Background

For more information on pursuing trade policy interests through the legislative process, please contact Nicole Bivens Collinson.

China. H.R. 8610 (introduced Oct. 16 by Rep. Smith, R-N.J.) would withdraw normal trade relations treatment from, and apply certain provisions of title IV of the Trade Act of 1974 to, products of China. It would also expand the eligibility requirements for products of China to receive NTR treatment in the future.

The Chinese Communist Party Influence Transparency Act (S. 4843, introduced Oct. 22 by Sen. Cotton, R-Ark.; and H.R. 8663, introduced Oct. 23 by Rep. Gallagher, R-Wis.) would amend the Foreign Agents Registration Act to repeal the exemptions from registration under that law for persons providing private and nonpolitical representation of trade and commercial interests, and persons filing disclosure reports under the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995, in connection with the representation of business organizations organized under the laws of or having their principal place of business in China. Cotton said this bill would close loopholes that allow lobbyists for Chinese companies, including for commercial activity, to avoid registering under FARA and instead register under the less-transparent LDA.

Exports. The Global Small Business Network Act (H.R. 8628, introduced Oct. 20 by Rep. Castro, D-Texas) would support the establishment of small business development centers in Latin America and the Caribbean and extend the program into Southeast Asia. A press release from Castro’s office states that this bill would enhance the ability of U.S. small businesses to export to foreign markets and take part in international commerce.

Trade Preferences. President Trump signed into law Oct. 10 legislation (H.R. 991) to reauthorize the Caribbean Basin Trade Partnership Act through Sept. 30, 2030. CBTPA was lapsed from Oct. 1 through Oct. 14 and U.S. Customs and Border Protection recently issued guidance on requesting refunds of duties paid on eligible articles during that period.

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