ITC probes possible change to U.S.-Australia FTA origin rules

The U.S. International Trade Commission is seeking input for an investigation concerning proposed modifications to the U.S.-Australia Free Trade Agreement's origin rules for certain yarns.

The investigation was requested by the U.S. Trade Representative in a letter received by the ITC on Aug. 14. The USTR noted that U.S. negotiators have recently reached agreement in principle with the Australian government to modify the U.S.-Australia FTA origin rules for certain yarns because it has been determined that U.S. and Australian producers are unable to produce viscose rayon staple fiber in commercial quantities in a timely manner.

According to the ITC, the yarns affected could include blends of viscose rayon staple fibers with synthetic staple fibers, such as polyester, and with other artificial staple fibers, such as acetate.

The ITC expects to provide its confidential report from the investigation to the USTR on Oct. 23, and will release a public version of the report soon thereafter.

The ITC said public input related to the investigation should be received no later than Sept. 17. For more details, access the ITC's Web site at www.usitc.gov. 

Source: American Shipper