ITC probes changes to U.S.-Singapore FTA rules for textiles

ITC probes changes to U.S.-Singapore FTA rules for textiles    The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) has begun an investigation of proposed modifications to rules of origin for selected yarns and fabrics under the U.S.-Singapore free trade agreement.
   U.S. negotiators recently reached an agreement in principle with representatives of the government of Singapore regarding changes to the parties' free trade agreement that have been deemed necessary because producers in the United States and Singapore 'are not able to produce certain fibers and yarns in commercial quantities in a timely manner,' the ITC said in a statement.
   As requested by the Office of the Acting U.S. Trade Representative, the ITC will provide advice on the probable effect of the proposed rules of origin modification for certain yarns and fabrics on U.S. trade under the U.S.-Singapore FTA, on total U.S. trade, and on domestic producers of the affected articles.
   'If adopted, the rule change would effectively extend duty-free treatment to qualifying articles made in Singapore from the named yards and fabrics, regardless of the source of such inputs,' the ITC explained.
   The ITC expects to submit its confidential advice to the Acting U.S. Trade Representative's office by May 27. 'A public version of the report will be issued as soon as possible thereafter,' the ITC said.
   The investigation is entitled 'Certain Yarns and Fabrics: Effect of Modification of U.S.-Singapore FTA Rules of Origin for Goods of Singapore.'    For more information on the scope of the investigation, the proposed rules of origin modifications, and the procedures for written submissions to the ITC, visit https://www.usitc.gov .