[Federal Register: March 11, 1997 (Volume 62, Number 47)]
[Notices]
[Page 11222-11223]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr11mr97-139]

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INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION

[Investigation 332-380]


Advice Concerning the Proposed Modification of Duties on Certain
Information Technology Products and Distilled Spirits

AGENCY: United States International Trade Commission.

ACTION: Institution of investigation.

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EFFECTIVE DATE: March 5, 1997.

SUMMARY: Following receipt on February 27, 1997 of a request from the
United States Trade Representative, the Commission instituted
investigation No. 332-380, Advice Concerning the Proposed Modification
of Duties on Certain Information Technology Products and Distilled
Spirits, under section 332(g) of the Tariff Act of 1930 (19 U.S.C.
1332(g)).
    As requested by the USTR, the Commission will provide: (1) Profiles
of the domestic and foreign information technology and distilled
spirits industries, including a description of the industry and its
relative strengths, (2) trends in production, (3) a brief analysis of
current tariffs, (4) an assessment of patterns of imports and exports,
and (5) an indication of potential increased market opportunities
resulting from proposed tariff modifications. As requested, the
Commission will submit its report to the USTR by April 4, 1997.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: Information on general aspects of the study
may be obtained from John Kitzmiller, Office of Industries (202-205-
3387) or, on legal aspects, from William Gearhart, Office of the
General Counsel (202-205-3091). The media should contact Margaret
O'Laughlin, Office of External Relations (202-205-1819). Hearing
impaired individuals are advised that information on this matter can be
obtained by contacting the TDD terminal on (202-205-1810). A copy of
this notice and the annex listing the products under consideration can
be downloaded from the Commission's Internet server (http://
www.usitc.gov) or may be obtained by contacting the Office of the
Secretary, U.S. International Trade Commission, 500 E Street, SW,
Washington, DC, 20436, or at 202-205-1802.

BACKGROUND: At the WTO Ministerial Conference in Singapore in December
1996, economies representing over 80 percent of world trade in
information technology products declared their intention to bind and
eliminate customs duties and other duties and charges on a broad range
of products. At the same

[[Page 11223]]

time, the United States agreed to eliminate its tariffs on ``white''
distilled spirits and accelerate the elimination of tariffs on
``brown'' distilled spirits.
    Section 111(b) of the Uruguay Round Agreements Act (the Act)
authorizes the President, subject to the consultation and layover
requirements of section 115 of the Act, to proclaim further
modifications of any duty for articles contained in a tariff category
that was part of the U.S. ``zero-for-zero'' initiative. This authority
is subject only to the conditions set forth in section 111 which
include compliance with the consultation and layover provisions of
section 115 of the URAA. One of the requirements set out in section 115
is that the President obtain advice regarding the proposed action from
the Commission. Accordingly, the Commission has been asked, pursuant to
section 115 of the Act and section 332 of the Tariff Act of 1930, to
provide information and advice concerning the proposed action.

WRITTEN SUBMISSIONS: Interested persons are invited to submit written
statements concerning the matters to be addressed in the report. All
written submissions will be made available for inspection by interested
persons in the Office of the Secretary to the Commission. To be assured
of submission to USTR with the report, written statements relating to
the Commission's report should be submitted at the earliest practical
date and should be received no later than March 21, 1997. All
submissions should be addressed to the Secretary, U.S. International
Trade Commission, 500 E Street SW, Washington, DC, 20436. 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.

    By order of the Commission.
    Issued: March 6, 1997.
Donna R. Koehnke,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 97-6133 Filed 3-10-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7020-02-P