The US International Trade Commission (USITC) has said that it is seeking input for a new investigation concerning whether certain textile and apparel articles from Nepal are import sensitive. The investigation, Nepal: Advice Concerning Whether Certain Textile and Apparel Articles Are Import Sensitive, was requested by the US Trade Representative (USTR) in a letter received on March 30, 2016. As requested, the USITC, an independent, nonpartisan, fact-finding federal agency, will provide advice on the likely impact on US imports, competing US industries, and US consumers of providing duty-free treatment for 66 products, listed by Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) subheading, from Nepal. The products include luggage and attaché cases, handbags, pocket goods, travel bags, carpets, shawls, scarves, and travel blankets, hats, gloves and miscellaneous articles. The USITC will submit its confidential report to USTR by September 29, 2016. As soon as possible thereafter, the USITC will, as requested by USTR, issue a public version of the report containing only the unclassified sections, with any business confidential information and classified information deleted. The USITC is seeking input for its new investigation from all interested parties and requested that the information focus on the articles for which the USITC is requested to provide information and advice. The USITC will hold a public hearing in connection with the investigation on June 9, 2016.
