The U.S. International Trade Commission (“Commission”) has issued questionnaires to companies operating in Foreign-Trade Zones (“FTZs”) in the United States, as well as companies benefiting under related programs in Canada and Mexico.
According to a recent ITC briefing, the questionnaire responses will be due October 6.
The questionnaires were issued in response to a request from the U.S. Trade Representative (“USTR”) that the Commission initiate a fact-finding investigation to evaluate FTZ programs and trade policy from 2016 to 2021 in the aforementioned countries. The Commission’s investigation is intended to cover:
- An overview of economic activity in all FTZs;
- An overview of the current FTZ policies and practices; and
- An analysis of the effects of current FTZ policies and practices on the cost-competitiveness of products of firms operating in these FTZs.
The investigation will not collect information about section 232, section 301, or formal injury claims.
Entities that operate in an FTZ but that did not receive a questionnaire may request one from the Commission. Under the published schedule parties may file comments by November 30, and the Commission plans to transmit its report to USTR on April 14, 2023.
CLK is prepared to advise parties on this investigation, including assisting with completing questionnaires and filing comments.