[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 82 (Tuesday, April 29, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Pages 23265-23266]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-11181]
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INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION
[Investigation 332-381]
The Impact of the North American Free Trade Agreement on the U.S.
Economy and Industries: A Three Year Review
AGENCY: United States International Trade Commission.
ACTION: Institution of investigation and scheduling of public hearing.
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EFFECTIVE DATE: April 25, 1997.
SUMMARY: Following receipt on April 23, 1997, of a request from the
Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), the Commission
instituted investigation No. 332-381, The Impact of the North American
Free Trade Agreement on the U.S. Economy and Industries: A Three Year
Review, under section 332(g) of the Tariff Act of 1930 (19 U.S.C.
1332(g)).
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: Information on economic aspects of the
investigation may be obtained from Kyle Johnson, Office of Economics
(202-205-3229), Hugh Arce, Office of Economics (202-205-3234), or
William Donnelly, Office of Economics (202-205-3223), and on legal
aspects, from William Gearhart, Office of the General Counsel (202-205-
3091). The media should contact Margaret O'Laughlin, Office of External
Relations (202-205-1819). Hearing impaired individuals are advised that
information on this matter can be obtained by contacting the TDD
terminal on (202-205-1810).
Background
The USTR's letter requesting the investigation was received on
April 23, 1997. The letter notes that section 512 of the North American
Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act (19 U.S.C. 3462) requires the
President to provide to the Congress by July 1, 1997, a comprehensive
study of the operation and effects of the NAFTA during its first 3
years. The letter states that the Commission's investigation and report
are to serve as a resource which the Administration can draw upon in
preparing its report to the Congress.
As requested by USTR, the Commission in its report on the
investigation will provide (1) a literature review and analysis of
existing studies that have assessed the impact on the United States of
NAFTA in its 2 first 3 years; (2) a discussion of the technical issues
involved in formal economic assessment of the impact of a partially
implemented free trade agreement, while considering other non-agreement
factors affecting trade flows during the same period; and (3), to the
extent possible, an analysis of the aggregate effects on the economy of
the Agreement in its first 3 years.
As requested, the Commission in its analysis of the impact of NAFTA
on U.S. trade with NAFTA partners will use formal empirical methods, as
well as the industry expertise maintained by the Commission. It will
consider relevant micro-and macro-economic factors, such as exchange-
rate fluctuations (including the effects of the peso crisis), economic
growth, and other agreements, including the U.S.-Canada Free Trade
Agreement and the phase in of Uruguay Round commitments, that affected
the U.S. economy, so as to isolate those effects, to the extent
feasible, from the factors that relate specifically to the NAFTA.
As requested, the Commission will examine for NAFTA effects the
U.S. industries in which U.S. exports to Mexico or Canada or imports
into the United States from Mexico or Canada have increased
significantly. The Commission will also examine, in addition to trade
effects, changes in wages, employment, productivity, and investment
that occurred as a result of NAFTA, and changes in U.S. trade with
third countries induced by NAFTA. In assessing these factors, the
Commission will, to the extent possible, attempt to distinguish between
the consequences of NAFTA and events that likely would have occurred
without the Agreement, and will consider NAFTA effects in the context
of the overall performance of the U.S. industries analyzed.
Public Hearing
A public hearing in connection with the investigation will be held
in the Commission hearing room, 500 E Street, SW, Washington, D.C.
20436, beginning at 9:30 a.m. on May 15, 1997, and continuing on May 16
if an additional day is needed. All persons have the right to appear by
counsel or in person to present information and to be heard. Requests
to appear at the public hearing should be filed with the Secretary,
United States International Trade Commission, 500 E Street, SW,
Washington, D.C. no later than noon, May 9, 1997. Hearing statements
should be filed not later than COB May 12, 1997. Any posthearing
submissions must be filed not later than COB May 22, 1997.
In the event that, as of noon on May 9, 1997, no witnesses are
scheduled to appear at the hearing, the hearing will be canceled. Any
person interested in attending the hearing as an observer or non-
participant may call the Secretary to the Commission (202-205-1816)
after May 12, 1997, to determine whether the hearing will be held.
Written Submissions
Interested persons are invited to submit written statements (one
original and 14 copies) concerning the matters to be addressed in the
report. Commercial or financial information that a party desires the
Commission to treat as confidential must be submitted on separate
sheets of paper, each clearly marked ``Confidential Business
Information'' at the top. (Generally,
[[Page 23266]]
submission of separate confidential and public versions of the
submission would be appropriate.) All submissions requesting
confidential treatment must conform with the requirements of Sec. 201.6
of the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure (19 CFR 201.6). All
written submissions, except for confidential business information, will
be made available in the Office of the Secretary to the Commission for
inspection by interested persons. To be assured of submission to USTR
with the report, written statements relating to the Commission's report
should be submitted at the earliest practical date and should be
received no later than May 22, 1997. All submissions should be
addressed to the Secretary, U.S. International Trade Commission, 500 E
Street, SW, Washington, D.C. 20436.
Persons with mobility impairments who will need special assistance
in gaining access to the Commission should contact the Office of the
Secretary at 202-205-2000.
Issued: April 25, 1997
By order of the Commission.
Donna R. Koehnke,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 97-11181 Filed 4-25-97; 1:29 pm]
BILLING CODE 7020-02-P
