Trade Representative, Office of United States April 2009 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

On January 15, 2009, the United States Trade Representative (``Trade Representative'') announced modifications (``January 15 modifications'') to the action taken in July 1999 in connection with the World Trade Organization (``WTO'') authorization of the United States in the EC-Beef Hormones dispute to suspend concessions and related obligations with respect to the European Communities (``EC''). See 74 FR 4265 (Jan. 23, 2009). The January 15 modifications initially had an effective date of March 23, 2009. The Trade Representative subsequently delayed the effective date of the additional duties imposed under the January 15 modifications until April 23, 2009. The effective date of the removal of duties under the January 15 modifications remained March 23, 2009. See 74 FR 11613 (March 18, 2009); 74 FR 12402 (March 24, 2009). In order to allow additional time to reach agreement with the EC on an interim solution that would provide benefits to the U.S. beef industry, the Trade Representative has decided to delay the effective date of the additional duties imposed under the January 15 modifications from April 23, 2009 until May 9, 2009.

The Trade Policy Staff Committee is seeking the views of interested parties on six questions regarding U.S. equipment industry access to the EC Galileo program and European markets for related goods and services, which pertain to Articles 5, 6, and 8 of the Agreement on the Promotion, Provision and Use of Galileo and GPS Satellite-Based Navigation Systems and Related Applications (``Agreement''). USTR will use this information in connection with its preparation of a report to Congress, as requested in the explanatory statement accompanying the Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009, and to identify issues that may merit further discussion with the EC and its Member States under the consultation mechanism established under the Agreement.

The Dominican Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement (``CAFTA-DR'' or ``Agreement'') requires the establishment of four rosters of individuals that would be available to serve as panelists in dispute settlement proceedings arising under the Agreement. A general roster is required to be established under Chapter Twenty (Dispute Settlement). Chapter Twelve (Financial Services), Chapter Sixteen (Labor), and Chapter Seventeen (Environment) require the establishment of separate rosters for disputes arising under those chapters.