[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 75 (Wednesday, April 18, 2001)]
[Notices]
[Pages 19982-19983]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-9617]


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

INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION

[Investigation No. 332-429]


Wheat Trading Practices: Competitive Conditions Between U.S. and 
Canadian Wheat

AGENCY: United States International Trade Commission (ITC).

ACTION: Initiation of investigation and notice of hearing.

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

EFFECTIVE DATE: April 12, 2001.

SUMMARY: Following receipt of a request on April 2, 2001, from the 
United States Trade Representative (USTR), under section 332(g) of the 
Tariff Act of 1930, the Commission instituted investigation No. 332-
429, Wheat Trading Practices: Competitive Conditions Between U.S. and 
Canadian Wheat.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For general information, contact John 
Reeder (202-205-3319; [email protected]), or Roger Corey (202-205-3327; 
[email protected]), Agriculture and Forest Products Division, Office of 
Industries. For information on legal aspects, contact William Gearhart 
(202-205-3091; [email protected]), Office of the General Counsel, 
U.S. International Trade Commission. Hearing impaired persons can 
obtain information on these studies by contacting the Commission's TDD 
terminal on (202) 205-1810. General information concerning the 
Commission may also be obtained by accessing its internet server 
(http://www.usitc.gov).
    Background: As requested by the USTR, the Commission will provide 
the following information in its report to the extent possible:
     A summary of a survey of U.S. Hard Red Spring wheat and 
Durum wheat purchasers, including wheat millers, as to the conditions 
of competition between U.S. and Canadian wheat during the 5 most recent 
years, including such data as quantity and prices, technical 
considerations in the purchase and sale of U.S. versus Canadian wheat, 
and other relevant factors of competition;
     A summary of a survey of U.S. Hard Red Spring wheat and 
Durum wheat exporters as to conditions of competition in key foreign 
markets in Latin America, the Philippines and other significant 
markets, between U.S. and Canadian wheat during the 5 most recent 
years, providing such data as quantity and prices, lost sales of U.S. 
wheat versus Canadian wheat, technical considerations in the purchase 
and sale of U.S. versus Canadian wheat, and other relevant factors of 
competition; and
     A summary of the current conditions of wheat trade between 
the United States and Canada, including relevant information on prices, 
exchange rates, transportation, marketing practices, U.S. and Canadian 
farm policies, and other significant economic factors that might be 
relevant.
    The Commission plans to submit the confidential report to USTR by 
September 24, 2001, as requested. The letter stated that the Office of 
the USTR in October 2000 initiated an investigation under section 301 
of the Trade Act of 1974 concerning the acts, policies, and practices 
of the Canadian Wheat Board (CWB) and the Government of Canada, and 
that in the course of that investigation representatives of the U.S. 
wheat industry alleged a number of potentially trade distorting 
practices, including CWB standing offers to undersell irrespective of 
market conditions in Canada, the United States and third markets, and a 
CWB practice of regularly supplying protein levels that are higher than 
the levels specified in the sales contracts.
    Public Hearing: A public hearing in connection with the 
investigation will be held at the U.S. International Trade Commission 
Building, 500 E Street SW., Washington, DC, beginning at 9:30 a.m. on 
June 6, 2001. All persons shall 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, DC 20436, 
no later than

[[Page 19983]]

5:15 p.m., May 23, 2001. All prehearing briefs (original and 14 copies) 
should be filed not later than 5:15 p.m., May 25, 2001; the deadline 
for filing post-hearing briefs or statement is 5:15 p.m., June 18, 
2001. In the event that, as of the close of business on May 24, 2001, 
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 of the Commission 
(202-205-1806) after May 24, 2001, to determine whether the hearing 
will be held.
    Written Submissions: Commercial or financial information that a 
person desires the Commission to treat as confidential must be 
submitted on separate sheets of paper, each clearly marked 
``Confidential Business Information'' at the top. All written 
submissions must conform with the provisions of section 201.8 of the 
Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure (19 CFR 201.8). All 
submissions requesting confidential treatment must conform with the 
requirements of section 201.6 of the Commission's Rules (19 CFR 201.6) 
All written submissions, except for confidential business information, 
will be made available for inspection by interested persons in the 
Office of the Secretary to the Commission. To be assured of 
consideration, written statements relating to the Commission's report 
should be submitted at the earliest possible date and should be 
received not later than June 18, 2001. All submissions should be 
addressed to the Secretary, United States International Trade 
Commission, 500 E Street SW., Washington, DC 20436. The Commission's 
rules do not authorize filing submissions with the Secretary by 
facsimile or electronic means. 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.
    List of Subjects: Wheat, imports, exports, wheat trading practices, 
Canadian Wheat Board, Durum wheat, Hard Red Spring wheat.

    Issued: April 13, 2001.
    By order of the Commission.
Donna R. Koehnke,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 01-9617 Filed 4-17-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7020-02-M