April 22, 2024, the Office of the U.S. Trade Reprentative announced that Katherine White will serve as USTR’s Chief Textiles and Apparel Negotiator. Ms. White joins USTR from the House Ways and Means Committee in the United States Congress where she served as International Trade Policy Advisor. In this capacity, she advised Ranking Member Richard Neal (D-MA) and Democratic Members of the Committee on trade policy matters, shaped U.S. trade laws, and participated in the negotiation, implementation, and enforcement of U.S. trade agreements, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). She has worked closely with the textile and apparel industry during the development of trade legislation.
Tuesday, April 23, 2024
Monday, April 22, 2024
Frequently Asked Questions - Guidance on Marking of Goods of Hong Kong – Executive Order 13936
Every article of foreign origin or its container imported into the Customs territory of the United States shall be marked in a conspicuous place and in such manner as to indicate to the ultimate purchaser in the United States the English name of the country of origin of the article (19 U.S.C. §1304 and 19 CFR 134.11).
Imported goods that are produced in Hong Kong that are entered, or withdrawn from warehouse, for consumption into the United States after the transition period must be marked to indicate that their origin is “China” for purposes of 19 U.S.C. § 1304.
Goods that are not marked properly after the transition period may be brought into a Foreign Trade Zone to be properly marked under a permit to manipulate issued by the Port Director.
Similarly, goods which are improperly or falsely marked may be brought into an FTZ under a permit to manipulate to correct or remove such marking so as to comply with the laws and regulations (19 CFR 134.13(b)).
The change in marking requirements does not affect country of origin determinations for purposes of assessing ordinary duties under Chapters 1-97 of the HTSUS or temporary or additional duties under Chapter 99 of the HTSUS. Therefore, goods that are products of Hong Kong should continue to report International Organization for Standardization (ISO) country code “HK” as the country of origin when required.
RRead more HERE.
Initiation of Section 301 Investigation: China's Acts, Policies, and Practices Targeting the Maritime, Logistics, and Shipbuilding Sectors for Dominance
On April 22, 20214, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative published in the Federal Register (89 FR 29424 Initiation of Section 301 Investigation: China's Acts, Policies, and Practices Targeting the Maritime, Logistics, and Shipbuilding Sectors for Dominance.
On March 12, 2024, five labor unions filed a Section 301 petition regarding the acts, policies, and practices of China to dominate the maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding sector. The petition was filed pursuant to section 302(a)(1) of the Trade Act of 1974, as amended (Trade Act) (19 U.S.C. 2412(a)(1)), requesting action pursuant to Section 301(b) (19 U.S.C. 2411(b)).
The five petitioners are the United Steel, Paper and Forestry, Rubber, Manufacturing, Energy, Allied Industrial and Service Workers International Union, AFL-CIO CLC (USW), the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmiths, Forgers and Helpers, AFL-CIO/CLC (IBB), the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), and the Maritime Trades Department of the AFL-CIO (MTD).
Sunday, April 21, 2024
Polyester Textured Yarn from India was not Sold in the United States at Less than Normal Value in 2022
On April 18, 2024, the International Trade Administration published in the Federal Register (89 FR 27713 Polyester Textured Yarn From India: Final Results of Antidumping Duty Administrative Review; 2022.
The U.S. Department of Commerce (Commerce) determines that polyester textured yarn (yarn) from India was not sold in the United States at less than normal value (NV) during the period of review (POR) January 1, 2022, through December 31, 2022.
Production Authority Not Approved; Foreign-Trade Zone 38; Teijin Carbon Fibers, Inc.
On April 17, 20245, the Foreign-Trade Zone Board published in the Federal Register (89 FR 27413) Production Authority Not Approved; Foreign-Trade Zone 38; Teijin Carbon Fibers, Inc.; (Carbon Fiber); Greenwood, South Carolina.
The Board adopted the findings and recommendations of the examiner's report, and found that the requirements of the FTZ Act and the Board's regulations have not been satisfied.
