[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 248 (Thursday, December 28, 2017)]
[Notices]
[Pages 61654-61657]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-27975]
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OFFICE OF THE UNITED STATES TRADE REPRESENTATIVE
Determination of Trade Surplus in Certain Sugar and Syrup Goods
and Sugar-Containing Products of Chile, Morocco, Costa Rica, the
Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Peru,
Colombia, and Panama
AGENCY: Office of the United States Trade Representative.
ACTION: Notice.
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SUMMARY: In accordance with the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the
United States (HTS), the Office of the United States Trade
Representative (USTR) is providing notice of its determination of the
trade surplus in certain sugar and syrup goods and sugar-containing
products of Chile, Morocco, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, El
Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Peru, Colombia and Panama.
The level of a country's trade surplus in these goods relates to the
quantity of sugar and syrup goods and sugar-containing products for
which the United States grants preferential tariff treatment under (i)
the United States-Chile Free Trade Agreement (Chile FTA); (ii) the
United States-Morocco Free Trade Agreement (Morocco FTA); (iii) the
Dominican Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement
(CAFTA-DR); (iv) the United States-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement (Peru
TPA); (v) the United States-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement
(Colombia TPA); and (vi) the United States-Panama Trade Promotion
Agreement (Panama TPA).
DATES: This notice is applicable on January 1, 2018.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ronald Baumgarten, Office of
Agricultural Affairs, (202) 395-9583 or [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Chile FTA
Pursuant to section 201 of the United States-Chile Free Trade
Agreement Implementation Act (Pub. L. 108-77; 19 U.S.C. 3805 note),
Presidential Proclamation No. 7746 of December 30, 2003 (68 FR 75789)
implemented the Chile FTA on behalf of the United States and modified
the HTS to reflect the tariff treatment provided for in the Chile FTA.
Note 12(a) to subchapter XI of HTS chapter 99 requires USTR to
publish annually a determination of the amount of Chile's trade
surplus, by volume, with all sources for goods in Harmonized System
(HS) subheadings 1701.11, 1701.12, 1701.91, 1701.99, 1702.20, 1702.30,
1702.40, 1702.60, 1702.90, 1806.10, 2101.12, 2101.20, and 2106.90,
except that Chile's imports of goods classified under HS subheadings
1702.40 and 1702.60 that qualify for preferential tariff treatment
under the Chile FTA are not included in the calculation of Chile's
trade surplus. Proclamation 8771 of December 29, 2011 (77 FR 413)
reclassified HS subheading 1701.11 as 1701.13 and 1701.14.
[[Page 61655]]
Note 12(b) to subchapter XI of HTS chapter 99 provides duty-free
treatment for certain sugar and syrup goods and sugar-containing
products of Chile entered under subheading 9911.17.05 in any calendar
year (CY) (beginning in CY 2015) shall be the quantity of goods equal
to the amount of Chile's trade surplus in subdivision (a) of the note.
During CY 2016, the most recent year for which data is available,
Chile's imports of the sugar and syrup goods and sugar-containing
products described above exceeded its exports of those goods by 593,524
metric tons according to data published by its customs authority, the
Servicio Nacional de Aduana. Based on this data, USTR has determined
that Chile's trade surplus is negative. Therefore, in accordance with
U.S. Note 12(b) to subchapter XI of HTS chapter 99, goods of Chile are
not eligible to enter the United States duty-free under subheading
9911.17.05 in CY 2018.
II. Morocco FTA
Pursuant to section 201 of the United States-Morocco Free Trade
Agreement Implementation Act (Pub. L. 108-302; 19 U.S.C. 3805 note),
Presidential Proclamation No. 7971 of December 22, 2005 (70 FR 76651)
implemented the Morocco FTA on behalf of the United States and modified
the HTS to reflect the tariff treatment provided for in the Morocco
FTA.
Note 12(a) to subchapter XII of HTS chapter 99 requires USTR
annually to publish a determination of the amount of Morocco's trade
surplus, by volume, with all sources for goods in HS subheadings
1701.11, 1701.12, 1701.91, 1701.99, 1702.40, and 1702.60, except that
Morocco's imports of U.S. goods classified under HS subheadings 1702.40
and 1702.60 that qualify for preferential tariff treatment under the
Morocco FTA are not included in the calculation of Morocco's trade
surplus. Proclamation 8771 of December 29, 2011 (77 FR 413)
reclassified HS subheading 1701.11 as 1701.13 and 1701.14.
