ITC INVESTIGATES PROPOSED FREE-TRADE AGREEMENTS

ITC INVESTIGATES PROPOSED FREE-TRADE AGREEMENTS    The U.S. International Trade Commission will investigate the probable economic effects of the country’s proposed free-trade agreements with Morocco and Central America.
   The investigations were requested by the U.S. Trade Representative’s Office in late August.
   For the U.S.-Central America Free Trade Agreement, the USTR said the United States will pursue a free trade agreement with the five member countries of the Central American Economic Integration System including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua.
   The outcomes of the ITC’s investigations will help the USTR with its consultations in Congress and recommendations to the president about providing duty-free treatment for imports from these countries.
   The ITC will also seek advice from the industry in both investigations. Written comments must be received by the agency no later than Oct. 16 for the Morocco free trade agreement and Oct. 18 for the Central America free trade agreement. (Secretary, U.S. International Trade Commission, 500 E. Street SW, Washington, D.C. 20436).
   The agency will also hold public hearings in Washington regarding the investigations: Oct. 8 for the U.S.-Central America Free Trade Agreement and Oct. 10 for the U.S.-Morocco Free Trade Agreement. For more information, contact the ITC at 202-205-1816.