Fed. Reg. Notices — Solicitation of public comments c…

BILLING CODE 3510-22-S COMMITTEE FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF TEXTILE AGREEMENTS Solicitation of Public Comments on Request for Textile and Apparel Safeguard Action on Imports from China November 3, 2004. AGENCY: The Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements (the Committee) ACTION: Solicitation of public comments concerning a request for safeguard action on imports from China of man-made fiber knit shirts and blouses (Category 638/639). SUMMARY: The Committee has received a request from the American Manufacturing Trade Action Coalition, National Council of Textile Organizations, the National Textile Association, SEAMS, and UNITE HERE! (Requestors) asking the Committee to limit imports from China of man-made fiber knit shirts and blouses in accordance with the textile and apparel safeguard provision of the Working Party on the Accession of China to the World Trade Organization (the Accession Agreement).

The Committee hereby solicits public comments on this request. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jay Dowling, Office of Textiles and Apparel, U.S. Department of Commerce,

(202)482-4058. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Authority: Section 204 of the Agriculture Act of 1956, as amended; Executive Order 11651, as amended. Background The textile and apparel safeguard provision of the Accession Agreement provides for the United States and other members of the World Trade Organization that believe imports of Chinese origin textile and apparel products are, due to market disruption, threatening to impede the orderly development of trade in these products to request consultations with China with a view to easing or avoiding the disruption. Pursuant to this provision, if the United States requests consultations with China, it must, at the time of the request, provide China with a detailed factual statement showing “(1) the existence or threat of market disruption; and

(2)the role of products of Chinese origin in that disruption.” Beginning on the date that it receives such a request, China must restrict its shipments to the United States to a level no greater than 7.5 percent (6 percent for wool product categories) above the amount entered during the first 12 months of the most recent 14 months preceding the month in which the request was made. If exports from China exceed that amount, the United States may enforce the restriction. The Committee has published procedures (the Procedures) it follows in considering requests for Accession Agreement textile and apparel safeguard actions (68 FR 27787, May 21, 2003; 68 FR 49440, August 18, 2003), including the information that must be included in such requests in order for the Committee to consider them. On October 13, 2004, the Requestors asked the Committee to impose an Accession Agreement textile and apparel safeguard action on imports from China of man-made fiber knit shirts and blouses (Category 638/639) on the ground that an anticipated increase in man-made fiber knit shirts and blouses imports after January 1, 2005, threatens to disrupt the U.S. market for man-made fiber knit shirts and blouses. The request is available at *http://otexa.ita.doc.gov* . In light of the considerations set forth in the Procedures, the Committee has determined that the Requestors have provided the information necessary for the Committee to consider the request. The Committee is soliciting public comments on the request, in particular with regard to whether there is a threat of disruption to the U.S. market for man-made fiber knit shirts and blouses and, if so, the role of Chinese-origin man-made fiber knit shirts and blouses in that disruption. To this end, the Committee seeks relevant information addressing factors such as the following, which may be relevant in the particular circumstances of this case, involving a product under a quota that will be removed on January 1, 2005:

(1)Whether imports of man-made fiber knit shirts and blouses from China are entering, or are expected to enter, the United States at prices that are substantially below prices of the like or directly competitive U.S. product, and whether those imports are likely to have a significant depressing or suppressing effect on domestic prices of the like or directly competitive U.S. product or are likely to increase demand for further imports from China;

(2)Whether exports of Chinese-origin man-made fiber knit shirts and blouses to the United States are likely to increase substantially and imminently (due to existing unused production capacity, to capacity that can easily be shifted from the production of other products to the production of man-made fiber knit shirts and blouses, or to an imminent and substantial increase in production capacity or investment in production capacity), taking into account the availability of other markets to absorb any additional exports;

(3)Whether Chinese-origin man-made fiber knit shirts and blouses that are presently sold in the Chinese market or in third-country markets will be diverted to the U.S. market in the imminent future (for example, due to more favorable pricing in the U.S. market or to existing or imminent import restraints into third country markets);

(4)The level and the extent of any recent change in inventories of man-made fiber knit shirts and blouses in China or in U.S. bonded warehouses;

(5)Whether conditions of the domestic industry of the like or directly competitive product demonstrate that market disruption is likely (as may be evident from any anticipated factory closures or decline in investment in the production of man-made fiber knit shirts and blouses, and whether actual or anticipated imports of Chinese-origin man-made fiber knit shirts and blouses are likely to affect the development and production efforts of the U.S. man-made fiber knit shirts and blouses industry; and

(6)Whether U.S. managers, retailers, purchasers, importers, or other market participants have recognized Chinese producers of man-made fiber knit shirts and blouses as potential suppliers (for example, through pre-qualification procedures or framework agreements). Comments may be submitted by any interested person. Comments must be received no later than December 9, 2004. Interested persons are invited to submit ten copies of such comments to the Chairman, Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements, Room 3001A, U.S. Department of Commerce, 14th and Constitution Avenue N.W., Washington, DC 20230. The Committee will protect any business confidential information that is marked “business confidential” from disclosure to the full extent permitted by law. To the extent that business confidential information is provided, two copies of a non-confidential version must also be provided in which business confidential information is summarized or, if necessary, deleted. Comments received, with the exception of information marked “business confidential”, will be available for inspection between Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m and 5:30 p.m in the Trade Reference and Assistance Center Help Desk, Suite 800M, USA Trade Information Center, Ronald Reagan Building, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC,

