Export

U.S. Department of Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo Releases 2023 National Export Strategy

AICC Business, Export, Home, Import, International, News, Trade, USA, World

Today, Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo released the 2023 National Export Strategy(NES). This report to Congress establishes U.S. trade promotion priorities and a coordinated, whole-of-government framework to better equip American companies and workers to compete in global markets and grow through international trade. The NES highlights government programs and resources to assist U.S. businesses – including small and medium enterprises (SMEs), historically underrepresented businesses, and those new to exporting – to overcome barriers to trade and sell their goods and services globally.

“The Biden-Harris Administration’s generational investments in U.S. industry, innovation, workforce training, and place-based economic development are setting the stage for inclusive economic growth and boosting U.S. competitiveness on the global stage,” said Secretary Raimondo. “We are releasing the 2023 National Export Strategy amidst these historic investments, which outlines how we align the full force of the federal government to help U.S. businesses and workers compete and win in international markets—including small businesses exporting for the first time.”

The 2023 NES was released during the Biden-Harris Administration’s inaugural meeting of the President’s Export Council (PEC), a body that serves as the principal national advisory committee on international trade. The PEC is comprised of more than two dozen leaders from the private sector, labor, and academia who provide recommendations to the President on policies and programs that affect U.S. trade performance.

The 2023 NES contains export promotion actions and activities to increase and enhance market opportunities in several sectors, including:

1. Climate and clean technologies
2. Manufacturing
3. Travel and tourism
4. International education
5. Global infrastructure development
6. Agriculture, fish and forestry
7. Seafood industries

The 2023 NES was developed by the Trade Promotion Coordination Committee (TPCC), an interagency body established to provide a unifying framework to coordinate the export promotion and export financing activities of the U.S. government. The TPCC Secretariat is housed within the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration.

Gina M. Raimondo Co-chairs U.S.-Mexico High Level Economic Dialogue

AICC Business, Export, Home, Mexico, News and Press, Trade, USA

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo issued the following statement regarding the first session of the relaunched U.S.-Mexico High-Level Economic Dialogue, which was held today at the White House.

“Today, I was honored to co-chair the first U.S.-Mexico High-Level Economic Dialogue that Presidents Biden and López Obrador agreed to relaunch in March 2021. I am grateful to have been joined by Vice President Kamala Harris, Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas, USAID Administrator Samantha Power and Ambassador Kenneth Salazar, as well as our colleagues from Mexico, Secretary of Foreign Affairs Marcelo Ebrard, Secretary of Economy Tatiana Clouthier, and Ambassador Esteban Moctezuma Barragán.”

“Mexico is a critical strategic ally and partner of the United States and is a top destination for U.S. exports. As neighbors, it is imperative that we leverage our partnership to build back from the pandemic together and advance shared economic and commercial goals, such as promoting inclusive trade and investment and strengthening regional supply chains.”

“The conversation that began today is the first step towards realizing these goals. We have agreed to the four pillars that will guide our discussion: Building Back Together; Promoting Sustainable Economic and Social Development in Southern Mexico and Central America; Securing the Tools for Future Prosperity; and Investing in Our People. While there is still much to do, I look forward to working to ensure that the U.S.-Mexico economic and commercial relationship builds on its strong foundation to bring shared prosperity and security to our peoples.”

USDA and USTR Announce Continued Progress on Implementation of U.S.-China Phase One Agreement

AICC Agriculture, Export, Home, News and Press, Trade

WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) today announced additional progress in the implementation of the agriculture-related provisions of the U.S.-China Phase One Economic and Trade Agreement (The Agreement), which entered into force on February 14, 2020. Recent actions described below build upon the actions announced by USDA and USTR on February 25, March 10, and March 24.  These are difficult times for both our countries.  It is important that we each continue to work to make our agreement a success.  Because of this continued progress due to the Agreement:

