Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Services Surveys: BE-29, Annual Survey of Foreign Ocean Carriers' Expenses in the United States, 58330-58331 [2024-15755]

Download as PDF 58330 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 138 / Thursday, July 18, 2024 / Notices Signed at Washington, DC, July 11, 2024. Joseph J. Prusacki, Acting Associate Administrator. [FR Doc. 2024–15804 Filed 7–17–24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–20–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Bureau of Economic Analysis Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Services Surveys: BE–29, Annual Survey of Foreign Ocean Carriers’ Expenses in the United States Bureau of Economic Analysis, Commerce. ACTION: Notice of information collection, request for comment. AGENCY: The Department of Commerce, in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), invites the general public and other Federal agencies to comment on proposed and continuing information collections, which helps us assess the impact of our information collection requirements and minimize the public’s reporting burden. The purpose of this notice is to allow for 60 days of public comment preceding submission of the collection to OMB. DATES: To ensure consideration, comments regarding this proposed information collection must be received on or before September 16, 2024. ADDRESSES: Interested persons are invited to submit written comments to Christopher Stein, Chief, Services Surveys Branch, Bureau of Economic Analysis, by email to christopher.stein@ bea.gov or PRAcomments@bea.gov. Please reference OMB Control Number 0608–0012 in the subject line of your comments. Do not submit Confidential Business Information or otherwise sensitive or protected information. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or specific questions related to collection activities should be directed to Christopher Stein, Chief, Services Surveys Branch, Bureau of Economic Analysis; 301–278–9189; or via email at christopher.stein@bea.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: I. Abstract The Annual Survey of Foreign Ocean Carriers’ Expenses in the United States (BE–29) collects data from U.S. agents of foreign ocean carriers that handled 40 or more foreign ocean carrier port calls VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:47 Jul 17, 2024 Jkt 262001 during the year or had total covered expenses of $250,000 or more during the year, for all foreign ocean vessels handled by the U.S. agent. The data are needed to monitor U.S. trade in transport services, to analyze the impact of these cross-border services on the U.S. and foreign economies, to compile and improve the U.S. economic accounts, to support U.S. commercial policy on trade in transport services, to conduct trade promotion, and to improve the ability of U.S. businesses to identify and evaluate market opportunities. The data are used in estimating the trade in transport services component of the U.S. international transactions accounts (ITAs) and national income and product accounts (NIPAs). The Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) is proposing one change to the data items collected on the survey. BEA proposes to modify how the data are reported for U.S. expenses of foreign liner (including passenger/cruise) ocean carriers in Part III. Currently, for each carrier, the reporting agent is required to combine all port call activities and report the carrier’s combined expenses and shipping weights. BEA has found that consolidating the expenses and shipping weights by liner is difficult for reporters. Importantly, it is not uncommon for reporters to omit some unknown shipping weights during consolidation by carrier, which ultimately yields per-ton rates of expenses that are artificially too high. In contrast, more complete data, including shipping weights, are typically reported for tramp (dry bulk) and tanker (liquid bulk) vessel activities in Party II of the survey. BEA proposes to collect 15 individual sets of port call expenses and shipping weights in lieu of consolidated reporting of these data for each foreign liner carrier, similar to how data are collected for tramp and tanker vessel activity. The information for foreign liner carriers would be collected on a new Schedule C of the survey that replaces Part III. Additionally, Part II of the survey would be broken out into Schedule A (for tramp vessels) and Schedule B (for tanker vessels), to collect tramp and tanker separately, but the instructions for these responses will not change. BEA estimates there will be no change in the average number of burden hours per response because the data are already collected as a consolidation of