(202)482-3433. The Committee will make a determination within 60 calendar days of the close of the comment period as to whether the United States will request consultations with China. If the Committee is unable to make a determination within 60 calendar days, it will cause to be published a notice in the **Federal Register** , including the date by which it will make a determination. If the Committee makes a negative determination, it will cause this determination and the reasons therefore to be published in the **Federal Register** . If the Committee makes an affirmative determination that imports of Chinese origin man-made fiber knit shirts and blouses threaten to disrupt the U.S. market, the United States will request consultations with China with a view to easing or avoiding the disruption. James C. Leonard III, Chairman, Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements. [FR Doc. E4-3085 Filed 11-8-04; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-DS-S COMMITTEE FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF TEXTILE AGREEMENTS Solicitation of Public Comments on Request for Textile and Apparel Safeguard Action on Imports From China November 3, 2004. AGENCY: The Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements (the Committee). ACTION: Solicitation of public comments concerning a request for safeguard action on imports from China of cotton knit shirts and blouses (Category 338/339). SUMMARY: The Committee has received a request from the American Manufacturing Trade Action Coalition, National Council of Textile Organizations, the National Textile Association, SEAMS, and UNITE HERE! (Requestors) asking the Committee to limit imports from China of cotton knit shirts and blouses in accordance with the textile and apparel safeguard provision of the Working Party on the Accession of China to the World Trade Organization (the Accession Agreement). The Committee hereby solicits public comments on this request. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jay Dowling, Office of Textiles and Apparel, U.S. Department of Commerce,

(202)482-4058. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Authority: Section 204 of the Agriculture Act of 1956, as amended; Executive Order 11651, as amended. Background The textile and apparel safeguard provision of the Accession Agreement provides for the United States and other members of the World Trade Organization that believe imports of Chinese origin textile and apparel products are, due to market disruption, threatening to impede the orderly development of trade in these products to request consultations with China with a view to easing or avoiding the disruption. Pursuant to this provision, if the United States requests consultations with China, it must, at the time of the request, provide China with a detailed factual statement showing “(1) the existence or threat of market disruption; and

(2)the role of products of Chinese origin in that disruption.” Beginning on the date that it receives such a request, China must restrict its shipments to the United States to a level no greater than 7.5 percent (6 percent for wool product categories) above the amount entered during the first 12 months of the most recent 14 months preceding the month in which the request was made. If exports from China exceed that amount, the United States may enforce the restriction. The Committee has published procedures (the Procedures) it follows in considering requests for Accession Agreement textile and apparel safeguard actions (68 FR 27787, May 21, 2003; 68 FR 49440, August 18, 2003), including the information that must be included in such requests in order for the Committee to consider them. On October 13, 2004, the Requestors asked the Committee to impose an Accession Agreement textile and apparel safeguard action on imports from China of cotton knit shirts and blouses (Category 338/339) on the ground that an anticipated increase in imports of cotton knit shirts and blouses after January 1, 2005, threatens to disrupt the U.S. market for cotton knit shirts and blouses. The request is available at *http://otexa.ita.doc.gov* . In light of the considerations set forth in the Procedures, the Committee has determined that the Requestors have provided the information necessary for the Committee to consider the request. The Committee is soliciting public comments on the request, in particular with regard to whether there is a threat of disruption to the U.S. market for cotton knit shirts and blouses and, if so, the role of Chinese-origin cotton knit shirts and blouses in that disruption. To this end, the Committee seeks relevant information addressing factors such as the following, which may be relevant in the particular circumstances of this case, involving a product under a quota that will be removed on January 1, 2005:

(1)Whether cotton knit shirts and blouses imports from China are entering, or are expected to enter, the United States at prices that are substantially below prices of the like or directly competitive U.S. product, and whether those imports are likely to have a significant depressing or suppressing effect on domestic prices of the like or directly competitive U.S. product or are likely to increase demand for further imports from China;

(2)Whether exports of Chinese-origin cotton knit shirts and blouses to the United States are likely to increase substantially and imminently (due to existing unused production capacity, to capacity that can easily be shifted from the production of other products to the production of cotton knit shirts and blouses, or to an imminent and substantial increase in production capacity or investment in production capacity), taking into account the availability of other markets to absorb any additional exports;

(3)Whether Chinese-origin cotton knit shirts and blouses that are presently sold in the Chinese market or in third-country markets will be diverted to the U.S. market in the imminent future (for example, due to more favorable pricing in the U.S. market or to existing or imminent import restraints into third country markets);

(4)The level and the extent of any recent change in inventories of cotton knit shirts and blouses in China or in U.S. bonded warehouses;

