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News Release 19-010
Inv. No(s). FTA-103-032
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) is seeking input on a newly initiated investigation concerning proposed modifications of the United States-Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS) rules of origin.
The investigation, U.S.-Korea FTA: Advice on Modifications to Certain Textile and Apparel Rules of Origin, was requested by the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) in a letter received on February 22, 2019. The letter included an attachment detailing the certain textile and apparel articles affected by the proposed modifications.
As requested, the USITC, an independent, nonpartisan, factfinding federal agency, will provide advice on the probable economic effect of the proposed U.S.-Korea FTA rules of origin modifications on U.S. trade under the KORUS, total U.S. trade, and on domestic producers of the affected articles.
The USITC expects to submit its advice to the USTR by June 24, 2019. A public version of the report, with all confidential business information deleted, will be released as soon as possible thereafter.
The USITC is seeking input for its new investigation from all interested parties and requests that the information focus on the articles for which the USITC is requested to provide information and advice. The USITC will not hold a public hearing in connection with the investigation; however, the USITC welcomes written submissions for the record. Written submissions should be addressed to the Secretary, U.S. International Trade Commission, 500 E Street SW, Washington, DC 20436 and should be submitted at the earliest practical date but no later than 5:15 p.m. on March 29, 2019.
Further information on the scope of this investigation, the proposed rules of origin modifications, and the procedures for written submissions is available in the USITC's notice of investigation, dated March 11, 2019, which can be obtained from the USITC Internet site (www.usitc.gov) or by contacting the Secretary at the above address.