  • U.S. blueberries and California Hass avocados can now be exported to China.  This new market access will provide California avocado growers and blueberry growers from around the United States with new opportunities to market their products to Chinese consumers in the coming years.  In 2019, China imported a record volume of fresh fruits and vegetables exceeding $8.6 billion.   
  • U.S. barley for processing, along with the forage products Timothy hay, alfalfa hay pellets and cubes, and almond meal pellets and cubes can now be exported to China.  In 2019, China imported $1.5 billion of barley used as feed and for malt beverage production, and a record $500 million of forage products.  
  • In recent weeks, China updated its lists of U.S. facilities eligible to export beef, pork, poultry, seafood, dairy, and infant formula products to China. China’s lists now include 499 beef, 457 pork, 470 poultry, 397 seafood, and 253 dairy and 9 infant formula facilities. As a result of these actions, more U.S. facilities are eligible to export U.S. food and agricultural products to China than ever before.  USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service continues to update its export library, which provides additional guidance for U.S. meat and poultry meat exporters, including information related to the scope of products that may be exported to China, China’s labeling requirements, and other guidance.
  • China published on May 15 a new domestic standard for dairy permeate powder for human consumption that will allow imports of this product from the United States in the future.  In 2019, China imported nearly $12 billion of dairy products from around the world.

China continues to implement its tariff exclusion process in an attempt to facilitate imports of U.S. commodities.  USDA continues to publish guidance for U.S. exporters seeking to participate in this process (USDA Global Agricultural Information Network).  USTR is continuing to process and where appropriate grant exclusions of products from China. USDA also is implementing its obligations under the agreement.

Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue said, “China is a market of tremendous potential for U.S. agriculture and these actions will help U.S. exporters expand their sales there.  We look forward to continued cooperative work with China on implementation of Phase One commitments, and immediate increases in U.S. exports of all manner of agricultural products.”

United States Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said, “China has worked with the United States to implement measures that will provide greater access for U.S. producers and exporters to China’s growing food and agricultural markets. Under President Trump’s leadership, we fully expect this agreement to be a success.”

Commerce Tightens Restrictions on Technology Exports to Combat Chinese, Russian and Venezuelan Military Circumvention Efforts

AICC Business, Export, Home, News and Press, Trade

The Department of Commerce announced today new export control actions to prevent efforts by entities in China, Russia, and Venezuela to acquire U.S. technology that could be used in development of weapons, military aircraft, or surveillance technology through civilian supply chains, or under civilian-use pretenses, for military end uses and military end-users.

“It is important to consider the ramifications of doing business with countries that have histories of diverting goods purchased from U.S. companies for military applications,” said Department of Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross. “Certain entities in China, Russia, and Venezuela have sought to circumvent America’s export controls, and undermine American interests in general, and so we will remain vigilant to ensure U.S. technology does not get into the wrong hands.”

Specifically, the rule changes include:

  • Expansion of Military End Use/User Controls (MEU)
    Expands MEU license requirements controls on China, Russia, and Venezuela to cover military end-users in all three countries, as well as items such as semiconductor equipment, sensors, and other technologies sought for military end use or by military end-users in these countries.
  • Removal of License Exception Civil End Users (CIV)
    Removes a license exception for exports, reexports, or transfers (in-country) to civilian
    end-users in countries of national security concern for National Security- (NS) controlled items.
  • Elimination of License Exception Additional Permissive Reexports (APR) Provisions
    Proposes to eliminate certain provisions of a license exception for partner countries involving the reexport of NS-controlled items to countries of national security concern to ensure consistent reviews of exports and reexports of U.S. items.

The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) in the Department of Commerce is responsible for overseeing these export control activities. BIS’s mission is to advance U.S. national security and foreign policy objectives by ensuring an effective export control and treaty compliance system and promoting continued U.S. strategic technology leadership. BIS is committed to restrict U.S.-origin commodities and technology from use in support of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) projects, terrorism, or destabilizing military modernization programs. For more information, please visit www.bis.doc.gov.

Upcoming Domestic and International Trade Events

AICC Event, Export, Home, Services, Trade

Event: WEFTEC 2019 
Date: September 21-25, 2019 
Location: Chicago, IL 
Description: WEFTEC is the largest conference of its kind in North America and offers water quality professionals from around the world with the best water quality education and training available today. The U.S. Commercial Service will be offering B2B matchmaking and Showtime market counseling services. 