(5)Whether conditions of the domestic industry of the like or directly competitive product demonstrate that market disruption is likely (as may be evident from any anticipated factory closures or decline in investment in the production of cotton knit shirts and blouses, and whether actual or anticipated imports of Chinese-origin cotton knit shirts and blouses are likely to affect the development and production efforts of the U.S. cotton knit shirts and blouses industry; and

(6)Whether U.S. managers, retailers, purchasers, importers, or other market participants have recognized Chinese producers of cotton knit shirts and blouses as potential suppliers (for example, through pre-qualification procedures or framework agreements). Comments may be submitted by any interested person. Comments must be received no later than December 9, 2004. Interested persons are invited to submit ten copies of such comments to the Chairman, Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements, Room 3001A, U.S. Department of Commerce, 14th and Constitution Avenue N.W., Washington, DC 20230. The Committee will protect any business confidential information that is marked “business confidential” from disclosure to the full extent permitted by law. To the extent that business confidential information is provided, two copies of a non-confidential version must also be provided in which business confidential information is summarized or, if necessary, deleted. Comments received, with the exception of information marked “business confidential”, will be available for inspection between Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m and 5:30 p.m in the Trade Reference and Assistance Center Help Desk, Suite 800M, USA Trade Information Center, Ronald Reagan Building, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Washington, DC,

(202)482-3433. The Committee will make a determination within 60 calendar days of the close of the comment period as to whether the United States will request consultations with China. If the Committee is unable to make a determination within 60 calendar days, it will cause to be published a notice in the **Federal Register** , including the date by which it will make a determination. If the Committee makes a negative determination, it will cause this determination and the reasons therefor to be published in the **Federal Register** . If the Committee makes an affirmative determination that imports of Chinese origin cotton knit shirts and blouses threaten to disrupt the U.S. market, the United States will request consultations with China with a view to easing or avoiding the disruption. James C. Leonard III, Chairman, Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements. [FR Doc. E4-3082 Filed 11-8-04; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-DS-S COMMITTEE FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF TEXTILE AGREEMENTS Solicitation of Public Comments on Request for Textile and Apparel Safeguard Action on Imports from China November 3, 2004. AGENCY: The Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements (the Committee) ACTION: Solicitation of public comments concerning a request for safeguard action on imports from China of men's and boys' cotton and man-made fiber shirts, not knit (Category 340/640). SUMMARY: The Committee has received a request from the American Manufacturing Trade Action Coalition, National Council of Textile Organizations, the National Textile Association, SEAMS, and UNITE HERE! (Requestors) asking the Committee to limit imports from China of men's and boys' cotton and man-made fiber shirts, not knit, in accordance with the textile and apparel safeguard provision of the Working Party on the Accession of China to the World Trade Organization (the Accession Agreement). The Committee hereby solicits public comments on this request. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jay Dowling, Office of Textiles and Apparel, U.S. Department of Commerce,

(202)482-4058. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Authority: Section 204 of the Agriculture Act of 1956, as amended; Executive Order 11651, as amended. Background The textile and apparel safeguard provision of the Accession Agreement provides for the United States and other members of the World Trade Organization that believe imports of Chinese origin textile and apparel products are, due to market disruption, threatening to impede the orderly development of trade in these products to request consultations with China with a view to easing or avoiding the disruption. Pursuant to this provision, if the United States requests consultations with China, it must, at the time of the request, provide China with a detailed factual statement showing “(1) the existence or threat of market disruption; and

(2)the role of products of Chinese origin in that disruption.” Beginning on the date that it receives such a request, China must restrict its shipments to the United States to a level no greater than 7.5 percent (6 percent for wool product categories) above the amount entered during the first 12 months of the most recent 14 months preceding the month in which the request was made. If exports from China exceed that amount, the United States may enforce the restriction. The Committee has published procedures (the Procedures) it follows in considering requests for Accession Agreement textile and apparel safeguard actions (68 FR 27787, May 21, 2003; 68 FR 49440, August 18, 2003), including the information that must be included in such requests in order for the Committee to consider them. On October 13, 2004, the Requestors asked the Committee to impose an Accession Agreement textile and apparel safeguard action on imports from China of men's and boys' cotton and man-made fiber shirts, not knit, (Category 340/640) on the ground that an anticipated increase in imports of men's and boys' cotton and man-made fiber shirts, not knit, after January 1, 2005, threatens to disrupt the U.S. market for men's and boys' cotton and man-made fiber shirts, not knit. The request is available at *http://otexa.ita.doc.gov* . In light of the considerations set forth in the Procedures, the Committee has determined that the Requestors have provided the information necessary for the Committee to consider the request. The Committee is soliciting public comments on the request, in particular with regard to whether there is a threat of disruption to the U.S. market for men's and boys' cotton and man-made fiber shirts, not knit, and, if so, the role of Chinese-origin men's and boys' cotton and man-made fiber shirts, not knit, in that disruption. To this end, the Committee seeks relevant information addressing factors such as the following, which may be relevant in the particular circumstances of this case, involving a product under a quota that will be removed on January 1, 2005:

