[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 82 (Tuesday, April 29, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Pages 23265-23266]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-11181]


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INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION

[Investigation 332-381]


The Impact of the North American Free Trade Agreement on the U.S. 
Economy and Industries: A Three Year Review

AGENCY: United States International Trade Commission.

ACTION: Institution of investigation and scheduling of public hearing.

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EFFECTIVE DATE: April 25, 1997.

SUMMARY: Following receipt on April 23, 1997, of a request from the 
Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), the Commission 
instituted investigation No. 332-381, The Impact of the North American 
Free Trade Agreement on the U.S. Economy and Industries: A Three Year 
Review, under section 332(g) of the Tariff Act of 1930 (19 U.S.C. 
1332(g)).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: Information on economic aspects of the 
investigation may be obtained from Kyle Johnson, Office of Economics 
(202-205-3229), Hugh Arce, Office of Economics (202-205-3234), or 
William Donnelly, Office of Economics (202-205-3223), and on legal 
aspects, from William Gearhart, Office of the General Counsel (202-205-
3091). The media should contact Margaret O'Laughlin, Office of External 
Relations (202-205-1819). Hearing impaired individuals are advised that 
information on this matter can be obtained by contacting the TDD 
terminal on (202-205-1810).

Background

    The USTR's letter requesting the investigation was received on 
April 23, 1997. The letter notes that section 512 of the North American 
Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act (19 U.S.C. 3462) requires the 
President to provide to the Congress by July 1, 1997, a comprehensive 
study of the operation and effects of the NAFTA during its first 3 
years. The letter states that the Commission's investigation and report 
are to serve as a resource which the Administration can draw upon in 
preparing its report to the Congress.
    As requested by USTR, the Commission in its report on the 
investigation will provide (1) a literature review and analysis of 
existing studies that have assessed the impact on the United States of 
NAFTA in its 2 first 3 years; (2) a discussion of the technical issues 
involved in formal economic assessment of the impact of a partially 
implemented free trade agreement, while considering other non-agreement 
factors affecting trade flows during the same period; and (3), to the 
extent possible, an analysis of the aggregate effects on the economy of 
the Agreement in its first 3 years.
    As requested, the Commission in its analysis of the impact of NAFTA 
on U.S. trade with NAFTA partners will use formal empirical methods, as 
well as the industry expertise maintained by the Commission. It will 
consider relevant micro-and macro-economic factors, such as exchange-
rate fluctuations (including the effects of the peso crisis), economic 
growth, and other agreements, including the U.S.-Canada Free Trade 
Agreement and the phase in of Uruguay Round commitments, that affected 
the U.S. economy, so as to isolate those effects, to the extent 
feasible, from the factors that relate specifically to the NAFTA.
    As requested, the Commission will examine for NAFTA effects the 
U.S. industries in which U.S. exports to Mexico or Canada or imports 
into the United States from Mexico or Canada have increased 
significantly. The Commission will also examine, in addition to trade 
effects, changes in wages, employment, productivity, and investment 
that occurred as a result of NAFTA, and changes in U.S. trade with 
third countries induced by NAFTA. In assessing these factors, the 
Commission will, to the extent possible, attempt to distinguish between 
the consequences of NAFTA and events that likely would have occurred 
without the Agreement, and will consider NAFTA effects in the context 
of the overall performance of the U.S. industries analyzed.

Public Hearing

    A public hearing in connection with the investigation will be held 
in the Commission hearing room, 500 E Street, SW, Washington, D.C. 
20436, beginning at 9:30 a.m. on May 15, 1997, and continuing on May 16 
if an additional day is needed. All persons have the right to appear by 
counsel or in person to present information and to be heard. Requests 
to appear at the public hearing should be filed with the Secretary, 
United States International Trade Commission, 500 E Street, SW, 
Washington, D.C. no later than noon, May 9, 1997. Hearing statements 
should be filed not later than COB May 12, 1997. Any posthearing 
submissions must be filed not later than COB May 22, 1997.
    In the event that, as of noon on May 9, 1997, no witnesses are 
scheduled to appear at the hearing, the hearing will be canceled. Any 
person interested in attending the hearing as an observer or non-
participant may call the Secretary to the Commission (202-205-1816) 
after May 12, 1997, to determine whether the hearing will be held.

Written Submissions

    Interested persons are invited to submit written statements (one 
original and 14 copies) concerning the matters to be addressed in the 
report. Commercial or financial information that a party desires the 
Commission to treat as confidential must be submitted on separate 
sheets of paper, each clearly marked ``Confidential Business 
Information'' at the top. (Generally,

[[Page 23266]]

submission of separate confidential and public versions of the 
submission would be appropriate.) All submissions requesting 
confidential treatment must conform with the requirements of Sec. 201.6 
of the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure (19 CFR 201.6). All 
written submissions, except for confidential business information, will 
be made available in the Office of the Secretary to the Commission for 
inspection by interested persons. To be assured of submission to USTR 
with the report, written statements relating to the Commission's report 
should be submitted at the earliest practical date and should be 
received no later than May 22, 1997. All submissions should be 
addressed to the Secretary, U.S. International Trade Commission, 500 E 
Street, SW, Washington, D.C. 20436.

    Persons with mobility impairments who will need special assistance 
in gaining access to the Commission should contact the Office of the 
Secretary at 202-205-2000.

    Issued: April 25, 1997

    By order of the Commission.
Donna R. Koehnke,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 97-11181 Filed 4-25-97; 1:29 pm]
BILLING CODE 7020-02-P