ITC seeks input on exports to U.K.

The International Trade Commission expects to send report to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative by July 31, 2019.    The International Trade Commission is seeking input for a fact-finding investigation on trade-related barriers that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) perceive as disproportionately affecting U.S. SMEs exporting to the United Kingdom, compared with larger U.S. exporters to the U.K., the ITC said on Friday.
   The ITC requests that comments be sent as soon as possible, but no later than 5:15 p.m. March 15.
   The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative requested the investigation in a letter received by the ITC on Aug. 3.
   The report will identify barriers by economic sector or by special issue “to the degree practicable” and build on four previous SME studies released by the ITC in 2010 and 2014, the ITC said.
   The ITC expects to submit its report to USTR by July 31, 2019.
   The ITC will hold a public hearing in connection with the investigation at 9:30 a.m. Feb. 26. Requests to appear at the hearing should be filed no later than 5:15 p.m. Feb. 11 with the secretary of the ITC.