Annual Report on the Impact of the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act on U.S. Industries and Consumers and Beneficiary Countries

AGENCY:

International Trade Commission.

ACTION:

Notice of opportunity to submit comments in connection with the 2002 biennial report.

EFFECTIVE DATE:

April 10, 2003.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Walker Pollard (202-205-3228), Country and Regional Analysis Division, Office of Economics, U.S. International Trade Commission, Washington, DC 20436.

Background: Section 215(a) of the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act (CBERA) (19 U.S.C. 2704(a)), as amended, requires that the Commission submit biennial reports to the Congress and the President regarding the economic impact of the Act on U.S. industries and consumers, and on beneficiary countries. Section 215(b)(1) requires that the reports include, but not be limited to, an assessment regarding:

(1) The actual effect of CBERA on the U.S. economy generally as well as on specific domestic industries which produce articles that are like, or directly competitive with, articles being imported from beneficiary countries under the Act; and

(2) The probable future effect of CBERA on the U.S. economy generally and on such domestic industries.

Notice of institution of the investigation and the schedule for such reports was published in the Federal Register of May 14, 1986 (51 FR 17678). The 16th report, covering calendar year 2002, is to be submitted by September 30, 2003.

Written Submissions: The Commission does not plan to hold a public hearing in connection with the preparation of this 16th report. However, interested persons are invited to submit written statements concerning the matters to be addressed in the report. Commercial or financial information that a party desires the Commission to treat as confidential must be submitted on separate sheets of paper, each clearly marked “Confidential Business Information” at the top. All submissions requesting confidential treatment must conform with the requirements of section 201.6 of the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure (19 CFR 201.6). All written submissions, except for confidential business information, will be made available in the Office of the Secretary to the Commission for inspection by interested parties. To be assured of consideration by the Commission, written statements relating to the Commission's report should be submitted at the earliest practical date and should be received no later than the close of business on June 30, 2003. All submissions should be addressed to the Secretary, United States International Trade Commission, 500 E St., SW., Washington, DC 20436. The Commission's rules do not authorize filing submissions with the Secretary by facsimile or electronic means, except to the extent permitted by section 201.8 of the Commission's rules, as amended, 67 FR 68036 (Nov. 8, 2002).

Hearing-impaired persons are advised that information on this matter can be obtained by contacting the Commission's TDD terminal on (202) 205-1810. Persons with mobility impairments who will need special assistance in gaining access to the Commission should contact the Office of the Secretary at 202-205-2000. General information concerning the Commission may be obtained by accessing its Internet server ( http://www.usitc.gov ). The public record for this investigation may be viewed on the Commission's electronic docket (EDIS) at http://edis.usitc.gov.