTI-G SUIT (ATAGS) Sol. #: SPE1C1-18-R-0039 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Coveralls, Disposable (Otto Fuel) Sol. #: 8415015626668CoverallsDisposable 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.
Monday, January 15, 2018
CARE LABELING RULE Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collection; Comment Request
On January 16, 2018, the Federal Trade Commission published in the Federal Register (83 FR 2156) Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collection; Comment Request
The Care Labeling Rule requires manufacturers and importers to attach a permanent care label to all covered textile clothing in order to assist consumers in making purchase decisions and in determining what method to use to clean their apparel. Also, manufacturers and importers of piece goods used to make textile clothing must provide the same care information on the end of each bolt or roll of fabric.
Estimated annual hours burden: 32,600,587 hours (solely relating to disclosure).
Staff estimates that approximately 10,744 manufacturers or importers of textile apparel, producing about 18.4 billion textile garments annually, are subject to the Rule's disclosure requirements. The burden of developing proper care instructions may vary greatly among firms, primarily based on the number of different lines of textile garments introduced per year that require new or revised care instructions. Staff estimates the burden of determining care instructions to be 100 hours each year per firm, for a cumulative total of 1,074,400 hours. Staff further estimates that the burden of drafting and ordering labels is 80 hours each year per firm, for a total of 859,520 hours. Staff believes that the process of attaching labels is fully automated and integrated into other production steps for about 40 percent of the approximately 18.4 billion garments that are required to have care instructions on permanent labels. For the remaining 11.04 billion items (60 percent of 18.4 billion), the process is semi-automated and requires an average of approximately ten seconds per item, for a total of 30,666,667 hours per year. Thus, the total estimated annual burden for all firms is 32,600,587 hours (1,074,400 hours to determine care instructions + 859,520 hours to draft and order labels + 30,666,666 hours to attach labels).
Estimated annual cost burden: $214,221,229 (solely relating to labor costs).
DATES: Comments must be received on or before March 19, 2018.
WOOL RULES: Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collection; Comment Request.
On January 16, 2018, the Federal Trade Commission published in the Federal Register (83 FR 2154) Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collection; Comment Request.
The Wool Products Labeling Act of 1939 ("Wool Act") prohibits the misbranding of wool products. The Wool Rules establish disclosure requirements that assist consumers in making informed purchasing decisions and recordkeeping requirements that assist the Commission in enforcing the Rules.
Estimated Annual Hours Burden: 1,880,000 hours (160,000 recordkeeping hours + 1,720,000 disclosure hours). Recordkeeping: Staff estimates that approximately 4,000 wool firms are subject to the Wool Rules’ recordkeeping requirements. Based on an average annual burden of 40 hours per firm, the total recordkeeping burden is 160,000 hours.
Disclosure: Approximately 8,000 wool firms, producing or importing about 600,000,000 wool products annually, are subject to the Wool Rules’ disclosure requirements. Staff estimates the burden of determining label content to be 30 hours per year per firm, or a total of 240,000 hours, and the burden of drafting and ordering labels to be 60 hours per firm per year, or a total of 480,000 hours. Staff believes that the process of attaching labels is now fully automated and integrated into other production steps for about 40 percent of all affected products. For the remaining 360,000,000 items (60 percent of 600,000,000), the process is semiautomated and requires an average of approximately ten seconds per item, for a total of 1,000,000 hours per year. Thus, the total estimated annual burden for all firms is 1,720,000 hours (240,000 hours for determining label content + 480,000 hours to draft and order labels + 1,000,000 hours to attach labels). Staff believes that any additional burden associated with advertising disclosure requirements would be minimal (less than 10,000 hours) and can be subsumed within the burden estimates set forth above.
Estimated Annual Cost Burden: $16,380,000, rounded to the nearest thousand (solely relating to labor costs)
DATES: Comments must be received on or before March 19, 2018.
Friday, January 12, 2018
2017 Notorious Markets List Spotlights Global Piracy and Counterfeiting, Defends American Products and Workers
On January 12, 2018, United States Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer announced the findings of the 2017 Special 301 Out-of-Cycle Review of Notorious Markets, also known as the Notorious Markets List (List). The List highlights 25 online markets and 18 physical markets around the world that are reported to be engaging in and facilitating substantial copyright piracy and trademark counterfeiting.