Event: Expo Agua Peru
Date: October 16-18, 2019
Location: Lima, Peru
Description: This is the main water expo of Peru, where the latest technological innovations and integral solutions for the sustainable and productive management of water are presented. The event brings together leading companies in their fields, international experts, decision makers and a broad segment of end-users coming from the water sector and related sectors (agriculture, mining and industry); who share their experiences and solutions to the problems and challenges that face Peru and the Andean region regarding the integral water management. The U.S. Commercial Service will have a booth space and offer matchmaking and promotional opportunities for interested U.S. firms.  

Event: IFAT India
Date: October 16-18, 2019
Location: Bombay Exhibition Center, India
Description: IFAT India is the country’s leading trade fair for water, sewage, solid waste, and recycling. The trade fair provides a platform for exhibitors to showcase their latest innovations and solutions, debate current issues and form business relationships on a global scale. 

Event: WETEX
Date: October 22-24, 2019
Location: Dubai, UAE

Event: InterAqua
Date: January 29-31, 2020
Location: Tokyo, Japan

Event: Envirotech Executive Service (EES) Mission – Water Delegation to India
Location: New Delhi, Ahmedabad & Chennai with optional spin-off Gold Key Service in Mumbai or Hyderabad
Date: February 9-15, 2020 (spin-off on February 17, 2020)
Description: Water/wastewater is one of the most promising sub-sectors of the environment technologies industry in India for U.S. exporters.  The EES Mission to India will introduce potential delegates to the Indian water/wastewater markets in these three cities; help participants learn about relevant policies, procedures and opportunities in India’s water industry; and take part in business to business matchmaking appointments with private sector organizations and government agencies.  In addition, the delegates will have an opportunity to visit/participate in the Water Expo 2020, a local trade show that takes place from February 13-15, 2020 in Chennai. 

Event: Water Today’s Water Expo 
Location: Chennai, India
Date: February 13-15, 2020

Event: IFAT
Date: May 5-9, 2020 
Location: Munich, Germany 
Description: IFAT is the World’s Leading Trade Fair for Water, Sewage, Waste and Raw Materials Management. This truly international show offered over 3,300 exhibitors the opportunity to present their latest innovations in waste management and recycling to more than 142,000 visitors from 162 countries!

Event: Singapore International Water Week
Date: July 5-9, 2020
Location: Singapore
Description: There will be a U.S. pavilion and support for participating U.S. exhibitors from the U.S. Commercial Service in Singapore.  

Event: USA Fair Access Nigeria
Date: March 31-April 2, 2020
Location: Lagos, Nigeria
Description: The USA Fair 2020 in Lagos, Nigeria will present American manufacturers, suppliers and service providers with product showcase opportunities in the largest and most dynamic market on the African continent! Save the date now and register by November 30, 2019 to get the early bird rate. 

Remarks by U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur L. Ross at the Paris Air Show Press Event at the National Press Club, Washington, D.C.

AICC Business, Event, Export, Home, Transportation

Wilbur L.Ross, Introduced by Tom Kallman, President and CEO of Kallman Worldwide, organizer of the USA Partnership Pavilion.

Thank you, Tom, for that kind introduction, and thank you and your staff for all of the work you are doing to organize and promote U.S. participation at the Paris Air Show.

It is my pleasure to be here to discuss the U.S. government’s engagement in the Show. It will be the largest and most dramatic ever, as is reflected by the fact that our aerospace and space industries are more vibrant than they have ever been.

The U.S. has the largest and most competitive aerospace and outer-space industries, and that is why 350 American companies will attend this year’s show in Paris.

Our industry has a lot to show off. American companies produce the most innovative, highest quality, highest value-added products, sold wherever there are flying machines. The U.S. aerospace sector has the largest trade surplus of any other American manufacturing industry, at $88 billion last year. And, of total U.S. aerospace production last year of $215 billion, a very large portion of that output — $150 billion — or 70 percent, was exported. We are the largest exporter of aerospace equipment in the world.