Therefore, the Board did not approve the application, as amended, requesting to remove the restriction requiring that all foreign status 24,000 tow PAN fiber admitted for production activity be re-exported (entry for U.S. consumption was not authorized) within FTZ 38 at the facility of Teijin Carbon Fibers, Inc., located in Greenwood, South Carolina, as described in the application and Federal Register notice.
Men's Uniform Dress Coat Contract Awarded
April 19, 2024, Fechheimer Brothers Co., Cincinnati, Ohio, has been awarded a maximum $16,355,700 modification (P00012) exercising the third one-year option period of a one-year base contract (SPE1C1-21-D-1466) with four one-year option periods for men's uniform dress coats. This is a firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract. Location of performance is Illinois, with an April 26, 2025, ordering period end date. Using military service is Army. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2024 through 2025 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Maternity Blouse and Trouser Contract Awarded
April 18, 2024, American Apparel Inc.,* Selma, Alabama, has been awarded a maximum $14,060,405 modification (P00009) exercising the first one-year option period of a one-year base contract (SPE1C1-23-D-0047) with four one-year option periods for maternity blouses and trousers. This is a firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract. The ordering period end date is April 24, 2025. Using military service is Marine Corps. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2024 through 2025 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
*Small Business
Trouser Contract Awarded
April 18, 2024, Pentaq Manufacturing Corp.,** Sabana Grande, Puerto Rico, has been awarded a maximum $22,278,375 modification (P00031) exercising the fourth one-year option period of a one-year base contract (SPE1C1-20-D-1258) with four one-year option periods for various types of trousers. This is a firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract. The ordering period end date is April 20, 2025. Using military services are Army and Air Force. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2024 through 2025 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Awarded April 16, 2024)
**Small business in historically underutilized business zones
Men’s Short Sleeve Khaki Shirt Contract Awarded
April 18, 2024, Bernard Cap LLC,* Hialeah, Florida, has been awarded a maximum $35,147,686 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for men’s short sleeve khaki shirts. This was a competitive acquisition with eleven responses received. This is a five-year contract with no option periods. The ordering period end date is April 15, 2029. Using military service is Navy. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2024 through 2029 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (SPE1C1-24-D-0048). (Awarded April 16, 2024)
*Small Business
Rhode Island Company Wins Air Force and Army Beret Contract
April 17, 2024, Hyman Brickle & Son Inc.,* Woonsocket, Rhode Island, has been awarded a maximum $12,487,118 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for men’s berets. This was a competitive acquisition with three responses received. This is a four-year contract with no option periods. The ordering period end date is April 16, 2028. Using military services are Air Force and Army. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2024 through 2028 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (SPE1C1-24-D-0050).
Monday, April 15, 2024
Fine Denier Polyester Staple Fiber From the People’s Republic of China, India, the Republic of Korea, and Taiwan: Continuation of Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Orders
On April 11, 2024, the International Trade Administration published in the Federal Register (89 FR 25563) [A–570–060, A–533–875, A–580–893, A–583–860, C–570–061, C–533–876] Fine Denier Polyester Staple Fiber From the People’s Republic of China, India, the Republic of Korea, and Taiwan: Continuation of Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Orders
Sunday, April 14, 2024
Fischer Sports Recalls Junior Ski Boots Due to Fall Hazard
This recall involves RC4 50, RC4 60, and RC4 65 Junior Ski Boots in sizes 21.5 to 27.5. The RC4 50 and RC4 60 were sold in Rhino Grey and Snow colors. The RC4 65 was sold in yellow. “Fischer” is printed on the lower shell on each boot, and the specific model and name is printed on the outside of the upper cuff, between the two top buckles. The size of the boot is stamped on the sole.
Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled RC4 Junior Ski Boots and contact Fischer Sports for instructions on how to receive a refund, a free replacement, or a free repair.
Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received one report of an incident of the ski boot cuff rotated. No injuries have been reported.
Sold At: Ski gear stores nationwide and online at https://www.fischersports.com/us_en/ and other websites from October 2022 through February 2024 for between $200 and $275.