This activity harms the American economy by undermining the innovation and intellectual property rights (IPR) of U.S. owners of IPR in foreign markets. Imports in counterfeit and pirated physical products is estimated at nearly half a trillion dollars, or around 2.5% of global imports.
The 2017 Notorious Markets List maintains its special focus on the distribution of pirated content and counterfeit goods online. This year, the report highlights illicit streaming devices as an emerging piracy model of growing concern. The report also calls on several e-commerce platforms to improve takedown procedures, proactive measures, and cooperation with right holders—particularly small and medium-sized businesses—to decrease the volume and prevalence of counterfeit and pirated goods on their platforms.
Over the past year, some market owners and operators have made efforts to address the widespread availability of pirated or counterfeit goods in their markets. Some governments also continue to institute novel strategies to combat piracy and counterfeiting. These strategies include: voluntary initiatives with advertising networks to cut off financial support for websites devoted to copyright infringement; installing intellectual property enforcement centers on-location in high-priority physical markets; and using skills training to reorient former counterfeit sellers towards operating legitimate businesses. At the same time, we vigilantly monitor marketplaces with a record of piracy and counterfeit goods.
USTR first identified notorious markets in the Special 301 Report in 2006. Since February 2011, USTR has published annually the Notorious Markets List separately from the Special 301 Report, pursuant to an “Out-of-Cycle Review of Notorious Markets,” to increase public awareness and help market operators and governments prioritize IPR enforcement efforts that protect American businesses and their workers.
The Out-of-Cycle Review of Notorious Markets identifies particularly notable online and physical markets that facilitate unfair competition with U.S. products. The report does not constitute an exhaustive list of all markets reported to deal in pirated or counterfeit goods around the world, nor does it reflect findings of legal violations or the U.S. Government’s analysis of the general IPR protection and enforcement climate in the country concerned. Such analysis is contained in the annual Special 301 Report issued at the end of April each year.
FTZ Board Re-Opens Comment Period in Polypropylene Yarn Case
On January 12, 2018 the Foreign Trade Zone Board published in the Federal Register (83 FR 1608) Foreign-Trade Zone 186--Waterville, Maine; Application for Production Authority; Flemish Master Weavers; Subzone 186A; Invitation for Public Comment on Additional Information
The FTZ Board is inviting public comment on a new submission by the City of Waterville, Maine, grantee of FTZ 186, containing additional information pertaining to the production application of Flemish Master Weavers (FMW). The application, which was subject to a public comment period through August 7, 2017, requests unrestricted authority for FMW to produce machine-made woven area rugs from foreign-status continuous filament polypropylene yarn within Subzone 186A at the FMW facility in Sanford, Maine. The new submission on which the FTZ Board is now inviting public comment includes additional information concerning the supply of domestically-produced continuous filament polypropylene yarn and additional HTSUS Subheadings to describe that yarn.
Public comment is invited from interested parties. The closing period for their receipt is February 12, 2018.
Clients of Agathon Associates and subscribers to Agathon Associates' Trade Advisor Service can find the full history of the FMS filing at www.agathonassociates.com/textile-pri/ftz/2017-28-B.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.
Army Coat Contract Awarded
Thursday, January 11, 2018
James (Jim) C. Leonard III, 1939 - 2018
He graduated from NCSU with a master's degree in mathematics and accepted a position with Burlington Industries in Greensboro, NC. Jim worked for Burlington for 34 years in various positions and rose to be the manager of economic analysis and manager of Burlington's lobbying office in Washington, DC. For about 20 of those years, Jim was an advisor to the US Government, dealing with textile/apparel trade agreements with many foreign countries.
In 2001, Jim was asked to come to Washington as a government employee to run the committee he had been an advisor to for 20 years. He was then nominated by President George W. Bush to be deputy assistant secretary of commerce, having responsibility for textiles/apparel and all consumer goods. His last year in Washington, Jim was featured on the front page of the Wall Street Journal in a very favorable article with his level of responsibility at the US Department of Commerce. Jim felt his time in Washington made a difference.
