US ECONOMICS

US TARIFF ON STEEL AND ALUMINIUM

THE WHITE HOUSE. April 30, 2018. STATEMENTS & RELEASES. ECONOMY & JOBS. President Donald J. Trump Approves Section 232 Tariff Modifications

Today, President Donald J. Trump issued two proclamations authorizing modifications of the Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminum.  The Administration has reached a final agreement with South Korea on steel imports, the outlines of which were previously announced by U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Republic of Korea Minister for Trade Hyun-chong Kim.  The Administration has also reached agreements in principle with Argentina, Australia, and Brazil with respect to steel and aluminum, the details of which will be finalized shortly.  The Administration is also extending negotiations with Canada, Mexico, and the European Union for a final 30 days.  In all of these negotiations, the Administration is focused on quotas that will restrain imports, prevent transshipment, and protect the national security.

These agreements underscore the Trump Administration’s successful strategy to reach fair outcomes with allies to protect our national security and address global challenges to the steel and aluminum industries.

THE WHITE HOUSE. April 30, 2018. PROCLAMATIONS. ECONOMY & JOBS. Presidential Proclamation Adjusting Imports of Steel into the United States

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

1.  On January 11, 2018, the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary) transmitted to me a report on his investigation into the effect of imports of steel mill articles on the national security of the United States under section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, as amended (19 U.S.C. 1862).

2.  In Proclamation 9705 of March 8, 2018 (Adjusting Imports of Steel Into the United States), I concurred in the Secretary’s finding that steel mill articles are being imported into the United States in such quantities and under such circumstances as to threaten to impair the national security of the United States, and decided to adjust the imports of steel mill articles, as defined in clause 1 of Proclamation 9705, as amended by clause 8 of Proclamation 9711 of March 22, 2018 (Adjusting Imports of Steel Into the United States) (steel articles), by imposing a 25 percent ad valorem tariff on such articles imported from all countries except Canada and Mexico.  I further stated that any country with which we have a security relationship is welcome to discuss with the United States alternative ways to address the threatened impairment of the national security caused by imports from that country, and noted that, should the United States and any such country arrive at a satisfactory alternative means to address the threat to the national security such that I determine that imports from that country no longer threaten to impair the national security, I may remove or modify the restriction on steel articles imports from that country and, if necessary, adjust the tariff as it applies to other countries, as the national security interests of the United States require.

3.  In Proclamation 9711, I noted the continuing discussions with the Argentine Republic (Argentina), the Commonwealth of Australia (Australia), the Federative Republic of Brazil (Brazil), Canada, Mexico, the Republic of Korea (South Korea), and the European Union (EU) on behalf of its member countries, on satisfactory alternative means to address the threatened impairment to the national security by imports of steel articles from those countries.  Recognizing that each of these countries and the EU has an important security relationship with the United States, I determined that the necessary and appropriate means to address the threat to national security posed by imports of steel articles from these countries was to continue the ongoing discussions and to exempt steel articles imports from these countries from the tariff proclaimed in Proclamation 9705 until May 1, 2018.

4.  The United States has successfully concluded discussions with South Korea on satisfactory alternative means to address the threatened impairment to our national security posed by steel articles imports from South Korea.  The United States and South Korea have agreed on a range of measures, including measures to reduce excess steel production and excess steel capacity, and measures that will contribute to increased capacity utilization in the United States, including a quota that restricts the quantity of steel articles imported into the United States from South Korea.  In my judgment, these measures will provide an effective, long-term alternative means to address South Korea’s contribution to the threatened impairment to our national security by restraining steel articles exports to the United States from South Korea, limiting transshipment, and discouraging excess capacity and excess steel production.  In light of this agreement, I have determined that steel articles imports from South Korea will no longer threaten to impair the national security and have decided to exclude South Korea from the tariff proclaimed in Proclamation 9705.  The United States will monitor the implementation and effectiveness of the quota and other measures agreed upon with South Korea in addressing our national security needs, and I may revisit this determination, as appropriate.