(1)Whether imports of men's and boys' cotton and man-made fiber shirts, not knit, from China are entering, or are expected to enter, the United States at prices that are substantially below prices of the like or directly competitive U.S. product, and whether those imports are likely to have a significant depressing or suppressing effect on domestic prices of the like or directly competitive U.S. product or are likely to increase demand for further imports from China;

(2)Whether exports of Chinese-origin men's and boys' cotton and man-made fiber shirts, not knit, to the United States are likely to increase substantially and imminently (due to existing unused production capacity, to capacity that can easily be shifted from the production of other products to the production of men's and boys' cotton and man-made fiber shirts, not knit, or to an imminent and substantial increase in production capacity or investment in production capacity), taking into account the availability of other markets to absorb any additional exports;

(3)Whether Chinese-origin men's and boys' cotton and man-made fiber shirts, not knit, that are presently sold in the Chinese market or in third-country markets will be diverted to the U.S. market in the imminent future (for example, due to more favorable pricing in the U.S. market or to existing or imminent import restraints into third country markets);

(4)The level and the extent of any recent change in inventories of men's and boys' cotton and man-made fiber shirts, not knit, in China or in U.S. bonded warehouses;

(5)Whether conditions of the domestic industry of the like or directly competitive product demonstrate that market disruption is likely (as may be evident from any anticipated factory closures or decline in investment in the production of men's and boys' cotton and man-made fiber shirts, not knit, and whether actual or anticipated imports of Chinese-origin men's and boys' cotton and man-made fiber shirts, not knit, are likely to affect the development and production efforts of the U.S. men's and boys' cotton and man-made fiber shirt, not knit, industry; and

(6)Whether U.S. managers, retailers, purchasers, importers, or other market participants have recognized Chinese producers of men's and boys' cotton and man-made fiber shirts, not knit, as potential suppliers (for example, through pre-qualification procedures or framework agreements). Comments may be submitted by any interested person. Comments must be received no later than December 9, 2004. Interested persons are invited to submit ten copies of such comments to the Chairman, Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements, Room 3001A, U.S. Department of Commerce, 14th and Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230. The Committee will protect any business confidential information that is marked “business confidential” from disclosure to the full extent permitted by law. To the extent that business confidential information is provided, two copies of a non-confidential version must also be provided in which business confidential information is summarized or, if necessary, deleted. Comments received, with the exception of information marked “business confidential”, will be available for inspection between Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m and 5:30 p.m in the Trade Reference and Assistance Center Help Desk, Suite 800M, USA Trade Information Center, Ronald Reagan Building, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Washington, DC,

(202)482-3433. The Committee will make a determination within 60 calendar days of the close of the comment period as to whether the United States will request consultations with China. If the Committee is unable to make a determination within 60 calendar days, it will cause to be published a notice in the **Federal Register** , including the date by which it will make a determination. If the Committee makes a negative determination, it will cause this determination and the reasons therefore to be published in the **Federal Register** . If the Committee makes an affirmative determination that imports of Chinese origin men's and boys' cotton and man-made fiber shirts, not knit, threaten to disrupt the U.S. market, the United States will request consultations with China with a view to easing or avoiding the disruption. James C. Leonard III, Chairman, Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements. [FR Doc. E4-3083 Filed 11-8-04; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-DS-S COMMITTEE FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF TEXTILE AGREEMENTS Solicitation of Public Comments on Request for Textile and Apparel Safeguard Action on Imports From China November 3, 2004. AGENCY: The Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements (the Committee). ACTION: Solicitation of public comments concerning a request for safeguard action on imports from China of cotton and man-made fiber underwear (Category 352/652). SUMMARY: The Committee has received a request from the American Manufacturing Trade Action Coalition, National Council of Textile Organizations, the National Textile Association, and UNITE HERE! (Requestors) asking the Committee to limit imports from China of cotton and man-made fiber underwear in accordance with the textile and apparel safeguard provision of the Working Party on the Accession of China to the World Trade Organization (the Accession Agreement). The Committee hereby solicits public comments on this request. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jay Dowling, Office of Textiles and Apparel, U.S. Department of Commerce,

(202)482-4058. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Authority: Section 204 of the Agriculture Act of 1956, as amended; Executive Order 11651, as amended. Background The textile and apparel safeguard provision of the Accession Agreement provides for the United States and other members of the World Trade Organization that believe imports of Chinese origin textile and apparel products are, due to market disruption, threatening to impede the orderly development of trade in these products to request consultations with China with a view to easing or avoiding the disruption. Pursuant to this provision, if the United States requests consultations with China, it must, at the time of the request, provide China with a detailed factual statement showing “(1) the existence or threat of market disruption; and