Note 12(b) to subchapter XII of HTS chapter 99 provides duty-free
treatment for certain sugar and syrup goods and sugar-containing
products of Morocco entered under subheading 9912.17.05 in an amount
equal to the lesser of Morocco's trade surplus or the specific quantity
set out in that note for that calendar year.
Note 12(c) to subchapter XII of HTS chapter 99 provides
preferential tariff treatment for certain sugar and syrup goods and
sugar-containing products of Morocco entered under subheading
9912.17.10 through 9912.17.85 in an amount equal to the amount by which
Morocco's trade surplus exceeds the specific quantity set out in that
note for that calendar year.
During CY 2016, the most recent year for which data is available,
Morocco's imports of the sugar and syrup goods and sugar-containing
products described above exceeded its exports of those goods by 730,647
metric tons according to data published by its customs authority, the
Office des Changes. Based on this data, USTR has determined that
Morocco's trade surplus is negative. Therefore, in accordance with U.S.
Note 12(b) and U.S. Note 12(c) to subchapter XII of HTS chapter 99,
goods of Morocco are not eligible to enter the United States duty-free
under subheading 9912.17.05 or at preferential tariff rates under
subheading 9912.17.10 through 9912.17.85 in CY 2018.
III. CAFTA-DR
Pursuant to section 201 of the Dominican Republic-Central America-
United States Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act (Pub. L. 109-53;
19 U.S.C. 4031), Presidential Proclamation No. 7987 of February 28,
2006 (71 FR 10827), Presidential Proclamation No. 7991 of March 24,
2006 (71 FR 16009), Presidential Proclamation No. 7996 of March 31,
2006 (71 FR 16971), Presidential Proclamation No. 8034 of June 30, 2006
(71 FR 38509), Presidential Proclamation No. 8111 of February 28, 2007
(72 FR 10025), Presidential Proclamation No. 8331 of December 23, 2008
(73 FR 79585), and Presidential Proclamation No. 8536 of June 12, 2010
(75 FR 34311), implemented the CAFTA-DR on behalf of the United States
and modified the HTS to reflect the tariff treatment provided for in
the CAFTA-DR.
Note 25(b)(i) to subchapter XXII of HTS chapter 98 requires USTR to
publish annually a determination of the amount of each CAFTA-DR
country's trade surplus, by volume, with all sources for goods in HS
subheadings 1701.12, 1701.13, 1701.14, 1701.91, 1701.99, 1702.40, and
1702.60, except that each CAFTA-DR country's exports to the United
States of goods classified under HS subheadings 1701.12, 1701.13,
1701.14, 1701.91, and 1701.99 and its imports of goods classified under
HS subheadings 1702.40 and 1702.60 that qualify for preferential tariff
treatment under the CAFTA-DR are not included in the calculation of
that country's trade surplus.
U.S. Note 25(b)(ii) to subchapter XXII of HTS chapter 98 provides
duty-free treatment for certain sugar and syrup goods and sugar-
containing products of each CAFTA-DR country entered under subheading
9822.05.20 in an amount equal to the lesser of that country's trade
surplus or the specific quantity set out in that note for that country
and that calendar year.
A. Costa Rica
During CY 2016, the most recent year for which data is available,
Costa Rica's exports of the sugar and syrup goods and sugar-containing
products described above exceeded its imports of those goods by 122,509
metric tons according to data published by the Costa Rican Customs
Department, Ministry of Finance. Based on this data, USTR has
determined that Costa Rica's trade surplus is 122,509 metric tons. The
specific quantity set out in U.S. Note 25(b)(ii) to subchapter XXII of
HTS chapter 98 for Costa Rica for CY 2018 is 13,640 metric tons.
Therefore, in accordance with that note, the aggregate quantity of
goods of Costa Rica that may be entered duty-free under subheading
9822.05.20 in CY 2018 is 13,640 metric tons (i.e., the amount that is
the lesser of Costa Rica's trade surplus and the specific quantity set
out in that note for Costa Rica for CY 2018).
B. Dominican Republic
During CY 2016, the most recent year for which data is available,
the Dominican Republic's imports of the sugar and syrup goods and
sugar-containing products described above exceeded its exports of those
goods by 148,476 metric tons according to data published by the
National Direction of Customs (DGA). Based on this data, USTR has
determined that the Dominican Republic's trade surplus is negative.
Therefore, in accordance with U.S. Note 25(b)(ii) to subchapter XXII of
HTS chapter 98, goods of the Dominican Republic are not eligible to
enter the United States duty-free under subheading 9822.05.20 in CY
2018.
C. El Salvador
During CY 2016, the most recent year for which data is available,
El Salvador's exports of the sugar and syrup goods and sugar-containing
products described above exceeded its imports of those goods by 224,658
metric tons according to data published by the Salvadoran Sugar Council
and the Central Bank of El Salvador. Based on this data, USTR has
determined that El Salvador's trade surplus is 224,658 metric tons. The
specific quantity set out in U.S. Note 25(b)(ii) to subchapter XXII of
HTS chapter 98 for El Salvador for CY 2018 is 34,680 metric tons.
Therefore, in accordance with that note, the aggregate quantity of
goods of El Salvador that may be entered duty-free
[[Page 61656]]
under subheading 9822.05.20 in CY 2018 is 34,680 metric tons (i.e., the
amount that is the lesser of El Salvador's trade surplus and the
specific quantity set out in that note for El Salvador for CY 2018).
D. Guatemala
During CY 2016, the most recent year for which data is available,
Guatemala's exports of the sugar and syrup goods and sugar-containing
products described above exceeded its imports of those goods by
1,787,825 metric tons according to data published by the
Asociaci[oacute]n de Azucareros de Guatemala (ASAZGUA). Based on this
data, USTR has determined that Guatemala's trade surplus is 1,787,825
metric tons. The specific quantity set out in U.S. Note 25(b)(ii) to
subchapter XXII of HTS chapter 98 for Guatemala for CY 2018 is 47,940
metric tons. Therefore, in accordance with that note, the aggregate
quantity of goods of Guatemala that may be entered duty-free under
subheading 9822.05.20 in CY 2018 is 47,940 metric tons (i.e., the
amount that is the lesser of Guatemala's trade surplus and the specific
quantity set out in that note for Guatemala for CY 2018).
E. Honduras
During CY 2016, the most recent year for which data is available,
Honduras' exports of the sugar and syrup goods and sugar-containing
products described above exceeded its imports of those goods by 106,893
metric tons according to data published by the Central Bank of
Honduras. Based on this data, USTR has determined that Honduras' trade
surplus is 106,893 metric tons. The specific quantity set out in U.S.
Note 25(b)(ii) to subchapter XXII of HTS chapter 98 for Honduras for CY
2018 is 9,920 metric tons. Therefore, in accordance with that note, the
aggregate quantity of goods of Honduras that may be entered duty-free
under subheading 9822.05.20 in CY 2018 is 9,920 metric tons (i.e., the
amount that is the lesser of Honduras' trade surplus and the specific
quantity set out in that note for Honduras for CY 2018).
F. Nicaragua
During CY 2016, the most recent year for which data is available,
Nicaragua's exports of the sugar and syrup goods and sugar-containing
products described above exceeded its imports of those goods by 208,507
metric tons according to data published by the Nicaraguan Ministry of
Development, Industry, and Trade (MIFIC). Based on this data, USTR has
determined that Nicaragua's trade surplus is 208,507 metric tons. The
specific quantity set out in U.S. Note 25(b)(ii) to subchapter XXII of
HTS chapter 98 for Nicaragua for CY 2018 is 27,280 metric tons.
Therefore, in accordance with that note, the aggregate quantity of
goods of Nicaragua that may be entered duty-free under subheading
9822.05.20 in CY 2018 is 27,280 metric tons (i.e., the amount that is
the lesser of Nicaragua's trade surplus and the specific quantity set
out in that note for Nicaragua for CY 2018).
IV. Peru TPA
Pursuant to section 201 of the United States-Peru Trade Promotion
Agreement Implementation Act (Pub. L. 110-138; 19 U.S.C. 3805 note),
Presidential Proclamation No. 8341 of January 16, 2009 (74 FR 4105)
implemented the Peru TPA on behalf of the United States and modified
the HTS to reflect the tariff treatment provided for in the Peru TPA.
Note 28(c) to subchapter XXII of HTS chapter 98 requires USTR to
annually publish a determination of the amount of Peru's trade surplus,
by volume, with all sources for goods in HS subheadings 1701.12,
1701.13, 1701.14, 1701.91, 1701.99, 1702.40, and 1702.60, except that
Peru's imports of U.S. goods classified under HS subheadings 1702.40
and 1702.60 that are originating goods under the Peru TPA and Peru's
exports to the United States of goods classified under HS subheadings
1701.12, 1701.13, 1701.14, 1701.91, and 1701.99 are not included in the
calculation of Peru's trade surplus.
Note 28(d) to subchapter XXII of HTS chapter 98 provides duty-free
treatment for certain sugar goods of Peru entered under subheading
9822.06.10 in an amount equal to the lesser of Peru's trade surplus or
the specific quantity set out in that note for that calendar year.