We will have a strong contingent of Federal government officials attending the Paris Air Show, including myself. There will be representatives from the Department of Defense, the Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Army; the departments of State and Homeland Security; as well as the FAA, NASA, and the Export and Import Bank.

We look forward to celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Apollo Moon landing, with the presence of three Apollo astronauts who were part of those missions: Walt Cunningham from Apollo 7; Charlie Duke from Apollo 16; And Col. Al Worden, the Command Module Pilot for the Apollo 15 lunar mission in 1971, from whom we will hear shortly. It is great to be in the presence of the pioneering individuals who circled and walked on the Moon.

Fifty years have gone by without our returning. Today, a majority of Americans — 211.6 million, or 65 percent — were born after 1969, and have no recollection of the Moon landing and the excitement it generated the world over. We need to change that; and we’re going to change it fast.

President Trump has directed that that we put astronauts back on the Moon by 2024, and this time it will not just be men, but also women. The key message we intend to deliver in Paris is that the U.S. aerospace industry is stronger than it’s ever been, and that partnerships are important in a world where there are alternative views about the future of space. Within the Trump administration and the Commerce Department, we see the future of space as overwhelmingly commercial. This is why we will meet later this month — on June 26th and 27th — at the Space Enterprise Summit, which I will co-host with Secretary Pompeo, in Washington, D.C.

There is a lot happening in the area of commercial space. NASA will be announcing new contracting opportunities tomorrow for the International Space Station. And, I understand that the National Reconnaissance Office has announced new contracts with the commercial remote sensing industry, with companies like Maxar Technologies, Planet, and BlackSky Global.

Last month, I signed a wide-ranging space MOU with the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. This MOU is indicative of the partnerships required to expand the space industry from its current level of $400 billion to $1 trillion. GPS, earth imaging, telecommunications, asteroid mining, manufacturing, space tourism, and exploration all depend on space safety, space situational awareness, and the safe operation of satellites.

Our Paris message is that all space-faring nations must work together on common issues, such as tracking the thousands of pieces of space debris that could stifle the commercialization of space.

Our country has experienced an incredible re-awaking of its commercial space industry. Today, thanks to the infusion of new blood, new thinking, and a youthful cadre of enthusiastic engineers, scientists, and entrepreneurs, the U.S. space industry is being transformed.

In the tradition that has defined this industry since brothers Wilbur and Orville Wright were the first to fly, a new generation of entrepreneurs now dominate the majority of space activity. For these companies to reach their potential, it is the U.S. government’s job to eliminate the regulatory barriers to growth.

We look forward to working with other countries at creating the conditions by which these industries can flourish.

I look forward to being in Paris to work with so many innovative companies, and meeting officials from other governments and their space agencies, to foster the technical, regulatory, and financial conditions for the global space economy to grow and prosper. Thank you.

Upcoming: USA pavilion at 2019 China  International Fair for Trade in Services

AICC Business, Event, Export, Home, News and Press, Services, Trade, Travel

American International Chamber of Commerce (AICC) will host a USA pavilion at 2019 China  International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) to promote exports and promote American brands, products and services. AICC welcomes U.S. enterprises to participate into the USA pavilion in 2019 CIFTIS.

2019 China  International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) co-hosted by the Ministry of Commerce and the People’s Government of Beijing Municipality, has been successfully held for five years, becoming a leading exhibition of trade and services in China and the largest comprehensive fair for trade in services in the world. 2019 CIFTIS  will be held in Beijing from May 28 to June 1 in the theme of “Opening-up, Innovation, Intelligence and Integration”.

This year’s CIFTIS has 5 major features:

Highlight expansion of opening-up in service industry and trade in services, and contribute to building a new pattern of comprehensive opening-up. Implement China’s strategy of expanding opening-up, display the 68 achievements made during the first two batches of Beijing’s expansion of opening-up in service industry and China’s opening-up measures such as free trade pilot zone, promote Beijing’s new round of pilot policies for expansion of opening-up in service industry, standards of trade in services, rule-making and system construction, advance further opening-up and cooperation in global trade in services and contribute to building a community of shared future for mankind.

