(the updates are taken from various sources)
> The US blocked Mexico's request for establishment of panel in the case dubbed Tuna-Dolphin II. In a statement by the USTR, the US expressed disappointment that "Mexico has chosen to move forward with a request for panel establishment" and that the US "considers its dolphin-safe labeling regime central to the protection of the dolphin population in the Eastern Tropical Pacific ocean." Finally, the US declared that it is "confident that, if this dispute were to proceed to a panel, the U.S. dolphin safe labeling measures that Mexico has challenged would be found to be consistent with U.S. WTO obligations." For a copy of Mexico's request, click here. As per WTO rules, Mexico can make a second request for panel with the DSB, for which the US would not be allowed to block.
> Ron Kirk, former mayor of Dallas, has been sworn in by US Vice-President Joe Biden as the new USTR. To get an idea of the direction of US trade policy, you may want to read Kirk's comments in response to the written questions of Senators on the Finance Committee (click here). For the comments of VP Biden, click here.
> The U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) yesterday announced last 24 March 2009 its affirmative final determination in the antidumping duty investigation on imports of circular welded carbon quality steel line pipe from China, with dumping rates of between 73.87% and 101.10% issued. The DOC will thereafter instruct U.S. Customs and Border Protection to collect a cash deposit or bond based on the final rates. The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) will issue its final injury determination on 7 May 2009, which would then serve as basis for the DOC's anti-dumping order.
> In a study by Chad Brown, associate professor in the Department of Economics and International Business School at Brandeis University, indicates that anti-dumping cases have increased during this economic downturn. The number of new antidumping measures applied in 2008 increased by 19 per cent compared to 2007. Developing countries dominated use of antidumping (73% of all new investigations) in 2008, and developing country exporters were the most frequent target (78% of all new investigations). For copy of the study, click here.
> The USTR released last 2 March 2009 the Trade Policy Agenda for 2009 and 2008 Annual Report of the President of the United States on the Trade Agreements Program. Both are submitted to the Congress pursuant to Section 163 of the Trade Act of 1974, as amended (19 U.S.C. 2213). Chapter II and Annex II of this document meet the requirements on the World Trade Organization in accordance with Sections 122 and 124 of the Uruguay Round Agreements Act. In addition, the report also includes an annex listing trade agreements entered into by the United States since 1984. For copy of the Agenda and Report, click here.