5.  The United States has agreed in principle with Argentina, Australia, and Brazil on satisfactory alternative means to address the threatened impairment to our national security posed by steel articles imported from these countries.  I have determined that the necessary and appropriate means to address the threat to national security posed by imports of steel articles from Argentina, Australia, and Brazil is to extend the temporary exemption of these countries from the tariff proclaimed in Proclamation 9705, in order to finalize the details of these satisfactory alternative means to address the threatened impairment to our national security posed by steel articles imported from these countries.  In my judgment, and for the reasons I stated in paragraph 10 of Proclamation 9711, these discussions will be most productive if steel articles from Argentina, Australia, and Brazil remain exempt from the tariff proclaimed in Proclamation 9705, until the details can be finalized and implemented by proclamation.  Because the United States has agreed in principle with these countries, in my judgment, it is unnecessary to set an expiration date for the exemptions.  Nevertheless, if the satisfactory alternative means are not finalized shortly, I will consider re-imposing the tariff.

6.  The United States is continuing discussions with Canada, Mexico, and the EU.  I have determined that the necessary and appropriate means to address the threat to the national security posed by imports of steel articles from these countries is to continue these discussions and to extend the temporary exemption of these countries from the tariff proclaimed in Proclamation 9705, at least at this time.  In my judgment, and for the reasons I stated in paragraph 10 of Proclamation 9711, these discussions will be most productive if steel articles from these countries remain exempt from the tariff proclaimed in Proclamation 9705.

7.  For the reasons I stated in paragraph 11 of Proclamation 9711, however, the tariff imposed by Proclamation 9705 remains an important first step in ensuring the economic stability of our domestic steel industry and removing the threatened impairment of the national security.  As a result, unless I determine by further proclamation that the United States has reached a satisfactory alternative means to remove the threatened impairment to the national security by imports of steel articles from Canada, Mexico, and the member countries of the EU, the tariff set forth in clause 2 of Proclamation 9705 shall be effective June 1, 2018, for these countries.

8.  In light of my determination to exclude, on a long‑term basis, South Korea from the tariff proclaimed in Proclamation 9705, I have considered whether it is necessary and appropriate in light of our national security interests to make any corresponding adjustments to the tariff set forth in clause 2 of Proclamation 9705 as it applies to other countries.  I have determined that, in light of the agreed-upon quota and other measures with South Korea, the measures being finalized with Argentina, Australia, and Brazil, and the ongoing discussions that may result in further long-term exclusions from the tariff proclaimed in Proclamation 9705, it is necessary and appropriate, at this time, to maintain the current tariff level as it applies to other countries.

9.  Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, as amended, authorizes the President to adjust the imports of an article and its derivatives that are being imported into the United States in such quantities or under such circumstances as to threaten to impair the national security.

10.  Section 604 of the Trade Act of 1974, as amended (19 U.S.C. 2483), authorizes the President to embody in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) the substance of statutes affecting import treatment, and actions thereunder, including the removal, modification, continuance, or imposition of any rate of duty or other import restriction.

Now, Therefore, I, Donald J. Trump, President of the United States of America, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, as amended, section 301 of title 3, United States Code, and section 604 of the Trade Act of 1974, as amended, do hereby proclaim as follows:

(1)  Imports of all steel articles from Argentina, Australia, Brazil, and South Korea shall be exempt from the duty established in clause 2 of Proclamation 9705, as amended by clause 1 of Proclamation 9711.  Imports of all steel articles from Canada, Mexico, and the member countries of the EU shall be exempt from the duty established in clause 2 of Proclamation 9705 until 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on June 1, 2018.  Further, clause 2 of Proclamation 9705, as amended by clause 1 of Proclamation 9711, is also amended by striking the last two sentences and inserting in lieu thereof the following two sentences:  “Except as otherwise provided in this proclamation, or in notices published pursuant to clause 3 of this proclamation, all steel articles imports specified in the Annex shall be subject to an additional 25 percent ad valorem rate of duty with respect to goods entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, as follows:  (a) on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on March 23, 2018, from all countries except Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Mexico, South Korea, and the member countries of the European Union, and (b) on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on June 1, 2018, from all countries except Argentina, Australia, Brazil, and South Korea.  This rate of duty, which is in addition to any other duties, fees, exactions, and charges applicable to such imported steel articles, shall apply to imports of steel articles from each country as specified in the preceding sentence.”.