(2)the role of products of Chinese origin in that disruption.” Beginning on the date that it receives such a request, China must restrict its shipments to the United States to a level no greater than 7.5 percent (6 percent for wool product categories) above the amount entered during the first 12 months of the most recent 14 months preceding the month in which the request was made. If exports from China exceed that amount, the United States may enforce the restriction. The Committee has published procedures (the Procedures) it follows in considering requests for Accession Agreement textile and apparel safeguard actions (68 FR 27787, May 21, 2003; 68 FR 49440, August 18, 2003), including the information that must be included in such requests in order for the Committee to consider them. On October 15, 2004, the Requestors asked the Committee to impose an Accession Agreement textile and apparel safeguard action on imports from China of cotton and man-made fiber underwear (Category 352/652) on the ground that an anticipated increase in imports of cotton and man-made fiber underwear after January 1, 2005, threatens to disrupt the U.S. market for cotton and man-made fiber underwear. The request is available at *http://otexa.ita.doc.gov* . In light of the considerations set forth in the Procedures, the Committee has determined that the Requestors have provided the information necessary for the Committee to consider the request. The Committee is soliciting public comments on the request, in particular with regard to whether there is a threat of disruption to the U.S. market for cotton and man-made fiber underwear and, if so, the role of Chinese-origin cotton and man-made fiber underwear in that disruption. To this end, the Committee seeks relevant information addressing factors such as the following, which may be relevant in the particular circumstances of this case, involving a product under a quota that will be removed on January 1, 2005:

(1)Whether imports of cotton and man-made fiber underwear from China are entering, or are expected to enter, the United States at prices that are substantially below prices of the like or directly competitive U.S. product, and whether those imports are likely to have a significant depressing or suppressing effect on domestic prices of the like or directly competitive U.S. product or are likely to increase demand for further imports from China;

(2)Whether exports of Chinese-origin cotton and man-made fiber underwear to the United States are likely to increase substantially and imminently (due to existing unused production capacity, to capacity that can easily be shifted from the production of other products to the production of cotton and man-made fiber underwear, or to an imminent and substantial increase in production capacity or investment in production capacity), taking into account the availability of other markets to absorb any additional exports;

(3)Whether Chinese-origin cotton and man-made fiber underwear that are presently sold in the Chinese market or in third-country markets will be diverted to the U.S. market in the imminent future (for example, due to more favorable pricing in the U.S. market or to existing or imminent import restraints into third country markets);

(4)The level and the extent of any recent change in inventories of cotton and man-made fiber underwear in China or in U.S. bonded warehouses;

(5)Whether conditions of the domestic industry of the like or directly competitive product demonstrate that market disruption is likely (as may be evident from any anticipated factory closures or decline in investment in the production of cotton and man-made fiber underwear, and whether actual or anticipated imports of Chinese-origin cotton and man-made fiber underwear are likely to affect the development and production efforts of the U.S. cotton and man-made fiber underwear industry; and

(6)Whether U.S. managers, retailers, purchasers, importers, or other market participants have recognized Chinese producers of cotton and man-made fiber underwear as potential suppliers (for example, through pre-qualification procedures or framework agreements). Comments may be submitted by any interested person. Comments must be received no later than December 9, 2004. Interested persons are invited to submit ten copies of such comments to the Chairman, Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements, Room 3001A, U.S. Department of Commerce, 14th and Constitution Avenue N.W., Washington, DC 20230. The Committee will protect any business confidential information that is marked “business confidential” from disclosure to the full extent permitted by law. To the extent that business confidential information is provided, two copies of a non-confidential version must also be provided in which business confidential information is summarized or, if necessary, deleted. Comments received, with the exception of information marked “business confidential”, will be available for inspection between Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m and 5:30 p.m in the Trade Reference and Assistance Center Help Desk, Suite 800M, USA Trade Information Center, Ronald Reagan Building, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Washington, DC,

(202)482-3433. The Committee will make a determination within 60 calendar days of the close of the comment period as to whether the United States will request consultations with China. If the Committee is unable to make a determination within 60 calendar days, it will cause to be published a notice in the **Federal Register** , including the date by which it will make a determination. If the Committee makes a negative determination, it will cause this determination and the reasons therefor to be published in the **Federal Register** . If the Committee makes an affirmative determination that imports of Chinese origin cotton and man-made fiber underwear threaten to disrupt the U.S. market, the United States will request consultations with China with a view to easing or avoiding the disruption. James C. Leonard III, Chairman, Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements. [FR Doc. E4-3084 Filed 11-8-04; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-DS-S COMMITTEE FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF TEXTILE AGREEMENTS Solicitation of Public Comments on Request for Textile and Apparel Safeguard Action on Imports from China November 3, 2004. AGENCY: The Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements (the Committee) ACTION: Solicitation of public comments concerning a request for safeguard action on imports from China of man-made fiber trousers (Category 647/648). SUMMARY: The Committee has received a request from the American Manufacturing Trade Action Coalition, National Council of Textile Organizations, the National Textile Association, SEAMS, and UNITE HERE! (Requestors) asking the Committee to limit imports from China of man-made fiber trousers in accordance with the textile and apparel safeguard provision of the Working Party on the Accession of China to the World Trade Organization (the Accession Agreement). The Committee hereby solicits public comments on this request. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jay Dowling, Office of Textiles and Apparel, U.S. Department of Commerce,

