The US International Trade Commission (ITC) is seeking input for a newly initiated investigation into the probable economic effect of providing duty-free treatment for currently dutiable imports from Japan.
The investigation, US-Japan Trade Agreement: Advice on the Probable Economic Effect of Providing Duty-free Treatment for Currently Dutiable Imports, was requested by the US Trade Representative in a letter received on October 26, 2018.
As requested, the ITC will advise the president as to the probable economic effect of providing duty-free treatment for imports of currently dutiable products from Japan on industries in the United States producing like or directly competitive products and on consumers. In preparing its advice, the ITC will consider each article in chapters 1 through 97 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) for which US tariffs will remain, taking into account implementation of US commitments in the World Trade Organization. The advice will be based on the HTSUS in effect during 2018 and trade data for the year 2017.
In addition, as requested, the ITC will prepare an assessment of the probable economic effects of eliminating tariffs on imports from Japan of certain agricultural products on US industries producing the products concerned and on the US economy as a whole.
The ITC will hold a public hearing in connection with the investigation on December 6, 2018, and expects to submit a final report on January 24, 2019.