(2)  In order to provide the quota treatment referred to in paragraph 4 of this proclamation to steel articles imports from South Korea, U.S. Note 16 of subchapter III of chapter 99 of the HTSUS is amended as provided for in Part A of the Annex to this proclamation.  U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) of the Department of Homeland Security shall implement this quota as soon as practicable, taking into account all steel articles imports from South Korea since January 1, 2018.

(3)  The exemption afforded to steel articles from Canada, Mexico, and the member countries of the EU shall apply only to steel articles of such countries entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, through the close of May 31, 2018, at which time such countries shall be deleted from the article description of heading 9903.80.01 of the HTSUS.

(4)  Clause 5 of Proclamation 9711 is amended by inserting the phrase “, except those eligible for admission under “domestic status” as defined in 19 CFR 146.43, which is subject to the duty imposed pursuant to Proclamation 9705, as amended by Proclamation 9711,” after the words “Any steel article” in the first and second sentences.

(5)  Steel articles shall not be subject upon entry for consumption to the duty established in clause 2 of Proclamation 9705, as amended by clause 1 of this proclamation, merely by reason of manufacture in a U.S. foreign trade zone.  However, steel articles admitted to a U.S. foreign trade zone in “privileged foreign status” pursuant to clause 5 of Proclamation 9711, as amended by clause 4 of this proclamation, shall retain that status consistent with 19 CFR 146.41(e).

(6)  No drawback shall be available with respect to the duties imposed on any steel article pursuant to Proclamation 9705, as amended by clause 1 of this proclamation.

(7)  The Secretary, in consultation with CBP and other relevant executive departments and agencies, shall revise the HTSUS so that it conforms to the amendments and effective dates directed in this proclamation.  The Secretary shall publish any such modification to the HTSUS in the Federal Register.

(8)  Any provision of previous proclamations and Executive Orders that is inconsistent with the actions taken in this proclamation is superseded to the extent of such inconsistency.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this

thirtieth day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand eighteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-second.

DONALD J. TRUMP

THE WHITE HOUSE. April 30, 2018. ECONOMY & JOBS. PROCLAMATIONS. Presidential Proclamation Adjusting Imports of Aluminum into the United States

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

1.  On January 19, 2018, the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary) transmitted to me a report on his investigation into the effect of imports of aluminum articles on the national security of the United States under section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, as amended (19 U.S.C. 1862).

2.  In Proclamation 9704 of March 8, 2018 (Adjusting Imports of Aluminum Into the United States), I concurred in the Secretary’s finding that aluminum articles are being imported into the United States in such quantities and under such circumstances as to threaten to impair the national security of the United States, and decided to adjust the imports of aluminum articles, as defined in clause 1 of Proclamation 9704, by imposing a 10 percent ad valorem tariff on such articles imported from all countries except Canada and Mexico.  I further stated that any country with which we have a security relationship is welcome to discuss with the United States alternative ways to address the threatened impairment of the national security caused by imports from that country, and noted that, should the United States and any such country arrive at a satisfactory alternative means to address the threat to the national security such that I determine that imports from that country no longer threaten to impair the national security, I may remove or modify the restriction on aluminum articles imports from that country and, if necessary, adjust the tariff as it applies to other countries, as the national security interests of the United States require.

3.  In Proclamation 9710 of March 22, 2018 (Adjusting Imports of Aluminum Into the United States), I noted the continuing discussions with the Argentine Republic (Argentina), the Commonwealth of Australia (Australia), the Federative Republic of Brazil (Brazil), Canada, Mexico, the Republic of Korea (South Korea), and the European Union (EU) on behalf of its member countries, on satisfactory alternative means to address the threatened impairment to the national security by imports of aluminum articles from those countries.  Recognizing that each of these countries and the EU has an important security relationship with the United States, I determined that the necessary and appropriate means to address the threat to national security posed by imports of aluminum articles from these countries was to continue the ongoing discussions and to exempt aluminum articles imports from these countries from the tariff proclaimed in Proclamation 9704 until May 1, 2018.

