Differences between the official trade statistics produced by the U.S. and China are narrowing, a report by the U.S.-China Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade Statistics Working Group said. Its second phase report on the statistical discrepancy of merchandise trade between the two countries updated a March 2010 report. The two nations each publish data that measures the bilateral merchandise trade flows between them, but while both follow international statistical standards, differences in the statistics arise as a result of data and methodological differences, the Department of Commerce said.

The International Trade Administration announced the allocation of the calendar year 2013 tariff-rate quotas for the importation of two types of worsted wool fabrics suitable for use in making suits, suit-type jackets, and trousers (HTS 9902.51.11 and 9902.51.15), and one type of worsted wool fabric suitable for use in making men's and boys' suits (HTS 9902.51.16).The ITA said all applicants were determined to be eligible for an allocation. Allocation recipients for the three worsted wool fabric TRQs for 2011 are as follows:

The International Trade Administration’s Environmental Technologies Trade Advisory Committee will meet Feb. 26 at 9 a.m. ET in Washington, D.C. to outline issues and policies that affect environmental trade going forward. The committee will also discuss the status of the U.S. Environmental Export Initiative. The ITA is accepting comments at any time before or after the meeting, it said.

The Foreign Trade Zones Board issued the following notices for Jan. 22:

The Foreign Trade Zones Board scheduled a free webinar Feb. 26 at 1 p.m. ET on its revised regulations for a grantee’s “zone schedule” (which lists the zone’s fees and policies), including how the zone schedule relates to public utility requirements. The webinar is focused on grantee functions, but is open to anyone interested in participating. To attend, RSVP to ftz@trade.gov by Feb. 22. Each RSVP should include the attendee’s name and email address.

The Foreign Trade Zones Board issued the following notices for Jan. 18:

The Foreign Trade Zones Board issued the following notices for Jan. 15:

The Foreign Trade Zones Board issued the following notices for Jan. 14:

The International Trade Administration’s Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Advisory Committee will meet Feb. 20 at 9:30 a.m. ET to discuss ideas for improving the competitiveness of U.S. renewable energy and energy efficiency exporters in foreign markets. The meeting will take place in Washington, D.C. Requests to attend are due by Feb. 15. Written comments must be also be received by that date to be considered.

The Foreign Trade Zones Board issued the following notices for Jan. 10: