[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 228 (Tuesday, November 26, 2002)]
[Notices]
[Pages 70757-70758]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-29989]


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INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION

[Inv. Nos. TA-131-23 and TA-2104-3]


U.S.-Southern African Customs Union Free Trade Agreement: Advice 
Concerning the Probable Economic Effect

AGENCY: United States International Trade Commission.

ACTION: Institution of investigation and scheduling of public hearing.

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EFFECTIVE DATE: November 20, 2002.
SUMMARY: Following receipt of a request on November 7, 2002, from the 
United States Trade Representative (USTR), the Commission instituted 
investigation Nos. TA-131-2 and TA-2104-3, U.S-Southern African Customs 
Union Free Trade Agreement: Advice Concerning the Probable Economic 
Effect, under section 131 of the Tariff Act of 1974 and section 
2104(b)(2) of the Trade Act of 2002.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Information specific to this 
investigation may be obtained from Joanna Bonarriva, Co-Project Leader 
(202-205-3312; [email protected]), Jonathan Coleman, Co-Project 
Leader (202-205-3465; [email protected]), or Cathy Jabara, Chief, 
Agriculture & Forest Products Division (202-205-3309; 
[email protected]), Office of Industries, U.S. International Trade 
Commission, Washington, DC, 20436. For information on the legal aspects 
of this investigation, contact William Gearhart of the Office of the 
General Counsel (202-205-3091; [email protected]). Hearing impaired 
individuals are advised that information on this matter can be obtained 
by contacting the TDD terminal on (202) 205-1810.

Background

    As requested by the USTR pursuant to section 131 of the Trade Act 
of 1974, in its report the Commission will provide advice of the 
probable economic effect of providing duty-free treatment for imports 
of products of SACU countries on (i) industries in the United States 
producing like or directly competitive products, and (ii) consumers. 
The import analysis will consider each article in chapters 1 through 97 
of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States for which 
tariffs will remain after the United States fully implements its 
Uruguay Round tariff commitments. The import advice will be based on 
the 2002 Harmonized Tariff System nomenclature and 2001 trade data. The 
advice with respect to the removal of U.S. duties on imports from

[[Page 70758]]

SACU countries will assume that any known U.S. non-tariff barrier will 
not be applicable to such imports. The Commission will note in its 
report any instance in which the continued application of a U.S. non-
tariff barrier to such imports would result in different advice with 
respect to the effect of the removal of the duty.
    In addition, pursuant to section 2104(b)(2) of the Trade Act of 
2002, the Commission will provide advice as to the probable economic 
effect of eliminating tariffs on imports of certain agricultural 
products of SACU countries (a list of products was provided by USTR) on 
(i) industries in the United States producing like or directly 
competitive products and (ii) the U.S. economy as a whole.
    The Commission expects to provide its report to USTR by April 7, 
2003.

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 January 28, 2003. 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 5:15 
p.m., January 14, 2003. Any prehearing briefs (original and 14 copies) 
should be filed not later than 5:15 p.m., January 16, 2003; the 
deadline for filing post-hearing briefs or statements is 5:15 p.m., 
February 4, 2003. In the event that, as of the close of business on 
January 14, 2003, 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 January 14, 2003, for information 
concerning whether the hearing will be held.

Written Submissions

    In lieu of or in addition to participating in the hearing, 
interested parties are invited to submit written statements (original 
and 14 copies) concerning the matters to be addressed by the Commission 
in its report on this investigation. Commercial or financial 
information that a submitter 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 
submissions requesting confidential treatment must conform with the 
requirements of section 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 
parties. The Commission may include such confidential business 
information in the report it sends to the USTR. To be assured of 
consideration by the Commission, written statements relating to the 
Commission's report should be submitted to the Commission at the 
earliest practical date and should be received no later than the close 
of business on February 4, 2003. 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. General information 
concerning the Commission may also be obtained by accessing its 
Internet server (http://www.usitc.gov).

List of Subjects

    SACU, Africa, tariffs and imports.

    Issued: November 21, 2002.
    By order of the Commission.
Marilyn R. Abbott,
Secretary to the Commission.
[FR Doc. 02-29989 Filed 11-25-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7020-02-P