ITC PROBES EFFECTS OF U.S./CHILE FREE TRADE AGREEMENT

ITC PROBES EFFECTS OF U.S./CHILE FREE TRADE AGREEMENT    As requested by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, the International Trade Commission has begun an investigation into the probable economic effects of a U.S./Chile Free Trade Agreement.
   The two nations are negotiating a bilateral free trade agreement, and the USTR has asked the ITC to advise on:
   * The probable effect of providing duty-free treatment for Chilean imports on U.S. industries.
   * The effect on U.S. exports to Chile with the removal of Chilean import duties.
   * Provide an overview of the nature and extent of U.S. service transactions with Chile, and will highlight key U.S. service industries that export services to Chile.
   * Identify principal non-tariff trade barriers that impede U.S. participation in service industries.
      The ITC will file a confidential report to the USTR by Oct. 17.
      A public hearing will be held May 30. Those wishing to participate in the investigation should telephone the ITC at (202) 205-1816.