Commerce Secretary Locke gave a speech in Hong Kong which laid out the Administration's views on China's trade relationship with the U.S. and the potential for an economic partnership in tackling the energy challenge of climate change. (Speech, dated 05/17/10, available at http://www.commerce.gov/news/secretary-speeches/2010/05/17/remarks-american-chamber-commerce-and-trade-development-council-h)
The Consumer Product Safety Commission has published notice of the following voluntary recall:
U.S. and Chinese officials will meet in Beijing during May 25 - 26, 2010 for the second meeting of the Strategic and Economic Dialogue.
On May 13, 2010, APHIS updated its Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) Nursery Stock Restrictions Manual. This Manual summarizes the entry status of regulated plant materials capable of and intended for propagation. (Manual, updated 05/13/10, available at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/plants/manuals/ports/downloads/nursery_stock.pdf)
On May 13, 2010, APHIS updated its Japanese Beetle Program PPQ Manual for Airports. This manual provides guidelines to protect the agriculture of the Western United States from the Japanese Beetle. (Manual, updated 05/13/10, available at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/plants/manuals/domestic/downloads/japanese_beetle.pdf)
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is correcting its final rule, which amended the fruits and vegetables regulations to allow the importation of commercial consignments of tomatoes from the Souss- Massa-Draa region of Morocco into the U.S., to correct the national plant protection organization of Morocco name to the National Office of Food Safety. (D/N APHIS-2008-0017, FR Pub 05/20/10, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/pdf/2010-12027.pdf)
On May 13, 2010, APHIS updated its Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) Treatment Manual. This Manual serves as an operational guide for selecting and conducting quarantine treatments. The procedures and treatment schedules in this manual are administratively authorized for use by APHIS to prevent the movement of agricultural pests into or within the United States. Listed treatments include chemical treatments such as fumigation with methyl bromide, and nonchemical treatments with heat, cold, or irradiation. (Manual, updated 05/13/10, available at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/plants/manuals/ports/treatment.shtml)
The Food Safety and Inspection Service has issued updated a version of its list of Mexico (May 13, 2010) establishments eligible to export meat and poultry to the U.S. (List, updated 05/13/10, available at http://www.fsis.usda.gov/PDF/Mexico_establishments.pdf)
The Federal Maritime Commission has posted Commissioner Khouri's speech from the recent Virginia Maritime Association International Trade Symposium. Among other things, he said that a major issue that is currently under investigation at the Commission is the capacity and equipment shortages that are being experienced in the U.S., especially in interior areas that are not close to large metropolitan areas. (Speech, dated 05/13/10, available at http://www.fmc.gov/speeches/newsrelease.asp?SPEECH_ID=318)
The U.S. and Morocco recently convened a meeting of the Sub-Committee on Labor Affairs created under the United States-Morocco Free Trade Agreement. The Sub-Committee agreed to a series of cooperative labor activities to improve enforcement of labor laws and agreed to hold more regular meetings to review progress of the Labor Chapter commitments. (Press release, dated 005/18/10, available at http://www.ustr.gov/about-us/press-office/press-releases/2010/may/ustr-dol-hold-inaugural-labor-sub-committee-meeting-mo)