4.  The United States has agreed in principle with Argentina, Australia, and Brazil on satisfactory alternative means to address the threatened impairment to our national security posed by aluminum articles imported from these countries.  I have determined that the necessary and appropriate means to address the threat to national security posed by imports of aluminum articles from Argentina, Australia, and Brazil is to extend the temporary exemption of these countries from the tariff proclaimed in Proclamation 9704, in order to finalize the details of these satisfactory alternative means to address the threatened impairment to our national security posed by aluminum articles imported from these countries.  In my judgment, and for the reasons I stated in paragraph 10 of Proclamation 9710, these discussions will be most productive if aluminum articles from Argentina, Australia, and Brazil remain exempt from the tariff proclaimed in Proclamation 9704, until the details can be finalized and implemented by proclamation. Because the United States has agreed in principle with these countries, in my judgment, it is unnecessary to set an expiration date for the exemptions.  Nevertheless, if the satisfactory alternative means are not finalized shortly, I will consider re-imposing the tariff.

5.  The United States is continuing discussions with Canada, Mexico, and the EU.  I have determined that the necessary and appropriate means to address the threat to the national security posed by imports of aluminum articles from these countries is to continue these discussions and to extend the temporary exemption of these countries from the tariff proclaimed in Proclamation 9704, at least at this time.  In my judgment, and for the reasons I stated in paragraph 10 of Proclamation 9710, these discussions will be most productive if aluminum articles from these countries remain exempt from the tariff proclaimed in Proclamation 9704.

6.  For the reasons I stated in paragraph 11 of Proclamation 9710, however, the tariff imposed by Proclamation 9704 remains an important first step in ensuring the economic stability of our domestic aluminum industry and removing the threatened impairment of the national security.  As a result, unless I determine by further proclamation that the United States has reached a satisfactory alternative means to remove the threatened impairment to the national security by imports of aluminum articles from Canada, Mexico, and the member countries of the EU, the tariff set forth in clause 2 of Proclamation 9704 shall be effective June 1, 2018, for these countries.

7.  I have determined that, in light of the ongoing discussions that may result in long-term exclusions from the tariff proclaimed in Proclamation 9704, it is necessary and appropriate, at this time, to maintain the current tariff level as it applies to other countries.

8.  Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, as amended, authorizes the President to adjust the imports of an article and its derivatives that are being imported into the United States in such quantities or under such circumstances as to threaten to impair the national security.

9.  Section 604 of the Trade Act of 1974, as amended (19 U.S.C. 2483), authorizes the President to embody in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) the substance of statutes affecting import treatment, and actions thereunder, including the removal, modification, continuance, or imposition of any rate of duty or other import restriction.

Now, Therefore, I, Donald J. Trump, President of the United States of America, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, as amended, section 301 of title 3, United States Code, and section 604 of the Trade Act of 1974, as amended, do hereby proclaim as follows:

(1)  Imports of all aluminum articles from Argentina, Australia, and Brazil shall be exempt from the duty established in clause 2 of Proclamation 9704, as amended by clause 1 of Proclamation 9710.  Imports of all aluminum articles from Canada, Mexico, and the member countries of the EU shall be exempt from the duty established in clause 2 of Proclamation 9704 until 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on June 1, 2018.  Further, clause 2 of Proclamation 9704, as amended by clause 1 of Proclamation 9710, is also amended by striking the last two sentences and inserting in lieu thereof the following two sentences:  “Except as otherwise provided in this proclamation, or in notices published pursuant to clause 3 of this proclamation, all aluminum articles imports specified in the Annex shall be subject to an additional 10 percent ad valorem rate of duty with respect to goods entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, as follows:  (a) on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on March 23, 2018, from all countries except Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Mexico, South Korea, and the member countries of the European Union, (b) on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on May 1, 2018, from all countries except Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Mexico, and the member countries of the European Union, and (c) on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on June 1, 2018, from all countries except Argentina, Australia, and Brazil.  This rate of duty, which is in addition to any other duties, fees, exactions, and charges applicable to such imported aluminum articles, shall apply to imports of aluminum articles from each country as specified in the preceding sentence.”.