(202)482-4058. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Authority: Section 204 of the Agriculture Act of 1956, as amended; Executive Order 11651, as amended. Background The textile and apparel safeguard provision of the Accession Agreement provides for the United States and other members of the World Trade Organization that believe imports of Chinese origin textile and apparel products are, due to market disruption, threatening to impede the orderly development of trade in these products to request consultations with China with a view to easing or avoiding the disruption. Pursuant to this provision, if the United States requests consultations with China, it must, at the time of the request, provide China with a detailed factual statement showing “(1) the existence or threat of market disruption; and

(2)the role of products of Chinese origin in that disruption.” Beginning on the date that it receives such a request, China must restrict its shipments to the United States to a level no greater than 7.5 percent (6 percent for wool product categories) above the amount entered during the first 12 months of the most recent 14 months preceding the month in which the request was made. If exports from China exceed that amount, the United States may enforce the restriction. The Committee has published procedures (the Procedures) it follows in considering requests for Accession Agreement textile and apparel safeguard actions (68 FR 27787, May 21, 2003; 68 FR 49440, August 18, 2003), including the information that must be included in such requests in order for the Committee to consider them. On October 13, 2004, the Requestors asked the Committee to impose an Accession Agreement textile and apparel safeguard action on imports from China of man-made fiber trousers (Category 647/648) on the ground that an anticipated increase in man-made fiber trouser imports after January 1, 2005, threatens to disrupt the U.S. market for man-made fiber trousers. The request is available at *http://otexa.ita.doc.gov* . In light of the considerations set forth in the Procedures, the Committee has determined that the Requestors have provided the information necessary for the Committee to consider the request. The Committee is soliciting public comments on the request, in particular with regard to whether there is a threat of disruption to the U.S. market for man-made fiber trousers and, if so, the role of Chinese-origin man-made fiber trousers in that disruption. To this end, the Committee seeks relevant information addressing factors such as the following, which may be relevant in the particular circumstances of this case, involving a product under a quota that will be removed on January 1, 2005:

(1)Whether man-made fiber trousers imports from China are entering, or are expected to enter, the United States at prices that are substantially below prices of the like or directly competitive U.S. product, and whether those imports are likely to have a significant depressing or suppressing effect on domestic prices of the like or directly competitive U.S. product or are likely to increase demand for further imports from China;

(2)Whether exports of Chinese-origin man-made fiber trousers to the United States are likely to increase substantially and imminently (due to existing unused production capacity, to capacity that can easily be shifted from the production of other products to the production of man-made fiber trousers, or to an imminent and substantial increase in production capacity or investment in production capacity), taking into account the availability of other markets to absorb any additional exports;

(3)Whether Chinese-origin man-made fiber trousers that are presently sold in the Chinese market or in third-country markets will be diverted to the U.S. market in the imminent future (for example, due to more favorable pricing in the U.S. market or to existing or imminent import restraints into third-country markets);

(4)The level and the extent of any recent change in inventories of man-made fiber trousers in China or in U.S. bonded warehouses;

(5)Whether conditions of the domestic industry of the like or directly competitive product demonstrate that market disruption is likely (as may be evident from any anticipated factory closures or decline in investment in the production of man-made fiber trousers, and whether actual or anticipated imports of Chinese-origin man-made fiber trousers are likely to affect the development and production efforts of the U.S. man-made fiber trousers industry; and

(6)Whether U.S. managers, retailers, purchasers, importers, or other market participants have recognized Chinese producers of man-made fiber trousers as potential suppliers (for example, through pre-qualification procedures or framework agreements). Comments may be submitted by any interested person. Comments must be received no later than December 9, 2004. Interested persons are invited to submit ten copies of such comments to the Chairman, Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements, Room 3001A, U.S. Department of Commerce, 14th and Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20230. The Committee will protect any business confidential information that is marked “business confidential” from disclosure to the full extent permitted by law. To the extent that business confidential information is provided, two copies of a non-confidential version must also be provided in which business confidential information is summarized or, if necessary, deleted. Comments received, with the exception of information marked “business confidential”, will be available for inspection between Monday and Friday, 8:30 a.m and 5:30 p.m in the Trade Reference and Assistance Center Help Desk, Suite 800M, USA Trade Information Center, Ronald Reagan Building, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC,

(202)482-3433. The Committee will make a determination within 60 calendar days of the close of the comment period as to whether the United States will request consultations with China. If the Committee is unable to make a determination within 60 calendar days, it will cause to be published a notice in the **Federal Register** , including the date by which it will make a determination. If the Committee makes a negative determination, it will cause this determination and the reasons therefore to be published in the **Federal Register** . If the Committee makes an affirmative determination that imports of Chinese origin man-made fiber trousers threaten to disrupt the U.S. market, the United States will request consultations with China with a view to easing or avoiding the disruption. James C. Leonard III, Chairman, Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements. [FR Doc. E4-3086 Filed 11-8-04; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-DS-S COMMITTEE FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF TEXTILE AGREEMENTS Adjustment of Import Limits for Certain Cotton, Man-Made Fiber, Silk Blend and Other Vegetable Fiber Textiles and Textile Products Produced or Manufactured in India November 3, 2004. AGENCY: Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements (CITA). ACTION: Issuing a directive to the Commissioner, Bureau of Customs and Border Protection adjusting limits. EFFECTIVE DATE: November 9, 2004. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ross Arnold, International Trade Specialist, Office of Textiles and Apparel, U.S. Department of Commerce,