Stress internationalization and deepen the “Belt and Road” international cooperation on trade in services. Invite countries along the “Belt and Road”, top 30 countries and regions of trade in services, 14 countries that signed trade in services agreements with China, international trade associations and well-known enterprises in service industry and trade in services to participate in the fair.

Stress innovation-driven, intelligent development, integration and improvement, and lead the innovation and development of service industry and trade in services. Actively implement the innovation-driven development strategy, exhibit new models, businesses, and services that new technologies such as artificial intelligence and 5G are applied in service field; Promote innovation achievements in intelligent manufacturing, healthcare, and life, the digitization and intelligence of service industry and trade in services; Facilitate the integrated development between service industries including modern service industry and advanced manufacturing, culture and tourism, and that between trade in services and service consumption.

Emphasize negotiation trade, and enable participating enterprises to achieve practical cooperation. This year’s CIFTIS, with serving customers as the fundamental goal and facilitating negotiation trade as the core, collects demands for project trade and carries out trade matching in advance; Push ahead negotiation and cooperation with more than 100 promotion and negotiation activities.

Make a new exhibition layout, magnify CIFTIS’ role as a platform. This year’s CIFTIS uses the form of “one main venue assisted by multiple others” for the first time, which is to set up the main venue at China National Convention Center and the neighboring Beijing International Convention Center & the Olympic Celebration Square, other venues at Wangfujing Business Street, Financial Street, Central Business District, Sub-center, Huilonguan and Tiantongyuan areas, etc.As a state-level, international and comprehensive trading platform for trade in services, CIFTIS is important in serving national politics, economy, diplomacy, reform and opening up, development, and achieving the expansion of opening-up in China’s service industry and the high-quality development of trade in services.

The AICC team welcome your participation!

Contact:

Mr. Jason Quin
American International Chamber of Commerce
355 S. Grand Ave., Suite 2450
Los Angeles, CA 90071
Email: jasonquin@aiccus.org

Ms. Wendy Liu
AICC Beijing Office
9 Jianwai Street, DRC 7-3-43
Chaoyang, Beijing, 100600
Email: beijing@aiccus.org

Apply Now!

Link:

CIFTIS website

Statement Regarding the United States Delegation to China

AICC Export, Government, Home, Information, News and Press, Trade

Washington, DC – The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) today announced the members of an official delegation from the United States to China to discuss the trade relationship between the two countries beginning Monday, January 7, 2019.  

Members of the United States Delegation:

  • Ambassador Jeffrey Gerrish, Deputy U.S. Trade Representative
  • Ambassador Gregg Doud, USTR Chief Agricultural Negotiator
  • Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Ted McKinney, U.S. Department of Agriculture
  • Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade Gilbert B. Kaplan, U.S. Department of Commerce
  • Assistant Secretary for Fossil Energy Steven Winberg, U.S. Department of Energy
  • Under Secretary for International Affairs David Malpass, U.S. Department of the Treasury 

The delegation will be accompanied by senior officials from the White House, USTR, and the U.S. departments of Agriculture, Commerce, Energy, State, and Treasury.

Upcoming Event: Discover Global Markets

AICC Business, Export, Home, Information, IT, Security, Technology, Transportation

Indo-Pacific
Opportunities at the Convergence of Aerospace + Defense + Security
Dec. 10-12, 2018 | Salt Lake City, UT

About Discover Global Markets

Discover Global Markets is the U.S. Department of Commerce’s flagship event series for U.S. exporters.

In just a few days, attendees will uncover new exporting opportunities, learn from seasoned exporters, and connect with hundreds of networking contacts.

Sign up for e-mail updates to learn about upcoming events in the Discover Global Markets series.