During CY 2016, the most recent year for which data is available,
Peru's imports of the sugar and syrup goods and sugar-containing
products described above exceeded its exports of those goods by 248,472
metric tons according to data published by Superintendencia Nacional de
Administraci[oacute]n Tributaria (SUNAT). Based on this data, USTR has
determined that Peru's trade surplus is negative. Therefore, in
accordance with U.S. Note 28(d) to subchapter XXII of HTS chapter 98,
goods of Peru are not eligible to enter the United States duty-free
under subheading 9822.06.10 in CY 2018.
V. Colombia TPA
Pursuant to section 201 of the United States-Colombia Trade
Promotion Agreement Implementation Act (Pub. L. 112-42; 19 U.S.C. 3805
note), Presidential Proclamation No. 8818 of May 14, 2012 (77 FR 29519)
implemented the Colombia TPA on behalf of the United States and
modified the HTS to reflect the tariff treatment provided for in the
Colombia TPA.
Note 32(b) to subchapter XXII of HTS chapter 98 requires USTR to
publish annually a determination of the amount of Colombia's trade
surplus, by volume, with all sources for goods in HS subheadings
1701.12, 1701.13, 1701.14, 1701.91, 1701.99, 1702.40 and 1702.60,
except that Colombia's imports of U.S. goods classified under
subheadings 1702.40 and 1702.60 that are originating goods under the
Colombia TPA and Colombia's exports to the United States of goods
classified under subheadings 1701.12, 1701.13, 1701.14, 1701.91 and
1701.99 are not included in the calculation of Colombia's trade
surplus.
Note 32(c)(i) to subchapter XXII of HTS chapter 98 provides duty-
free treatment for certain sugar goods of Colombia entered under
subheading 9822.08.01 in an amount equal to the lesser of Colombia's
trade surplus or the specific quantity set out in that note for that
calendar year.
During CY 2016, the most recent year for which data is available,
Colombia's exports of the sugar and syrup goods and sugar-containing
products described above exceeded its imports of those goods by 217,455
metric tons according to data published by Global Trade Atlas (GTA) and
the Colombian Directorate of National Taxes and Customs (DIAN). Based
on this data, USTR has determined that Colombia's trade surplus is
217,455 metric tons. The specific quantity set out in U.S. Note
32(c)(i) to subchapter XXII of HTS chapter 98 for Colombia for CY 2018
is 54,500 metric tons. Therefore, in accordance with that note, the
aggregate quantity of goods of Colombia that may be entered duty-free
under subheading 9822.08.01 in CY 2018 is 54,500 metric tons (i.e., the
amount that is the lesser of Colombia's trade surplus and the specific
quantity set out in that note for Colombia for CY 2018).
VI. Panama TPA
Pursuant to section 201 of the United States-Panama Trade Promotion
Agreement Implementation Act (Pub. L. 112-43; 19 U.S.C. 3805 note),
Presidential Proclamation No. 8894 of October 29, 2012 (77 FR 66505)
implemented the Panama TPA on behalf of the United States and modified
the HTS to reflect the tariff treatment provided for in the Panama TPA.
Note 35(a) to subchapter XXII of HTS chapter 98 requires USTR to
publish
[[Page 61657]]
annually a determination of the amount of Panama's trade surplus, by
volume, with all sources for goods in HS subheadings 1701.12, 1701.13,
1701.14, 1701.91, 1701.99, 1702.40 and 1702.60, except that Panama's
imports of U.S. goods classified under subheadings 1702.40 and 1702.60
that are originating goods under the Panama TPA and Panama's exports to
the United States of goods classified under subheadings 1701.12,
1701.13, 1701.14, 1701.91 and 1701.99 are not included in the
calculation of Panama's trade surplus.
Note 35(c) to subchapter XXII of HTS chapter 98 provides duty-free
treatment for certain sugar goods of Panama entered under subheading
9822.09.17 in an amount equal to the lesser of Panama's trade surplus
or the specific quantity set out in that note for that calendar year.
During CY 2016, the most recent year for which data is available,
Panama's imports of the sugar and syrup goods and sugar-containing
products described above exceeded its exports of those goods by 705
metric tons according to data published by the National Institute of
Statistics and Census, Office of the General Comptroller of Panama.
Based on this data, USTR has determined that Panama's trade surplus is
negative. Therefore, in accordance with U.S. Note 35(c) to subchapter
XXII of HTS chapter 98, goods of Panama are not eligible to enter the
United States duty-free under subheading 9822.09.17 in CY 2018.
Sharon Bomer Lauritsen,
Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for Agricultural Affairs.
[FR Doc. 2017-27975 Filed 12-27-17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3290-F8-P