Manufacturer(s): Fischer Sports US, of Auburn, New Hampshire
Importer(s): Fischer Sports US, of Auburn, New Hampshire
Manufactured In: Romania
Recall number: 24-191
More information and photos HERE.
Touchat Area Rugs Recalled Due to Fire Hazard; Violation of Federal Flammability Regulations; Sold Exclusively on Amazon.com by Touchat
This recall involves Touchat Large Fuzzy Area Rugs. The rectangular rugs are gray and measure 8 feet x 10 feet. “100% Polyester” and “Made in China” are printed on a label on the underside of the product.
Remedy: Consumers should stop using the recalled rugs immediately and contact Touchat for a full refund. Consumers will be asked to destroy the product by cutting it in half, and to provide proof of destruction by sending a photo of the cut product to jurysun@outlook.com to receive a full refund. Touchat is contacting all known purchasers directly.
Incidents/Injuries: None reported
Sold At: Amazon.com from October 2023 through November 2023 for between $80 and $113.
Retailer: Jian De Shi Jia Jin Chu Kou You Xian Gong Si DBA Touchat, of China
Manufactured In: China
Recall number: 24-195
More information and photos HERE.
Red Land Cotton Recalls Quilts and Shams Due to Laceration Hazard
This recall involves Red Land Cotton quilts and quilted shams. The Classic quilts come in white, natural, ticking stripe, blue, or gray, in all sizes: twin, full/queen, and king/California king sizes. The Classic quilted euro shams come in white, natural and ticking stripe. King and Standard shams are white, natural, blue, gray and ticking stripe. Baby quilts come in white, natural and charcoal ticking print.
Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled quilts and quilt shams and visit www.redlandcotton.com/pages/voluntary-quilt-recall for instructions on how to participate in the recall. Red Land Cotton will be offering a replacement product (of the same value) or a refund in the form of a store credit or a refund check. Consumers will be asked to provide proof of purchase, in the way of photos of the recalled products, a purchase receipt, or other form of payment documentation. Red Land Cotton is notifying all known consumers who purchased the recalled products.
Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received three reports of consumers being jabbed by a sharp metal needle from the product, including one breaking the skin on a consumer’s hand.
Sold At: Red Land Cotton store and online at redlandcotton.com and amazon.com from May 2023 through February 2024 for between $75 and $310.
Manufacturer(s): Red Land Cotton, Moulton, Alabama
Manufactured In: United States
Recall number: 24-193
More information and photos HERE.
Trouser Contract Awarded
April 12, 2024, American Polymers LLC,** doing business as AMPO USA, Vernon, California, has been awarded a maximum $30,750,000 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for trousers. This was a competitive acquisition with four responses received. This is a five-year contract with no option periods. Location of performance is New Jersey, with an April 11, 2029, ordering period end date. Using military service is Navy. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2024 through 2029 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (SPE1C1-24-D-0049).
Ballistic Combat Shirt Contract
April 11, 2024, Bethel Industries Inc.,* Jersey City, New Jersey (W91CRB-24-D-0006); Puerto Rico Industries for the Blind Corp., Mayaguez, Puerto Rico (W91CRB-24-D-0007); Point Blank Enterprises Inc., Pompano Beach, Florida (W91CRB-24-D-0008); Bluewater Defense Inc.,* Corozal, Puerto Rico (W91CRB-24-D-0009); and Slate Solutions LLC,* Sunrise, Florida (W91CRB-24-D-0010), will compete for each order of the $628,415,825 hybrid (cost-plus-fixed-fee and firm-fixed-price) contract for the Ballistic Combat Shirt. Bids were solicited via the internet with 14 received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of April 9, 2033. Army Contracting Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, is the contracting activity.
