The State Department issued a proposed rule to revise USML Category IX (military training equipment and training) to change the title to indicate that the category covers training equipment only (and not “training” as a service), remove catchall categories, narrow the articles controlled on the USML, and make this list of items more positive. At the same time, BIS is proposing the creation of four new 600 series ECCNs to control articles removed from Category IX that would instead be controlled by the CCL. The State Department is not proposing any tiering at this time.
The State Department issued a proposed rule to revise U.S. Munitions List Category X (personal protective equipment and shelters) to describe more precisely the materials warranting control on the USML. At the same time, the Bureau of Industry and Security is proposing the creation of five new 600 series ECCNs to control personal protective equipment, shelters, and related items the President determines no longer warrant control under Category X of the USML. The State Department is also not proposing any tiering at this time, and is still developing its definition of "Specially Designed."
The State Department issued a proposed rule to revise USML Category XIII (materials and miscellaneous articles) to narrow the articles controlled on the USML, and to make this list of items more positive. At the same time, BIS is proposing the creation of five new 600 series ECCNs to control auxiliary and miscellaneous military equipment and related articles the President determines no longer warrant control under Category XIII of the USML. The State Department is also not proposing any tiering at this time, and is still developing its definition of "Specially Designed."
Officials at the U.S.-Panama Business Council state that the Panamanian Minister for Commerce and Industry, Ricardo Quijano, has set a goal of October 1, 2012 for the implementation of the U.S.-Panama Free Trade Agreement. Quijano attended the recent “Panama Week” conference held March 15-16 in Washington, DC.
U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk met with Panamanian Commerce and Industry Minister Ricardo Quijano on March 14, 2012 to discuss progress on the implementation of the pending U.S.-Panama free trade agreement. Both Ambassador Kirk and Minister Quijano agreed to continue working intensively to bring the Panama FTA into force as quickly as possible, while ensuring that all obligations are fully met.
The State Department has issued a proposed rule to revise USML Category XX (submersible vessels and related articles) to narrow the articles controlled on the USML, and to make this list of items more positive. At the same time, BIS is proposing the creation of four new 600 series ECCNs to control submersible vessels, oceanographic equipment and related articles removed from Category VI or XX that would instead be controlled by the CCL. The State Department is also not proposing any tiering at this time, and is still developing its definition of "Specially Designed."
The State Department has issued a proposed rule to revise USML Category VI (surface vessels of war and special naval equipment) to narrow the articles controlled on the USML, and to make this list of items more positive. At the same time, BIS is proposing the creation of five new 600 series ECCNs to control vessels of war and related articles removed from Category VI that would instead be controlled by the CCL. The State Department is also not proposing any tiering at this time, and is still developing its definition of "Specially Designed."
The State Department has issued a proposed rule to create a new USML Category XIX for gas turbine engines and associated equipment that currently are covered in USML Categories VI, VII or VIlI. The intent of this proposed change is to make clear that gas turbine engines for surface vessels, vehicles, and aircraft that meet certain objective parameters warrant control on the USML, and to create a more positive list. At the same time, BIS has issued a companion proposed rule for military gas turbine engines and related articles that no longer warrant USML control. The State Department is also not proposing any tiering at this time, and is still developing its definition of "Specially Designed."
The State Department has issued a proposed rule to revise USML Category VII (military ground vehicles and related articles) to narrow the articles controlled on the USML, and to make this list of items more positive. At the same time, BIS is reproposing the creation of five new 600 series ECCNs to control articles removed from Category VII that would instead be controlled by the CCL. The State Department is also not proposing any tiering at this time, and is still developing its definition of "Specially Designed."
At the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting on November 10, 2011, U.S. Commerce Secretary Bryson and the executive Vice President of FedEx announced the Global Buyers Initiative (GBI), which is designed to help U.S. small- and medium-sized businesses reach more markets and sell more products and service overseas. FedEx, which will pilot the program, will seek out experienced overseas importers in National Export Initiative (NEI)-focused markets and sectors that have traditionally not sourced products or services primarily from U.S. businesses and Commerce will connect them to U.S. suppliers.