(2)  The exemption afforded to aluminum articles from Canada, Mexico, and the member countries of the EU shall apply only to aluminum articles of such countries entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, through the close of May 31, 2018, at which time such countries shall be deleted from the article description of heading 9903.85.01 of the HTSUS.

(3)  Clause 5 of Proclamation 9710 is amended by inserting the phrase “, except those eligible for admission under “domestic status” as defined in 19 CFR 146.43, which is subject to the duty imposed pursuant to Proclamation 9704, as amended by Proclamation 9710,” after the words “Any aluminum article” in the first and second sentences.

(4)  Aluminum articles shall not be subject upon entry for consumption to the duty established in clause 2 of Proclamation 9704, as amended by clause 1 of this proclamation, merely by reason of manufacture in a U.S. foreign trade zone.  However, aluminum articles admitted to a U.S. foreign trade zone in “privileged foreign status” pursuant to clause 5 of Proclamation 9710, as amended by clause 3 of this proclamation, shall retain that status consistent with 19 CFR 146.41(e).

(5)  No drawback shall be available with respect to the duties imposed on any aluminum article pursuant to Proclamation 9704, as amended by clause 1 of this proclamation.

(6)  The Secretary, in consultation with U.S. Customs and Border Protection of the Department of Homeland Security and other relevant executive departments and agencies, shall revise the HTSUS so that it conforms to the amendments and effective dates directed in this proclamation.  The Secretary shall publish any such modification to the HTSUS in the Federal Register.

(7)  Any provision of previous proclamations and Executive Orders that is inconsistent with the actions taken in this proclamation is superseded to the extent of such inconsistency.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand eighteen, and of the Independence of the . of America the two hundred and forty-second.

DONALD J. TRUMP

THE WHITE HOUSE. PORTAL G1. 30/04/2018. EUA fecham acordo preliminar com Brasil sobre taxa de aço e alumínio. Detalhes sobre acordo dos EUA com Brasil, Argentina e Austrália serão definidos em até 30 dias, diz Casa Branca. Isenção para Canadá, União Europeia e México foi adiada até 1º de junho.

Os EUA fizeram um acordo preliminar com o Brasil sobre taxas de importação de aço e alumínio, cujos detalhes serão finalizados em até 30 dias. A informação foi divulgada pela Casa Branca poucas horas antes do fim do prazo inicialmente estipulado para o fim da isenção das tarifas de 25% para o aço e de 10% para o alumínio, nesta segunda-feira (30).

A tarifa entrou em vigor no dia 23 de março para todos os países, com isenções para Brasil, Austrália, Argentina, Coreia do Sul, União Europeia, México e Canadá.

México, Canadá e União Europeia tiveram a isenção de tarifas adiadas até o dia 1º de junho.

Já o Brasil, Argentina e Austrária fizeram um acordo inicial, cujo prazo para ser finalizado também é o dia 1º de junho. Não foram divulgados mais detalhes sobre este acordo.

A Coreia do Sul já finalizou um acordo com os EUA sobre as tarifas.

O Brasil é o segundo maior exportador de aço para os EUA. O peso dos EUA é maior entre os produtos semimanufaturados - em janeiro deste ano, por exemplo, eles compraram 53% do total exportado pelo Brasil.

Em 2017, foram exportados aos EUA US$ 2,63 bilhões em aço, o equivalente a 33% das vendas brasileiras do produto para o exterior, segundo dados oficiais do Ministério da Indústria e Comércio Exterior (MDIC). Além disso, o Brasil exportou no ano passado US$ 120,7 milhões em alumínio para EUA, cerca de 15% do total vendido para o exterior.

Negociação

O Instituto Aço Brasil (IABr), que representa a indústria do aço, havia afirmado ao G1 que a isenção temporária foi uma "notícia boa", mas que deveria ser analisada com serenidade. O presidente Marco Polo de Mello Lopes defendia que o Brasil tentasse junto ao governo dos EUA a exclusão da lista de sobretaxação.

Marco Polo revelara ainda que as indústrias brasileiras já haviam contatado 100% dos clientes norte-americanos para sugerir que eles solicitem a exclusão de taxação de produto ao Departamento de Comércio dos Estados Unidos.

