Miscellaneous International Trade Notices

1. Agreement Amendments to Reduce Capacity Filed with FMC

The Federal Maritime Commission is announcing that the following Agreement amendments have been filed (comments are due within 10 days of August 12):

An amendment to reduce the vessel contributions and fleet capacities of parties to the COSCON/KL/YMUK/Hanjin Worldwide Slot Allocation & Sailing Agreement.

An amendment to suspend the operation of the service loop covering central China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and California and restructure the parties' remaining service loop between north and central China and California for parties to the CMA CGM/MSC/Maersk Line North and Central China-US Pacific Coast Two-Loop Space Charter, Sailing and Cooperative Working Agreement.

(FR Pub 08/12/09, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-19356.pdf)

2. U.S. Goods and Services Deficit Increased in June 2009

According to the Census Bureau, the U.S. international deficit in goods and services increased to $27.0 billion in June from $26.0 billion (revised) in May, as imports increased more than exports. (Census release, dated 08/12/09, available at http://www.census.gov/foreign-trade/Press-Release/current_press_release/press.html.)

3. Canada and Panama Conclude FTA Negotiations

Canada and Panama have concluded negotiations on a free trade agreement, alongside new agreements on labor and environmental co-operation. The Canada-Panama free trade agreement will eliminate tariffs in a range of sectors, including industry, agriculture, forestry, fish and other seafood. (Notice, dated 08/11/09, available at http://pm.gc.ca/eng/media.asp?id=2730)

4. CBSA Posts Checklist of Its D Series Memoranda

Canada Border Services Agency has posted a checklist of its D Series Memoranda. The checklist includes the number, subject, and date of each memorandum. (Checklist, posted 08/11/09, available at http://www.cbsa.gc.ca/publications/dm-md/d0/d200907.pdf)

5. CBSA Statement of Reasons for Preliminary Determination on Certain Mattress Innerspring Units from China

Canada Border Services Agency has issued a Statement of Reasons concerning its July 27th preliminary affirmative determination of dumping regarding certain mattress innerspring units from China. (Statement of Reasons, dated 08/11/09, available at http://www.cbsa.gc.ca/sima-lmsi/i-e/ad1383/ad1383-i09-pd-eng.pdf)

6. China to Arrest 4 Employees of Multinational Mining Company on Trade Secret & Bribery Charges

China's Embassy to the U.S. reports that Chinese prosecutors have approved the arrest of four employees of the Anglo-Australian mining company Rio Tinto Ltd. on charges of trade secrets infringement and bribery. (Notice, dated 08/11/09, available at http://www.china-embassy.org/eng/xw/t577894.htm)

7. State Dept Solicits Members for DTAG Trade Advisory Group

The State Department's Political-Military Affairs' Defense Trade Advisory Group (DTAG) is accepting membership applications for the 2010-2012 term. The Bureau of Political-Military Affairs is interested in applications from representatives of the U. S. defense industry, relevant trade and labor associations, academia, and foundation personnel. All applications must be postmarked by October 9, 2009. (FR Pub 08/12/09, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-19359.pdf)

8. Global Entry Initiative to Expand to 13 Additional Airports

On August 12, 2009, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Napolitano announced the expansion of the Global Entry initiative - a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) pilot program that streamlines the screening process at airports for trusted travelers through biometric identification - to 13 additional airports across the U.S. Starting Aug. 24, new Global Entry enrollment centers and kiosks will open at 13 additional international U.S. airports in Boston, Dallas, Detroit, Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Honolulu, Las Vegas, Newark, N.J., Orlando, Fla., Sanford*, Fla., Philadelphia, San Juan, Puerto Rico, San Francisco and Seattle. (DHS press release, dated 08/12/09, available at http://www.dhs.gov/ynews/releases/pr_1250094008914.shtm.)

9. DHS Secretary Discusses SW Border Security at Recent Conference

The Department of Homeland Security has posted DHS Secretary Napolitano's remarks at the Border Security Conference in El Paso, TX. During her remarks, the Secretary addressed DHS' Southwest border security efforts. (Remarks, dated 08/11/09, available at http://www.dhs.gov/ynews/speeches/sp_1250028863008.shtm.)

10. FSIS Updates List of Uruguay and Chile Establishments Eligible to Export Meat and Poultry to U.S.

The Food Safety and Inspection Service has issued August 7 and 8, 2009 versions of its list of Uruguay and Chile establishments eligible to export meat and poultry to the U.S.

11. Two Foreign Trade Zone Applications

FTZ 274. Applications for Reorganization Under Alternative Site Framework:

• Butte-Silver Bow, MT

FTZ 74. Applications for Subzone Status. Baltimore, MD; Tulkoff Food Products, Inc. (Dehydrated Garlic)

12. Updated List of Instructions and U.S. Plants for Exporting Meat and Poultry to Foreign Countries

FSIS has provided updated information as noted below for the export of U.S. meat and poultry to the following:

Mexico(Aug 6, 2009)

Colombia(Aug 6 2009)

Cuba (Aug 10, 2009)

Guatemala(Aug 10, 2009)

Russia (Aug 11, 2009)

Hong Kong (Aug 11, 2009)

13. Agency Seeks Comments on Information Collections

Various U.S. government agencies are seeking comments on the following information collections for which they have requested or intend to request Office of Management and Budget approval or extension of approval (see notices for specific details):

Agency Information Collection Comments Due