After he returned home, he consulted for the College of Textiles at NCSU and the NC Department of Commerce. Jim was known as a "credible" person with only a hand shake needed to close a deal. He returned to NC at the birth of his first grandson. Family was so important to him that he did not want to miss a moment in the life of grandchildren.
He was active in his church. He especially enjoyed being a Stephen minister and was closely involved with several care receivers in recent years.
His great joy in later life was being able to visit and care for his two grandsons. Until the grandsons reached school age, he helped to provide daycare one day every week. His great sorrow was not being able to see them grow-up. His great hope was that he and CeCe have instilled in their two sons, as their parents instilled in their children, Christian values that will lead them through life.
Jim is survived by his wonderful wife of 50 years, Cecelia Fulmer Leonard; sons James IV (Courtney) of Raleigh and John (Caitlyn) of Raleigh; and grandsons James V and Benjamin; brothers Ralph (Lib) Leonard of Mocksville, Donald (Joanna) Leonard of Winston-Salem; sister Carol (Calvin) Cobb of Houston, Texas.
A memorial service will be at Jamestown United Methodist Church, 403 East Main Street, Jamestown, NC 27282 on January 13 at 11 a.m. The family will receive family and friends in the Fellowship Hall after the service. Memorials can be made to Jamestown United Methodist Church for the music program or Building a Firm Foundation; Hospice Home at Highpoint, 1803 Westchester Drive, High Point, NC 27262; or Jamestown Historical Society, 603 W. Main Street, Jamestown, NC 27282. (Affordable Cremations of Winston-Salem).
Monday is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in the U.S.A.
When President Ronald Reagan, on November 2, 1983, signed into law the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday he reminded his listeners that—
Martin Luther King was born in 1929 in an America where, because of the color of their skin, nearly one in ten lived lives that were separate and unequal…taught in segregated schools…could find only poor jobs, toiling for low wages…refused entry into hotels and restaurants, made to use separate facilities. In a nation that proclaimed liberty and justice for all, too many black Americans were living with neither.
President Reagan went on to remark that "Dr. King had awakened something strong and true, a sense that true justice must be colorblind." And Mr. Reagan pointed to both the progress made—and yet to be made—in the struggle for an America that lives up to her noble sentiment that all men are created equal, citing the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Voting Rights Act of 1965. Reagan, as he so often did, then called on Americans to embrace and enlarge upon their better nature, and exhorted his listeners—
But most important, there was not just a change of law; there was a change of heart. The conscience of America had been touched. Across the land, people had begun to treat each other not as blacks and whites, but as fellow Americans.
Traces of bigotry still mar America. So, each year on Martin Luther King Day, let us not only recall Dr. King, but rededicate ourselves to the Commandments he believed in and sought to live every day: Thou shall love thy God with all thy heart, and thou shall love thy neighbor as thyself. And I just have to believe that all of us —- if all of us, young and old, Republicans and Democrats, do all we can to live up to those Commandments, then we will see the day when Dr. King's dream comes true.
USTR Robert Lighthizer Statement on the Canadian WTO Challenge to Trade Remedies
“Canada’s new request for consultations at the WTO is a broad and ill-advised attack on the U.S. trade remedies system. U.S. trade remedies ensure that trade is fair by counteracting dumping or subsidies that are injuring U.S. workers, farmers, and manufacturers. Canada’s claims are unfounded and could only lower U.S. confidence that Canada is committed to mutually beneficial trade.
“Canada is acting against its own workers’ and businesses’ interests. Even if Canada succeeded on these groundless claims, other countries would primarily benefit, not Canada. For example, if the U.S. removed the orders listed in Canada’s complaint, the flood of imports from China and other countries would negatively impact billions of dollars in Canadian exports to the United States, including nearly $9 billion in exports of steel and aluminum products and more than $2.5 billion in exports of wood and paper products. Canada’s claims threaten the ability of all countries to defend their workers against unfair trade. Canada’s complaint is bad for Canada.”
