January 23, 2002 | By Rossella Brevetti
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative has extended its deadline for a Section 301 probe on Canadian wheat marketing practices from Jan. 22 to Feb. 15, USTR announced Jan. 18. "We received a tremendous response to our request for comments on the investigation. Extending the investigation will enable us to thoroughly review and analyze all the information received," USTR Robert B. Zoellick said in a press statement.
USTR said that it had received over two dozen sets of comments, totaling over 400 pages in response to a recent request for comments on an International Trade Commission report on Canadian wheat trading practice.
The NDWC has sought relief for U.S. producers through quantitative restrictions on spring and durum wheat shipments from Canada by either a quota, tariff-rate quota, or voluntary restraint.
The investigation under Section 301 of the 1974 Trade Act is in response to a North Dakota Wheat Commission petition. The NDWC charged that the Canadian Wheat Board abuses its dominant market position to the detriment of U.S. and foreign farmers.
The NDWC said it was disappointed by the delay but acknowledged that it presented advantages. "Certainly wheat growers are eager for a positive decision and relief from unfair trade practices but further study of the information gathered in the investigation will only underscore the depth of the Canadian Wheat Board's wrongdoing," NDWC Administrator Neal Fisher said in a Jan. 18 statement. He said that his association would have a few more weeks to make its case and build support for the remedies being sought.
NDWC noted that over 20 lawmakers from across the United States have written a letter to President Bush asking for a positive determination.
Copyright c 2002 by The Bureau of National Affairs, Inc., Washington D.C.37279:
