Search Results for agency_names:"Trade Representative, Office of United States"

The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) has decided that Turkey's Digital Services Tax (DST) is unfair and discriminates against U.S. businesses, causing problems for U.S. trade. The tax targets companies based on digital services and revenue criteria, disadvantaging American companies. This conclusion came after an investigation and consultations with Turkey, during which public opinions and expert advice were considered. The USTR plans to take further actions under Section 301 of the Trade Act in response to these findings.

The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) is seeking public comments on unfair trade practices by other countries. This initiative follows directives set out in the America First Trade Policy Presidential Memorandum and the Presidential Memorandum on Reciprocal Trade and Tariffs. Comments should specifically address non-reciprocal trade arrangements and the harm they cause to the U.S. The deadline for submitting comments is March 11, 2025, and submissions should explain the impact of these practices on U.S. interests, supported by quantified harm like opportunity costs.

The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) published a correction notice about the tariff-rate quota for Australian goods entering the United States in 2025. Originally, an error stated that 1,355,423 metric tons could be imported under a specific subheading, but the corrected amount is actually 1,355 metric tons. This update, essential for the implementation of the U.S.-Australia Free Trade Agreement, becomes effective on January 1, 2025.

The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) has issued a notice regarding Spain's Digital Services Tax (DST), which they believe is unfair and discriminatory against U.S. digital companies. The tax, which Spain enacted to collect fees on certain digital services, is seen as a burden on U.S. commerce and is actionable under Section 301 of the Trade Act. After an investigation and consultations with Spain, the USTR determined that Spain’s DST discriminates against specific U.S. companies and contradicts international tax principles. This ruling will lead to further proceedings to decide potential actions against Spain.

The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) has launched a Section 301 investigation into Nicaragua's actions concerning labor rights, human rights, and the rule of law. This investigation aims to determine if Nicaragua's practices are unreasonable or discriminatory, negatively affecting U.S. commerce. A public hearing is scheduled for January 16, 2025, and the USTR is inviting public comments and testimony on these issues until January 8, 2025. The investigation will examine evidence of violations and seek to determine the appropriate response.

The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) has announced the trade levels of sugar and syrup products from several countries, which affect their eligibility for duty-free entry under various trade agreements. For the 2025 calendar year, Chile, Morocco, the Dominican Republic, and Peru have negative trade surpluses, meaning their goods cannot enter the U.S. duty-free. Meanwhile, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Colombia, and Panama have varying positive trade surpluses and can export limited quantities to the U.S. without tariffs, based on predetermined quotas.

The Office of the United States Trade Representative has announced the determination of trade surpluses for various countries related to sugar and syrup goods and products. These countries include Chile, Morocco, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Peru, Colombia, and Panama. The trade surplus levels affect how much of these products can enter the United States duty-free under different trade agreements. For some countries, like Chile and Morocco, their negative trade surpluses mean they do not qualify for duty-free treatment, while others like Guatemala and Colombia have positive surpluses allowing a limited amount to enter tariff-free.

The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) has decided that Italy's Digital Services Tax (DST) is unfair and targets U.S. companies negatively, making it eligible for action under Section 301 of the Trade Act. The tax affects businesses that earn a significant amount of revenue from digital services in Italy, and the USTR believes it unfairly discriminates against U.S. digital companies and is inconsistent with international tax principles. Over 380 comments were submitted during the investigation, and further proceedings will determine what actions to take.

The Office of the United States Trade Representative announced that the United Kingdom (UK) can continue exporting under the U.S. tariff-rate quotas (TRQs) designated for European Union (EU) member countries in 2021. This decision comes after the UK's departure from the EU, which was finalized on December 31, 2020. These quotas, described in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States, specifically include certain quotas for dairy products. The U.S. Trade Representative can adjust these quotas, and the UK is allowed to designate importers for cheese and other products as it has in previous years.

The Office of the United States Trade Representative has determined that Austria's Digital Services Tax (DST) is unfair or discriminatory towards U.S. companies and negatively impacts U.S. commerce. The DST applies a 5% tax on certain large companies' digital advertising revenues within Austria. The U.S. Trade Representative found that the tax discriminates against American digital companies and contradicts principles of international taxation. As a result, they plan to take further actions under Section 301 of the Trade Act to address these issues.