Nominations for the Trade Advisory Committee on Africa
DATES: USTR will accept nominations on a rolling basis for membership on the TACA for the four-year charter term beginning in March 2018. To ensure consideration before the new charter term, you should submit you application by February 2, 2018.
The TACA is a discretionary trade advisory committee established to provide general policy advice to the United States Trade Representative on trade policy and development matters that have a significant impact on the countries of sub-Saharan Africa. More specifically, the TACA provides general policy advice on issues that may affect the countries of sub-Saharan Africa including: (1) Negotiating objectives and bargaining positions before entering into trade agreements; (2) the impact of the implementation of trade agreements; (3) matters concerning the operation of any trade agreement once entered into; and (4) other matters arising in connection with the development, implementation, and administration of the trade policy of the United States. The TACA also facilitates the goals and objectives of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and assists in maintaining ongoing discussions with sub-Saharan African trade and agriculture ministries and private sector organizations on issues of mutual concern, including regional and international trade concerns and World Trade Organization issues.
The TACA meets as needed, at the call of the United States Trade Representative or his/her designee, or two-thirds of the TACA members, depending on various factors such as the level of activity of trade negotiations and the needs of the United States Trade Representative.
The TACA is composed of not more than 30 members who have expertise in general trade, investment and development issues and specific knowledge of United States-Africa trade and investment trends including trade under the AGOA; constraints to trade and investment (including infrastructure, energy and financing); trade facilitation measures; sanitary and phyto-sanitary measures and technicalbarriers to trade; trade capacity building; investment treaty negotiations; United States-Africa investment and private sector partnerships; and implementation of World Trade Organization agreements. Members may represent industry, organized labor, investment, agriculture, services, non-profit development organizations, academia, and small business.
The United States Trade Representative appoints all TACA members for a term of four-years or until the TACA charter expires, and they serve at his/her discretion. Individuals can be reappointed for any number of terms. The United States Trade Representative makes appointments without regard to political affiliation and with an interest in ensuring balance in terms of sectors, demographics, and other factors relevant to the USTR's needs. Insofar as practicable, TACA membership will reflect regional diversity and be broadly representative of key sectors and groups of the economy with an interest in trade and sub-Saharan Africa issues, including U.S. citizens who are diaspora African and U.S. citizens of African descent with requisite knowledge and experience.
TACA members serve without either compensation or reimbursement of expenses. Members are responsible for all expenses they incur to attend meetings or otherwise participate in TACA activities.
USTR is soliciting nominations for membership on the TACA. To apply for membership, an applicant must meet the following eligibility criteria:
1. The applicant must be a U.S. citizen.
2. The applicant cannot be a full-time employee of a U.S. governmental entity.
3. If serving in an individual capacity as an SGE, the applicant cannot be a federally registered lobbyist.
4. The applicant cannot be registered with the U.S. Department of Justice under the Foreign Agents Registration Act.
5. The applicant must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance.
6. For representative members, who will comprise the overwhelming majority of the TACA, the applicant must represent a U.S. organization whose members (or funders) have a demonstrated interest in issues relevant to U.S. African trade and investment or have personal experience or expertise in United States-sub-Saharan African trade.
For eligibility purposes, a ``U.S. organization'' is an organization established under the laws of the United States, that is controlled by U.S. citizens, by another U.S. organization (or organizations), or by a U.S. entity (or entities), determined based on its board of directors (or comparable governing body), membership, and funding sources, as applicable. To qualify as a U.S. organization, more than 50 percent of the board of directors (or comparable governing body) and more than 50 percent of the membership of the organization to be represented must be U.S. citizens, U.S. organizations, or U.S. entities. Additionally, at least 50 percent of the organization's annual revenue must be attributable to nongovernmental U.S. sources.
7. For members who will serve in an individual capacity, the applicant must possess subject matter expertise regarding sub-Saharan Africa trade issues.
