ITC studies U.S. economic impact of TPP

The International Trade Commission on Tuesday started an investigation to assess the likely impact of the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement on the U.S. economy.    The U.S. International Trade Commission on Tuesday started an investigation to assess the likely economic impact of the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement between the United States and Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, and Vietnam.
   The investigation, Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement: Likely Impact on the U.S. Economy and on Specific Industry Sectors, was requested by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative on Nov. 5.
   The 2015 Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities and Accountability Act requires the ITC to prepare a report that assesses the likely impact of the agreement on the U.S. economy as a whole and on specific industry sectors and the interests of U.S. consumers.
   The ITC’s report, which will be public, is due to the president and Congress no more than 105 days after President Obama signs the agreement, which he can do 90 days after he notifies Congress of his intent to do so. Obama notified Congress on Nov. 5 of his intent to enter into the TPP agreement.
   The ITC will hold a public hearing related to the investigation starting at 9:30 a.m. on Jan. 13.  Requests to appear at the hearing should be filed no later than 5:15 p.m. on Dec. 22, with the Secretary, U.S. International Trade Commission, 500 E Street SW, Washington, D.C. 20436. For further information, call 202-205-2000.
   The agency also welcomes written submissions for the record. These should be addressed to the Secretary of the Commission, 500 E Street SW, Washington, D.C. 20436, and submitted no later than 5:15 p.m. on Feb. 15.