(202)482-4212. For information on the quota status of these limits, refer to the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection website ( *http://www.cbp.gov* ), or call

(202)344-2650. For information on embargoes and quota re-openings, refer to the Office of Textiles and Apparel website at *http://otexa.ita.doc.gov.* SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Authority: Section 204 of the Agricultural Act of 1956, as amended (7 U.S.C. 1854); Executive Order 11651 of March 3, 1972, as amended. The current limit for Group II is being increased for special swing, reducing the limit for Category 369-S in Group I to account for the special swing being applied to Group II. A description of the textile and apparel categories in terms of HTS numbers is available in the CORRELATION: Textile and Apparel Categories with the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (see **Federal Register** notice 69 FR 4926, published on February 2, 2004). Also see 68 FR 65253, published on November 19, 2003. James C. Leonard III, Chairman, Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements. Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements November 3, 2004. Commissioner, *Bureau of Customs and Border Protection, Washington, DC 20229* Dear Commissioner: This directive amends, but does not cancel, the directive issued to you on November 13, 2003, by the Chairman, Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements. That directive concerns imports of certain cotton, man-made fiber, silk blend and other vegetable fiber textiles and textile products, produced or manufactured in India and exported during the twelve-month period which began on January 1, 2004 and extends through December 31, 2004. Effective on November 9, 2004, you are directed to adjust the current limits for the following categories, as provided for under the Uruguay Round Agreement on Textiles and Clothing: Category Adjusted twelve-month limit 1 Levels in Group I 369-S 2 1,173,618 kilograms. Group II 200, 201, 220, 224-227, 237, 239pt. 3 , 300, 301, 331pt. 4 , 332, 333, 352, 359pt. 5 , 360-362, 603, 604, 611-620, 624-629, 631pt. 6 , 633, 638, 639, 643-646, 652, 659pt. 7 , 666pt. 8 , 845, 846 and 852, as a group 201,492,775 square meters equivalent. 1 The limits have not been adjusted to account for any imports exported after December 31, 2003. 2 Category 369-S: only HTS number 6307.10.2005. 3 Category 239pt.: only HTS number 6209.20.5040 (diapers). 4 Category 331pt.: all HTS numbers except 6116.10.1720, 6116.10.4810, 6116.10.5510, 6116.10.7510, 6116.92.6410, 6116.92.6420, 6116.92.6430, 6116.92.6440, 6116.92.7450, 6116.92.7460, 6116.92.7470, 6116.92.8800, 6116.92.9400 and 6116.99.9510. 5 Category 359pt.: all HTS numbers except 6115.19.8010, 6117.10.6010, 6117.20.9010, 6203.22.1000, 6204.22.1000, 6212.90.0010, 6214.90.0010, 6406.99.1550, 6505.90.1525, 6505.90.1540, 6505.90.2060 and 6505.90.2545. 6 Category 631pt.: all HTS numbers except 6116.10.1730, 6116.10.4820, 6116.10.5520, 6116.10.7520, 6116.93.8800, 6116.93.9400, 6116.99.4800, 6116.99.5400 and 6116.99.9530. 7 Category 659pt.: all HTS numbers except 6115.11.0010, 6115.12.2000, 6117.10.2030, 6117.20.9030, 6212.90.0030, 6214.30.0000, 6214.40.0000, 6406.99.1510 and 6406.99.1540. 8 Category 666pt.: all HTS numbers except 5805.00.4010, 6301.10.0000, 6301.40.0010, 6301.40.0020, 6301.90.0010, 6302.53.0010, 6302.53.0020, 6302.53.0030, 6302.93.1000, 6302.93.2000, 6303.12.0000, 6303.19.0010, 6303.92.1000, 6303.92.2010, 6303.92.2020, 6303.99.0010, 6304.11.2000, 6304.19.1500, 6304.19.2000, 6304.91.0040, 6304.93.0000, 6304.99.6020, 6307.90.9884, 9404.90.8522 and 9404.90.9522. The Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements has determined that these actions fall within the foreign affairs exception to the rulemaking provisions of 5 U.S.C. 553(a)(1). Sincerely, James C. Leonard III, *Chairman, Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements.* [FR Doc. E4-3087 Filed 11-8-04 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-DS-S COMMITTEE FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF TEXTILE AGREEMENTS Adjustment of Import Limits for Certain Wool Textile Products Produced or Manufactured in Malaysia November 3, 2004. AGENCY: Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements (CITA). ACTION: Issuing a directive to the Commissioner, Bureau of Customs and Border Protection adjusting limits. EFFECTIVE DATE: November 9, 2004. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ross Arnold, International Trade Specialist, Office of Textiles and Apparel, U.S. Department of Commerce,