Tuesday, January 9, 2018
Federal Business Opportunities through January 10, 2018
------------------------------------------------------- Title: INSIGNIA,GARRISON CAP Sol. #: SPE1C118T0120 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Tulsa ANG Gear Sol. #: TulsaANGGear Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Red Sashs & Red Belts Sol. #: W911SD-18-T-0084 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: PANEL MARKER Sol. #: SPE1C118Q0102 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: IGF::OT::IGF MASTER BPA FOR FR CLOTHING RENTAL Sol. #: 140R1018Q0009 Agency: Department of the Interior ------------------------------------------------------- Title: FLAG,NATIONAL Sol. #: SPE1C118Q0020 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Black Wool Mufflers Sol. #: W911SD-18-P-0040 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Laundry Supply and Services Sol. #: 12034318Q0029 Agency: Department of Agriculture ------------------------------------------------------- Title: USMC Historical Uniforms Sol. #: MCAGCC18Q0002 Agency: Department of the Navy ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Tent Cot Sol. #: RILEYHHBNJLB0001 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Maroon Tassels Sol. #: W911SD-18-T-0050 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: White Cotton Webbing Sol. #: W911SD-18-T-0044 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Total Solutions for Law Enforcement, Security, Facilities Management, Fire, Rescue Sol. #: 7FCI-L3-030084-B Agency: General Services Administration ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Uniform Services Sol. #: 201700351 Agency: Federal Reserve ------------------------------------------------------- Title: POCKET,AMMUNITION M Sol. #: SPE1C118T0562 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: CASE,SHOTGUN AMMUNI Sol. #: SPE1C118Q0049 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Horse Hair Cloth Sol. #: W911SD-18-T-0030 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: INSIGNIA,GRADE,ENLISTE Sol. #: SPE1C118T0764 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: FLAG,ORGANIZATIONAL Sol. #: SPE1C118T0766 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: FLAG,NATIONAL Sol. #: SPE1C118T0790 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: DECORATION SET,INDI Sol. #: SPE1C118T0780 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: SHOULDER CORD,INFAN Sol. #: SPE1C118T0772 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Tulsa ANG Clothing Sol. #: TulsaANGClothing Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Tulsa ANG Gear Sol. #: TulsaANGGear Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Tulsa ANG Boots Sol. #: TulsaANGBoots Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: INSIGNIA,SERVICE CAP Sol. #: SPE1C118T0473 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: MOBILITY BAGS Sol. #: W912JA-18-R-0112 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Enhanced-Multi Mission Parachute System (E-MMPS) Sol. #: M67854-17-R-1200 Agency: Department of the Navy ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Crye Precision Uniforms Sol. #: F3UUAA7326AW01 Agency: Department of the Air Force ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Vital Torso Protection - Full Rate Production Sol. #: W91CRB-16-R-0010 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Collars and Cuffs Sol. #: W911SD-18-T-0042 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Uniform Sewing and Embroidery Services Sol. #: H92240-18-Q-1004 Agency: Other Defense Agencies ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Police Motorcycle Breeches Sol. #: IQ1_LOG201800023 Agency: United States Capitol Police ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Wind Tunnel Suits - Custom Fitted Sol. #: FA301618U0059 Agency: Department of the Air Force ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Velocity Systems Brand Name Sources Sought Sol. #: HQ003418R0043 Agency: Department of the Air Force ------------------------------------------------------- Title: DECORATION SET,INDI Sol. #: SPE1C118T0478 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: CLOTH,LAMINATED Sol. #: SPE1C118T0316 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: INSIGNIA,SHOULDER S Sol. #: SPE1C118T0753 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency Office: DLA Acquisition Locations ------------------------------------------------------- Title: LaSportiva 856-Karakorum Mountaineering Boots Sol. #: Benning375EMB0001 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Police Motorcycle Breeches Sol. #: IQ1_LOG201800023 Agency: United States Capitol Police ------------------------------------------------------- Title: INSIGNIA,SHOULDER S Sol. #: SPE1C118Q0099 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: FLIGHT HELMET REPAIR PARTS Sol. #: 140L0218Q0004 Agency: Department of the Interior ------------------------------------------------------- Title: MASK SIMUNITION Sol. #: POLKTSCBC0004 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: INSIGNIA,SHOULDER S Sol. #: SPE1C118Q0096 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: INSIGNIA,SHOULDER S Sol. #: SPE1C118Q0061 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.