port calls, for all liners represented by the reporting agent. Reporters would only be required to provide 15 individual port calls across all carriers they represent, which would simplify PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 the reporting in this section of the survey. BEA does not plan to change the exemption levels used for the current annual survey. BEA estimates there will be no change in the average number of burden hours per response. The language in the instructions and definitions will be reviewed and adjusted as necessary to clarify survey requirements. II. Method of Collection BEA contacts potential respondents by mail at the end of each year. Respondents would be required to file the completed BE–29 forms within 45 days after the end of each calendar year. Reports would be required from U.S. agents of foreign ocean carriers that handled 40 or more foreign ocean carrier port calls during the year or had covered expenses of $250,000 or more during the year for all foreign ocean vessels handled by the U.S. agent. Entities required to report will be contacted individually by BEA. Entities not contacted by BEA have no reporting responsibilities. BEA offers its electronic filing option, the eFile system, for use in reporting on Form BE–29. For more information about eFile, go to www.bea.gov/efile. In addition, BEA posts all its survey forms and reporting instructions on its website, www.bea.gov/ssb. These may be downloaded, completed, printed, and submitted via fax or mail. III. Data OMB Control Number: 0608–0012. Form Number(s): BE–29. Type of Review: Regular submission. Affected Public: Business or other forprofit organizations. Estimated Number of Respondents: 80 annually (70 reporting mandatory data, and 10 that would file exemption claims or voluntary responses). Estimated Time per Response: 3 hours is the average for those reporting mandatory data and one hour is the average for those filing an exemption claim or voluntary responses. Hours may vary considerably among respondents because of differences in company size and complexity. Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 220. Estimated Total Annual Cost to Public: $0. Respondent’s Obligation: Mandatory. Legal Authority: International Investment and Trade in Services Survey Act (Pub. L. 94–472, 22 U.S.C. 3101–3108, as amended). IV. Request for Comments Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of information E:\FR\FM\18JYN1.SGM 18JYN1 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 138 / Thursday, July 18, 2024 / Notices is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the Agency’s estimate of the burden (including hours and cost) of the proposed collection of information; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Comments that you submit in response to this notice are a matter of public record. We will include or summarize each comment in our request to OMB to approve this ICR. Before including your address, phone number, email address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment—including your personal identifying information—may be made publicly available at any time. While you may ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so. Sheleen Dumas, Department PRA Clearance Officer, Office of the Under Secretary for Economic Affairs, Commerce Department. [FR Doc. 2024–15755 Filed 7–17–24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–06–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Economic Development Administration Notice of National Advisory Council on Innovation and Entrepreneurship Meeting Economic Development Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce. ACTION: Notice of an open meeting. AGENCY: The National Advisory Council on Innovation and Entrepreneurship (NACIE) will hold a virtual public meeting on August 1, 2024. This will be the current NACIE members’ sixth meeting since their appointments in 2022. During this meeting, NACIE expects to discuss strategies to unlock sources of capital to leverage federal investments and designations, including current and future Tech Hubs, aligned with the U.S. Department of Commerce’s existing work in this area. DATES: August 1, 2024, 2 p.m.–3 p.m. eastern time (ET). khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:47 Jul 17, 2024 Jkt 262001 The meeting will be held virtually with no in-person component. Please note that pre-clearance is required to make a statement during the public comment portion of the meeting. Please limit comments to five minutes or less and submit a brief statement summarizing your comments to Eric Smith (see contact information below) no later than 11:59pm ET on Friday, July 26, 2024. Virtual meeting connection information will be published prior to the meeting along with the agenda on the NACIE website at https://www.eda.gov/strategicinitiatives/national-advisory-council-oninnovation-and-entrepreneurship/ meetings. