ITC investigates U.S.-Korea FTA origin correction

   The U.S. International Trade Commission is seeking input for a newly initiated investigation on the effect of correcting the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement product-specific rules of origin.
   The investigation, “Effect of Adding References to HS 6104.32 to Correct the U.S.-Korea Product-Specific Rules of Origin,” was requested by the U.S. Trade Representative in a letter received by the ITC on March 22.
   As requested, the ITC will provide advice on the probable effect on U.S. trade under the free trade agreement and total U.S. trade of correcting the U.S.-Korea product-specific rules of origin by adding references to Harmonized System No. 6104.32, which covers women’s or girls’ knit cotton suit-type jackets and blazers. U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk explained in his request letter that HS 6104.32 had been inadvertently omitted from both the English and Korean language versions of the FTA through a “clerical error.”
   The ITC expects to submit its advice to the USTR by May 22. The independent fact-finding agency will not hold a public hearing in connection with this investigation; however, it welcomes written submissions. These written submissions should be addressed to the Secretary, U.S. International Trade Commission, 500 E Street SW, Washington, DC 20436 and should be submitted no later than close of business on April 18. More details are available on the ITC’s Website.