USTR Asks Industry To Identify Trade Barriers

The United States Trade Representative is asking companies to provide it with cases where foreign countries have used standards to block imports. "Of concern are impediments materially affecting the actual and potential financial performance of an industry sector, as well as any practices that violate U.S. trade agreements," says the USTR. "Submissions should contain estimates of the potential increase in exports that would result from the removal of the barrier." The USTR will use the information in its annual National Trade Estimate Report on Foreign Trade Barriers.

• USTR seeks information on the following types of trade barriers: Standards, testing, labeling and certification including the refusal to accept U.S. manufacturers' self-certification of conformance to foreign product standards, and environmental restrictions;
• Import policies;
• Government procurement;
• Export subsidies;
• Lack of intellectual property protection;
• Services barriers;
• Investment barriers;
• Anti-competitive practices with trade effects tolerated by foreign governments;
• Trade restrictions affecting electronic commerce; and
• Other barriers that encompass more than one category or that affect a single sector.

Comments can be sent via e-mail by Nov. 8 to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or via fax to Gloria Blue, executive secretary, Trade Policy Staff Committee at 202-395-6143.

Source:Manufacturing News, September 28, 2007 Vol. 14, No. 17