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, CONTACT: Eric Smith, Office of the Assistant Secretary, 1401 Constitution Avenue NW, Room 72021, Washington, DC 20230; email: nacie@doc.gov; telephone: +1 202 482 8001. Please reference ‘‘NACIE August 2024 Meeting’’ in the subject line of your correspondence. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: NACIE, established pursuant to section 25(c) of the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980, as amended (15 U.S.C. 3720(c)), is a Federal Advisory Committee Act committee that provides advice directly to the Secretary of Commerce. NACIE has been charged with developing a national entrepreneurship strategy that strengthens America’s ability to compete and win as the world’s leading startup nation and as the world’s leading innovator in critical emerging technologies. NACIE also has been charged with identifying and recommending solutions to drive the innovation economy, including growing a skilled STEM workforce and removing barriers for entrepreneurs ushering innovative technologies into the market. The Council facilitates federal dialogue with the innovation, entrepreneurship, and workforce development communities. Throughout its history, NACIE has presented recommendations to the Secretary of Commerce along the research-to-jobs continuum, such as increasing access to capital, growing and connecting entrepreneurial communities, fostering small businessdriven research and development, supporting the commercialization of key technologies, and developing the workforce of the future. The final agenda for the meeting will be posted on the NACIE website at https://www.eda.gov/strategicinitiatives/national-advisory-council-oninnovation-and-entrepreneurship/ meetings prior to the meeting. Any member of the public may submit ADDRESSES: PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 58331 pertinent questions and comments concerning NACIE’s affairs at any time before or after the meeting to Eric Smith (see contact information above). Those wishing to listen to the proceedings can do so via teleconference or web conference (see above). Copies of the meeting minutes will be available by request within 90 days of the meeting date. Dated: July 12, 2024. Eric Smith, Tech Hubs Program Director. [FR Doc. 2024–15753 Filed 7–17–24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–24–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE International Trade Administration [C–570–153, C–533–918] Certain Paper Shopping Bags From the People’s Republic of China and India: Countervailing Duty Orders Enforcement and Compliance, International Trade Administration, Department of Commerce. SUMMARY: Based on affirmative final determinations by the U.S. Department of Commerce (Commerce) and the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC), Commerce is issuing countervailing duty orders on certain paper shopping bags (paper bags) from the People’s Republic of China (China) and India. DATES: Applicable July 18, 2024. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Robert Copyak (China) or Paul Kebker (India), AD/CVD Operations, Offices IX and IV, Enforcement and Compliance, International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, 1401 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20230; telephone: (202) 482–3642 and (202) 482–2254, respectively. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: AGENCY: Background In accordance with section 705(d) of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended (the Act), on May 24, 2024, Commerce published its affirmative final determinations that countervailable subsidies are being provided to producers and exporters of paper bags from China and India.1 On July 5, 2024, the ITC notified Commerce of its final 1 See Certain Paper Shopping Bags from the People’s Republic of China: Final Affirmative Countervailing Duty Determination and Final Affirmative Determination of Critical Circumstances, 89 FR 45829 (May 24, 2024); see also Certain Paper Shopping Bags from India: Final Affirmative Countervailing Duty Determination and Final Affirmative Critical Circumstances Determination, in part, 89 FR 45834 (May 24, 2024). E:\FR\FM\18JYN1.SGM 18JYN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 138 (Thursday, July 18, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Pages 58330-58331]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-15755]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Bureau of Economic Analysis


Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the 
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment 
Request; Services Surveys: BE-29, Annual Survey of Foreign Ocean 
Carriers' Expenses in the United States

AGENCY: Bureau of Economic Analysis, Commerce.

ACTION: Notice of information collection, request for comment.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Department of Commerce, in accordance with the Paperwork 
Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), invites the general public and other 
Federal agencies to comment on proposed and continuing information 
collections, which helps us assess the impact of our information 
collection requirements and minimize the public's reporting burden. The 
purpose of this notice is to allow for 60 days of public comment 
preceding submission of the collection to OMB.

DATES: To ensure consideration, comments regarding this proposed 
information collection must be received on or before September 16, 
2024.

ADDRESSES: Interested persons are invited to submit written comments to 
Christopher Stein, Chief, Services Surveys Branch, Bureau of Economic 
Analysis, by email to [email protected] or [email protected]. 
Please reference OMB Control Number 0608-0012 in the subject line of 
your comments. Do not submit Confidential Business Information or 
otherwise sensitive or protected information.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or 
specific questions related to collection activities should be directed 
to Christopher Stein, Chief, Services Surveys Branch, Bureau of 
Economic Analysis; 301-278-9189; or via email at 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Abstract

    The Annual Survey of Foreign Ocean Carriers' Expenses in the United 
States (BE-29) collects data from U.S. agents of foreign ocean carriers 
that handled 40 or more foreign ocean carrier port calls during the 
year or had total covered expenses of $250,000 or more during the year, 
for all foreign ocean vessels handled by the U.S. agent.
    The data are needed to monitor U.S. trade in transport services, to 
analyze the impact of these cross-border services on the U.S. and 
foreign economies, to compile and improve the U.S. economic accounts, 
to support U.S. commercial policy on trade in transport services, to 
conduct trade promotion, and to improve the ability of U.S. businesses 
to identify and evaluate market opportunities. The data are used in 
estimating the trade in transport services component of the U.S. 
international transactions accounts (ITAs) and national income and 
product accounts (NIPAs).
    The Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) is proposing one change to 
the data items collected on the survey. BEA proposes to modify how the 
data are reported for U.S. expenses of foreign liner (including 
passenger/cruise) ocean carriers in Part III. Currently, for each 
carrier, the reporting agent is required to combine all port call 
activities and report the carrier's combined expenses and shipping 
weights. BEA has found that consolidating the expenses and shipping 
weights by liner is difficult for reporters. Importantly, it is not 
uncommon for reporters to omit some unknown shipping weights during 
consolidation by carrier, which ultimately yields per-ton rates of 
expenses that are artificially too high. In contrast, more complete 
data, including shipping weights, are typically reported for tramp (dry 
bulk) and tanker (liquid bulk) vessel activities in Party II of the 
survey.
    BEA proposes to collect 15 individual sets of port call expenses 
and shipping weights in lieu of consolidated reporting of these data 
for each foreign liner carrier, similar to how data are collected for 
tramp and tanker vessel activity. The information for foreign liner 
carriers would be collected on a new Schedule C of the survey that 
replaces Part III. Additionally, Part II of the survey would be broken 
out into Schedule A (for tramp vessels) and Schedule B (for tanker 
vessels), to collect tramp and tanker separately, but the instructions 
for these responses will not change.
    BEA estimates there will be no change in the average number of 
burden hours per response because the data are already collected as a 
consolidation of port calls, for all liners represented by the 
reporting agent. Reporters would only be required to provide 15 
individual port calls across all carriers they represent, which would 
simplify the reporting in this section of the survey.
    BEA does not plan to change the exemption levels used for the 
current annual survey. BEA estimates there will be no change in the 
average number of burden hours per response. The language in the 
instructions and definitions will be reviewed and adjusted as necessary 
to clarify survey requirements.

II. Method of Collection

    BEA contacts potential respondents by mail at the end of each year. 
Respondents would be required to file the completed BE-29 forms within 
45 days after the end of each calendar year. Reports would be required 
from U.S. agents of foreign ocean carriers that handled 40 or more 
foreign ocean carrier port calls during the year or had covered 
expenses of $250,000 or more during the year for all foreign ocean 
vessels handled by the U.S. agent. Entities required to report will be 
contacted individually by BEA. Entities not contacted by BEA have no 
reporting responsibilities.
    BEA offers its electronic filing option, the eFile system, for use 
in reporting on Form BE-29. For more information about eFile, go to 
www.bea.gov/efile. In addition, BEA posts all its survey forms and 
reporting instructions on its website, www.bea.gov/ssb. These may be 
downloaded, completed, printed, and submitted via fax or mail.

III. Data

    OMB Control Number: 0608-0012.
    Form Number(s): BE-29.
    Type of Review: Regular submission.
    Affected Public: Business or other for-profit organizations.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 80 annually (70 reporting 
mandatory data, and 10 that would file exemption claims or voluntary 
responses).
    Estimated Time per Response: 3 hours is the average for those 
reporting mandatory data and one hour is the average for those filing 
an exemption claim or voluntary responses. Hours may vary considerably 
among respondents because of differences in company size and 
complexity.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 220.
    Estimated Total Annual Cost to Public: $0.
    Respondent's Obligation: Mandatory.
    Legal Authority: International Investment and Trade in Services 
Survey Act (Pub. L. 94-472, 22 U.S.C. 3101-3108, as amended).

IV. Request for Comments

    Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of 
information

[[Page 58331]]

is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Agency, 
including whether the information will have practical utility; (b) the 
accuracy of the Agency's estimate of the burden (including hours and 
cost) of the proposed collection of information; (c) ways to enhance 
the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; 
and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on 
respondents, including through the use of automated collection 
techniques or other forms of information technology.
    Comments that you submit in response to this notice are a matter of 
public record. We will include or summarize each comment in our request 
to OMB to approve this ICR. Before including your address, phone 
number, email address, or other personal identifying information in 
your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment--including 
your personal identifying information--may be made publicly available 
at any time. While you may ask us in your comment to withhold your 
personal identifying information from public review, we cannot 
guarantee that we will be able to do so.

Sheleen Dumas,
Department PRA Clearance Officer, Office of the Under Secretary for 
Economic Affairs, Commerce Department.
[FR Doc. 2024-15755 Filed 7-17-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-06-P


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