[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 152 (Thursday, August 7, 2003)]
[Notices]
[Pages 47087-47088]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-20139]


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

INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION

[Investigation No. 332-345]


Shifts in U.S. Merchandise Trade 2003

AGENCY: United States International Trade Commission.

ACTION: Opportunity to submit written statements in connection with the 
2003 report.

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

SUMMARY: The Commission has prepared and published annual reports on 
U.S. trade shifts in selected industries/commodity areas under 
investigation No. 332-345 since 1993. The Commission plans to publish 
the 2003 report in July 2004, which will cover shifts in U.S. trade in 
2003 compared with trade in 2002. The Commission is considering changes 
to the structure of next year's report, such as converting exclusively 
to a web-based format that would enable timely updates of selected data 
and analysis on a periodic or semiannual basis with added focus on 
sectoral issues. This new format would include links to ITC resources 
allowing quick access to analyses and data, as well as links to other 
organizations that have related information. Comments and suggestions 
regarding the 2003 report to be published in July 2004 are welcome in 
written submissions as specified below.
    The latest version of the report covering 2002 data (USITC 
Publication 3611, July 2003) may be obtained from the USITC's Internet 
server (http://www.usitc.gov). A printed report may be requested by 
contacting the Office of the Secretary at 202-205-2000 or by fax at 
202-205-2104. Interested parties may also provide comments by returning 
the postage-paid ``Reader Satisfaction Survey'' located inside the 
front cover of the report issued in July 2003, or by downloading the 
survey form and business reply mailer for this report from the 
Commission's Web site.

EFFECTIVE DATE: August 1, 2003.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Questions about the trade shifts 
report may be directed to the project leader, Judith-Anne Webster, 
Office of Industries (202-205-3489). For information on the legal 
aspects, please contact William Gearhart, Office of General Counsel 
(202-205-3091). The media should contact Margaret O'Laughlin, Public 
Affairs Officer (202-205-1819). Hearing impaired individuals are 
advised that information on this matter can be obtained by contacting 
the TDD terminal on 202-205-2648.

Background

    The initial notice of institution of this investigation was 
published in the Federal Register of September 8, 1993 (58 FR 47287). 
The Commission expanded the scope of this investigation to cover 
services trade in a separate report, which it announced in a notice 
published in the Federal Register of December 28, 1994 (59 FR 66974). 
The merchandise trade report has been published in the current series 
under investigation No. 332-345 annually since September 1993.
    As in past years, each report will summarize and provide analyses 
of the major trade developments that occurred in the preceding year. 
The reports will also provide summary trade information and basic 
statistical profiles of about 259 industry/commodity groups and 59 
industry/commodity subgroups.

Written Submissions

    No public hearing is planned. However, interested persons are 
invited to submit written comments or suggestions concerning the July 
2004 report. Commercial or financial information which a submitter 
desires the Commission to treat as confidential must be provided 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 and 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 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 December 
29, 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, except to the extent 
permitted by section 201.8 of the Commission's Rules (19 CFR 
201.18)(see Handbook for Electronic Filing Procedures, ftp://FTP.usitc.gov/pub/reports/electronic_filing_handbook.pdf).

    Issued: August 1, 2003.


[[Page 47088]]


    By order of the Commission.
Marilyn R. Abbott,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 03-20139 Filed 8-6-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8040-01-P