As empresas brasileiras argumentam que cerca de 80% das exportações de aço do Brasil aos EUA são reprocessadas e que, portanto, não haveria concorrência direta com a produção interna norte-americana.

EUA. UE. REUTERS. 1 DE MAIO DE 2018. UE exige isenção permanente de tarifas dos EUA sobre aço e alumínio
Por Philip Blenkinsop

BRUXELAS (Reuters) - O braço executivo da União Europeia exigiu nesta terça-feira uma isenção permanente das tarifas de importação de aço e alumínio impostas pelos Estados Unidos, dizendo que a decisão do presidente norte-americano, Donald Trump, de não adotá-las por ora prolonga a incerteza do mercado.

Na segunda-feira a Casa Branca anunciou que Trump prorrogou uma suspensão temporária das tarifas para UE, Canadá e México até 1º de junho, poucas horas antes de elas entrarem em vigor. Ele também chegou a acordos para isenções permanentes para Argentina, Austrália e Brasil, segundo a Casa Branca.

Nesta terça-feira Trump tuitou a respeito do comércio: “... tudo será feito. Grande potencial para os EUA!”

A Comissão Europeia, que coordena a política comercial dos 28 países da UE, reconheceu a decisão de Trump, mas disse que o bloco deveria ser isento permanentemente das tarifas, já que não é a causa da capacidade excessiva na produção de aço e alumínio.

“A decisão dos EUA prolonga a incerteza do mercado, o que já está afetando as decisões empresariais”, alegou a Comissão.

Trump invocou uma lei comercial de 1962 para criar proteções para os produtores norte-americanos de aço e alumínio, alegando razões de segurança nacional, em meio a uma fartura dos dois metais em todo o mundo que se atribui sobretudo ao excesso da produção na China.

A Alemanha, cujo superávit comercial rendeu críticas de Trump, disse esperar uma isenção permanente.

“Estou firmemente convencido de que, no interesse dos empregos na Alemanha, na Europa e nos EUA, precisamos de uma cláusula de longo prazo e que elevar tarifas é o caminho errado”, disse o ministro da Economia alemão, Peter Altmaier, pedindo mais conversas com Washington.

“Precisamos de menos, não mais tarifas no comércio global”.

A França disse concordar que existe um excesso da produção nas indústrias de aço e alumínio, mas que a UE não tem culpa e devia ser isentada permanente das tarifas para que a questão da superprodução possa ser tratada em conversas.

“Estamos prontos para trabalhar com os EUA e outros parceiros para lidar com estas questões, e para desenvolver soluções rápidas e apropriadas”, disseram os ministros das Finanças e Relações Exteriores franceses.

A federação empresarial francesa BusinessEurope qualificou a prorrogação da isenção como positiva, mas disse que as empresas precisam de previsibilidade.

EUA. REUTERS. 30 DE ABRIL DE 2018. EUA adiam até 1º de junho decisão sobre tarifas de aço e alumínio para aliados

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - O presidente dos Estados Unidos, Donald Trump, adiou para até 1º de junho a imposição de tarifas de importação de aço e alumínio produzidos no Canadá, União Europeia e México e alcançou acordos em princípio com Argentina, Austrália e Brasil, afirmou uma fonte com conhecimento do assunto.

Trump impôs em março tarifas de importação de 25 por cento para aço e de 10 por cento sobre alumínio, mas tinha dado isenções temporárias para Canadá, México, Brasil, UE, Austrália e Argentina, que expiram no final desta segunda-feira.

Por David Lawder

EUA. UE. REUTERS. 1 DE MAIO DE 2018. UE exige isenção permanente de tarifas dos EUA sobre aço e alumínio
Por Philip Blenkinsop

BRUXELAS (Reuters) - O braço executivo da União Europeia exigiu nesta terça-feira uma isenção permanente das tarifas de importação de aço e alumínio impostas pelos Estados Unidos, dizendo que a decisão do presidente norte-americano, Donald Trump, de não adotá-las por ora prolonga a incerteza do mercado.

