ITC studies sub-Saharan African exports

ITC studies sub-Saharan African exports    The U.S. International Trade Commission has initiated a study of the competitiveness of certain exports from sub-Saharan Africa.
   The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative asked the ITC to conduct the study. The study findings will be released over three annual reports, with the first to be published by April 3, 2007.
   The ITC said each report will provide profiles of sub-Saharan African industries and will include analysis of the leading exporters, their key markets, major competitors and the factors that have contributed to recent increases or decreases in the exports of these industries.
   The first report will cover industries that produce cut flowers; cocoa butter and paste; nuts, including coconuts, Brazil nuts and cashews; prepared and preserved fish; acyclic alcohol; unwrought aluminum; textiles and apparel; petroleum gas, including natural gas; flat-rolled steel; wood veneer sheets; financial services; and tourism.
   The ITC will hold a public hearing regarding its first annual sub-Saharan African exports report in Washington on Dec. 6. For more information, contact the ITC secretary at (202) 205-2000.