ITC TO INVESTIGATE TARIFF, NON-TARIFF BARRIERS OF FOOD, BEVERAGES

ITC TO INVESTIGATE TARIFF, NON-TARIFF BARRIERS OF FOOD, BEVERAGES    The U.S. International Trade Commission has started a factfinding investigation to study tariff and non-tariff barriers that impact trade in processed foods and beverages.
   The investigation, Processed Foods and Beverages: A Description of Tariff and Non-tariff Barriers for Major Products and their Impact on Trade (Inv. No. 332-421), was requested by the House Ways and Means Committee on Oct. 31.
   The committee said in a letter that the processed food and beverage exports are an increasingly important segment of U.S. agricultural trade, compromising more than 40 percent of U.S. agricultural exports in 1999. But the committee is concerned that these exports face increasing tariff and non-tariff barriers overseas.
   The ITC’s report will describe the tariff and non-tariff barriers affecting trade in major and potential markets, including complex tariffs, tariff-rate quotas, regional trade agreements, licensing arrangements, certification and registration requirements, and variable levies.
   The agency will also evaluate the prevalence of tariff escalation for processed food and beverage products, and analyze the impact of these barriers on trade and investment in the processed food and beverage sectors.
   On May 22, the ITC will hold a public hearing on the investigation. The agency plans to complete the study for the Ways and Means Committee by Oct. 1.