At Each Discover Global Markets Conference, you will:

  • Meet one-on-one with U.S. Commercial Diplomats visiting from abroad
  • Participate in panel discussions on the latest industry trends
  • Identify new and emerging markets of opportunity ahead of your competition
  • Learn about U.S. export programs designed to cut your time to market
  • Network with U.S. trade officials, leading private sector experts and like-minded U.S. businesses active in overseas markets

U.S. Department of Commerce Announces Selection of ZTE Special Compliance Coordinator

AICC Business, Export, Home, Technology, Trade

August 24, Secretary of Commerce Wilbur L. Ross, Jr. announced the selection of Roscoe C. Howard, Jr. to be the Special Compliance Coordinator (SCC) for Zhongxing Telecommunications Equipment Corporation, of Shenzhen, China and ZTE Kangxun Telecommunications Ltd. of Hi-New Shenzhen, China (collectively, ZTE). The Special Compliance Coordinator was selected after a rigorous search by the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS). This appointment is the result of the historic settlement between the Department of Commerce and ZTE that includes a $1.761 billion fine, a ten-year probationary period, and the installation of the coordinator to conduct regular and comprehensive compliance supervision by a team answerable to BIS.

“Today’s appointment is the continuation of the unprecedented measures imposed on ZTE by the Department of Commerce,” said Secretary Ross. “Mr. Howard is exceptionally well-versed in corporate compliance, having tried more than 100 cases as a federal prosecutor, as well as helping those in the private sector on compliance and ethics issues.”

“I am honored to be selected for this critical role,” said Mr. Howard. “My team and I will be vigilant in efforts to ensure that ZTE complies with all U.S. export control laws and regulations.”

Mr. Howard is a Partner in Barnes & Thornburg’s Litigation Department in Washington, D.C. He is a graduate of Brown University and earned his J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law. He previously served as the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia from 2001-2004. Prior to his appointment, Mr. Howard was a tenured, full professor at the University of Kansas School of Law. He has twice served as an Associate Independent Counsel under both Republican and Democrat Presidents and was an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the District of Columbia and in the Eastern District of Virginia. Howard has served as an Associate Independent Counsel on two occasions. During his first occasion serving as an Associate Independent Counsel, Howard served as a lead prosecutor for the Office of Independent Counsel (OIC) investigating questionable programs, officials and activities at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development under former Secretary Samuel R. Pierce, Jr. During his second occasion serving as an Associate Independent Counsel, Howard was lead trial counsel in the fraud, false statements and gratuities investigation and trial of former Secretary of Agriculture A. Michael Espy.

The Special Compliance Coordinator’s function will be to coordinate, monitor, assess, and report on compliance with U.S. export control laws by ZTE, its subsidiaries, and affiliates worldwide. As stated in the Superseding Agreement and Order, the coordinator will operate with unprecedented access across the company.

In addition to the requirement to retain the coordinator, the Superseding Agreement and Order imposed a $1.761 billion monetary penalty, a ten-year conditionally-suspended denial order, which BIS can activate in the event of additional violations during the ten-year probationary period, and a requirement that ZTE replace the entire board of directors and the senior leadership of the company.

BACKGROUND:

On April 15, 2018, BIS activated the seven-year conditionally-suspended denial order against ZTE in response to ZTE’s admission that it made false statements to the U.S. Government during the probationary period when the company falsely stated that it would or had disciplined numerous employees responsible for the violations that led to the March 2017 settlement agreement. ZTE instead rewarded that illegal activity with bonuses. This action followed the March 2017 settlement agreement, in which ZTE agreed to a then record-high BIS civil penalty of $661 million, after engaging in a multi-year conspiracy to supply, build, and operate telecommunications networks in Iran using U.S.-origin equipment in violation of the U.S. trade embargo, and committing hundreds of U.S. sanctions violations involving the shipment of telecommunications equipment to North Korea. Moreover, ZTE also made false statements and obstructed justice by creating an elaborate scheme to prevent disclosures to and mislead the U.S. Government. In addition to monetary penalties, ZTE had agreed to a seven-year suspended denial of export privileges.

The Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security is the principal agency involved in the implementation and enforcement of export controls for commercial technologies and many military items. The BIS Office of Export Enforcement detects, prevents, investigates, and assists in the sanctioning of illegal exports of such items.