(202)482-4212. For information on the quota status of these limits, refer to the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection website ( *http://www.cbp.gov* ), or call

(202)344-2650. For information on embargoes and quota re-openings, refer to the Office of Textiles and Apparel web site at *http://otexa.ita.doc.gov.* SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Authority: Section 204 of the Agricultural Act of 1956, as amended (7 U.S.C. 1854); Executive Order 11651 of March 3, 1972, as amended. The current limits for certain categories are being adjusted for swing and carryover. A description of the textile and apparel categories in terms of HTS numbers is available in the CORRELATION: Textile and Apparel Categories with the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (see **Federal Register** notice 69 FR 4926, published on February 2, 2004). Also see 68 FR 59921, published on October 20, 2003. James C. Leonard III, Chairman, Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements. Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements November 3, 2004. Commissioner, *Bureau of Customs and Border Protection, Washington, DC 20229.* Dear Commissioner: This directive amends, but does not cancel, the directive issued to you on October 14, 2003, by the Chairman, Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements. That directive concerns imports of certain cotton, wool and man-made fiber textiles and textile products and silk blend and other vegetable fiber apparel, produced or manufactured in Malaysia and exported during the twelve-month period which began on January 1, 2004 and extends through December 31, 2004. Effective on November 9, 2004, you are directed to adjust the limits for the following categories, as provided for under the Uruguay Round Agreement on Textiles and Clothing: Category Adjusted twelve-month limit 1 442 15,261 dozen. 445/446 38,868 dozen. 1 The limits have not been adjusted to account for any imports exported after December 31, 2003. The Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements has determined that these actions fall within the foreign affairs exception of the rulemaking provisions of 5 U.S.C. 553(a)(1). Sincerely, James C. Leonard III, *Chairman, Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements.* [FR Doc.E4-3088 Filed 11-8-04; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-DS-S COMMODITY FUTURES TRADING COMMISSION Agency Information Collection Activities: Notice of Intent To Renew Collection 3038-0026, Gross Collection of Exchange-Set Margins for Omnibus Accounts AGENCY: Commodity Futures Trading Commission. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: The Commodity Futures Trading Commission

(CFTC)is announcing an opportunity for public comment on the proposed collection of certain information by the agency. Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), 44 U.S.C. 3501 *et seq.,* Federal agencies are required to publish notice in the **Federal Register** concerning each proposed collection of information, including each proposed extension of an existing collection of information, and to allow 60 days for public comment in response to the notice. This notice solicits comments on requirements relating to gross collection of Exchange-Set margins for Omnibus Accounts. DATES: Comments must be submitted on or before January 10, 2005. ADDRESSES: Comments may be mailed to Lawrence B. Patent, Division of Clearing and Intermediary Oversight, U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission, 1155 21st Street, NW., Washington, DC 20581. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Lawrence B. Patent,

(202)418-5439; fax:

(202)418-5536; e-mail: *Ipatent@cftc.gov.* SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Under the PRA, Federal agencies must obtain approval from the Office of Management and Budget

(OMB)for each collection of information they conduct or sponsor. “Collection of information” is defined in 44 U.S.C. 3502(3) and 5 CFR 1320.3(c) and includes agency requests or requirements that members of the public submit reports, keep records, or provide information to a third party. Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the PRA, 44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A), requires Federal agencies to provide a 60-day notice in the **Federal Register** concerning each proposed collection of information, including each proposed extension of an existing collection of information, before submitting the collection to OMB for approval. To comply with this requirement, the CFTC is publishing notice of the proposed collection of information listed below. With respect to the following collection of information, the CFTC invites comments on: • Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Commission, including whether the information will have a practical use; • The accuracy of the Commission's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; • Ways to enhance the quality, usefulness, and clarity of the information to be collected; and • Ways to minimize the burden of collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology; *e.g.,* permitting electronic submission of responses. Gross Collection of Exchange-Set Margins for Omnibus Accounts, OMB Control Number 3038-0026—Extension Commission Rule 1.58 requires that FCMs margin omnibus accounts on a gross, rather than a net, basis. The rule provides that the carrying FCM need not collect margin for positions traded by a person through an omnibus account in excess of the amount which would be required if the same person, instead of trading through an omnibus account, maintained its own account with the carrying FCM. The Commission estimates the burden of this collection of information as follows: Estimated Annual Reporting Burden 17 CFR Section Annual number of respondents Frequency of response Total annual responses Hours per response Total hours 17 CFR 1.58 150 On occasion 600 .08 48 There are no capital costs or operating and maintenance costs associated with this collection. This estimate is based on the number of written records maintained in the last three years. Although the burden varies, such records may involve analytical work and analysis, as well as multiple levels of review. Dated: November 4, 2004. Jean A. Webb, Secretary of the Commission. [FR Doc. 04-24950 Filed 11-8-04; 8:45 am]

Notices. Solicitation of public comments concerning a request for safeguard action on imports from China of man-made fiber knit shirts and blouses (Category 638/639)