ITC to Assess Impact of Trans Pacific Partnership

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has instituted an investigation to assess the likely impact of the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement on the U.S. economy as a whole and on specific industry sectors and the interests of U.S. consumers. 

The investigation,
“Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement: Likely Impact on the U.S. Economy
and on Specific Industry Sectors,” was requested by the U.S. Trade
Representative in a letter received on Nov. 5, 2015.

The
Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities and Accountability Act of 2015
requires the USITC to prepare a report that assesses the likely impact
of the Agreement The USITC’s report, which will be public, is due to the President and the Congress no more than 105 days after the President signs the Agreement, which he can do 90 days after he notifies Congress of his intent to do so.  The President notified Congress on Nov. 5, 2015, of his intent to enter into the agreement, which will govern trade with Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico,
New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, and Vietnam.

The USITC will hold a public hearing in connection with the investigation beginning at 9:30 a.m. on Jan. 13, 2016.  Requests to appear at the hearing should be filed no later than 5:15 p.m. on Dec. 22, 2015, with the Secretary, U.S. International Trade Commission, 500 E Street SW, Washington, DC 20436. 

The USITC also welcomes written submissions for the record.  Written submissions should be addressed to the Secretary of the Commission at the above address and should be submitted at the earliest practical date but no later than 5:15 p.m. on Feb. 15, 2016.  All written submissions, except for confidential business information, will be available for public inspection.

Further information on the scope of the investigation and the procedures for written submissions is available in the USITC’s notice of investigation, dated November 17, 2015, which can be obtained from the USITC web site (www.usitc.gov) or by contacting the Office of the Secretary at the above address or 202-205-2000.