*Small Business
Monday, April 8, 2024
Men's Dress Trouser Contract Awarded
April 5, 2024, Bernard Cap LLC,* Hialeah, Florida, has been awarded a maximum $8,070,516 modification (P00005) exercising the second one-year option period of a one-year base contract (SPE1C1-22-D-1544) with four one-year option periods for men’s dress trousers. This is a firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract. The ordering period end date is April 11, 2025. Using military service is Navy. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2024 through 2025 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
*Small Business
Flight Deck Safety Boot Contract Awarded
April 5, 2024, Belleville Shoe Manufacturing Co.,* Belleville, Illinois, has been awarded a maximum $10,334,376 modification (P00008) exercising the second one-year option period of a one-year base contract (SPE1C1-22-D-1541) with two one-year option periods for general purpose and flight deck safety boots. This is a firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract. Locations of performance are Missouri and Arkansas, with an April 6, 2025, ordering period end date. Using military service is Navy. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2024 through 2025 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
*Small Business
Friday, April 5, 2024
AD/CVD Fine Denier Polyester Staple Fiber From China, India, South Korea, and Taiwan
On April 5, 2024, the U.S. International Trade Commmission published in the Federal Register (89 FR 24033) [Investigation Nos. 701–TA–579–580 and 731–TA–1369–1372 (Review)] Fine Denier Polyester Staple Fiber From China, India, South Korea, and Taiwan.
Thursday, April 4, 2024
Hot Weather Boot Contract Awarded
April 4, 2024, McRae Industries,* Mt. Gilead, North Carolina, has been awarded a maximum $31,444,644 fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for hot weather boots. This was a competitive acquisition with two responses received. This is a four-year contract with no option periods. The ordering period end date is March 27, 2028. Using military service is Marine Corps. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2024 through 2028 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (SPE1C1-24-D-0044).
*Small Business
Lovey & Grink Recalls Children’s Pajamas Due to Burn Hazard; Violation of Federal Flammability Regulations for Children’s Sleepwear
This recall involves four types of children’s sleepwear garments: girl’s two-piece pajama sets, girl’s nightgowns, boy’s two-piece pajama sets, and unisex two-piece pajama sets. They were sold in the following prints: Sushi, S’mores, Heart Pops, Rainbow Sky, Popcorn, Puppy Love, Race Car, Sports, Beach Day, Summer Treats, Pasta, Cherry Berry, Love Potion, With the Band, Recycle, Halloween, Birthday Treats, Build-a-Block, Blue Gummy Bears, Gingerbread, Helicopters, Hanukkah Penguins, Rainbow Hearts and Vacation Vibes. The pajama sets were sold in sizes 12 Months to 9/10. The size, “Made In Indonesia”, “RN64664”, “48% Cotton/47% Modal/5% Spandex”, and washing instructions are printed on the neck label. No side seam label is found on the product.
Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the recalled pajamas away from children, stop using them, and contact Lovey & Grink for a full refund. Consumers who purchased the product will be asked to destroy the garments by cutting them in half and disposing of them in accordance with local and state recycling laws. Consumers must send a photo of the destroyed garment to recall@loveyandgrink.com. Upon receipt of the photo, consumers will be issued a full refund of the purchase price.
Incidents/Injuries: None reported
Sold At: Five Loaves Two Fish (Coronado, California), Sassy Pants (Stockton, California), Wards Terrilee (Closter, N.J.), Little Luna (New York), Groove (Westport, Connecticut), Bean 2 Tween (Southampton, N.Y.), Reform Kids (Cresskill, N.J,), Stella Mara (Englewood, N.J.), State of Kid (Miami, Florida), and Blue Jean Baby (Woodbury, N.Y.) and online at loveyandgrink.com, Saks.com, Bloomingdales.com and Maisonette.com from September 2022 through January 2024 for between $38 and $44.
Importer(s): Koala Tree Enterprises, DBA Lovey & Grink, of Los Angeles, California
Manufactured In: Indonesia
Recall number: 24-183
More information and photos HERE.
Mohawk FTZ Application Denided
On April 1, 2024, the Foreign-Trade Zone Board published in the Federal Register (89 FR 22372) Production Activity Not Authorized; Foreign-Trade Zone (FTZ) 26; Mohawk Carpet Distribution, LLC; (Machine-Made Woven and Tufted Rugs of Polypropylene); Calhoun and Sugar Valley, Georgia
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