Na segunda-feira a Casa Branca anunciou que Trump prorrogou uma suspensão temporária das tarifas para UE, Canadá e México até 1º de junho, poucas horas antes de elas entrarem em vigor. Ele também chegou a acordos para isenções permanentes para Argentina, Austrália e Brasil, segundo a Casa Branca.

Nesta terça-feira Trump tuitou a respeito do comércio: “... tudo será feito. Grande potencial para os EUA!”

A Comissão Europeia, que coordena a política comercial dos 28 países da UE, reconheceu a decisão de Trump, mas disse que o bloco deveria ser isento permanentemente das tarifas, já que não é a causa da capacidade excessiva na produção de aço e alumínio.

“A decisão dos EUA prolonga a incerteza do mercado, o que já está afetando as decisões empresariais”, alegou a Comissão.

Trump invocou uma lei comercial de 1962 para criar proteções para os produtores norte-americanos de aço e alumínio, alegando razões de segurança nacional, em meio a uma fartura dos dois metais em todo o mundo que se atribui sobretudo ao excesso da produção na China.

A Alemanha, cujo superávit comercial rendeu críticas de Trump, disse esperar uma isenção permanente.

“Estou firmemente convencido de que, no interesse dos empregos na Alemanha, na Europa e nos EUA, precisamos de uma cláusula de longo prazo e que elevar tarifas é o caminho errado”, disse o ministro da Economia alemão, Peter Altmaier, pedindo mais conversas com Washington.

“Precisamos de menos, não mais tarifas no comércio global”.

A França disse concordar que existe um excesso da produção nas indústrias de aço e alumínio, mas que a UE não tem culpa e devia ser isentada permanente das tarifas para que a questão da superprodução possa ser tratada em conversas.

“Estamos prontos para trabalhar com os EUA e outros parceiros para lidar com estas questões, e para desenvolver soluções rápidas e apropriadas”, disseram os ministros das Finanças e Relações Exteriores franceses.

A federação empresarial francesa BusinessEurope qualificou a prorrogação da isenção como positiva, mas disse que as empresas precisam de previsibilidade.

EUA. REUTERS. 1 DE MAIO DE 2018. EUA vão trabalhar com cotas na importação de aço de países isentos de tarifas, diz assessor da Casa Branca

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Os países que foram isentos das tarifas recém-impostas nas importações de aço e alumínio dos Estados Unidos ainda estarão sujeitos a um sistema de cotas de importação, disse o assessor de comércio da Casa Branca, Peter Navarro, nesta terça-feira.

“Teremos cotas e outras restrições para garantir a defesa de nossas indústrias no interesse da segurança nacional”, disse Navarro a executivos do setor siderúrgico, acrescentando que a abordagem também se aplicaria a entidades “como a Europa”.

A Casa Branca informou na segunda-feira que foi adiado para até 1º de junho a imposição de tarifas de importação de aço e alumínio produzidos no Canadá, União Europeia e México e alcançou acordos em princípio com Argentina, Austrália e Brasil.

Por Jason Lange

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

USTR. 04/27/2018. USTR Releases 2018 Special 301 Report on Intellectual Property Rights

Washington, D.C. – The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) today released the 2018 Special 301 Report, identifying trading partners that do not adequately or effectively protect and enforce intellectual property (IP) rights or otherwise deny market access to U.S. innovators and creators that rely on protection of their IP rights.  The Report calls on U.S. trading partners to address IP-related challenges with a special focus on the countries identified on the Watch List and Priority Watch List.

“The ideas and creativity of American entrepreneurs fuel economic growth and employ millions of hardworking Americans,” said U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer.  “This report sends a clear signal to our trading partners that the protection of Americans’ intellectual property rights is a top priority of the Trump Administration.”

According to U.S. Government estimates, IP-intensive industries directly and indirectly support 45.5 million American jobs, about 30 percent of all employment in the United States.  This Report draws attention to IP-related trade barriers and the steps foreign countries can take to open their markets to IP-intensive goods—steps that help to protect U.S. jobs, create opportunities for job growth, and promote free and fair trade that benefits all Americans.                                                                            
Significant elements in the 2018 Special 301 Report include the following:

• USTR identified 36 countries on the Priority Watch List or Watch List.  Trading partners on the Priority Watch List present the most significant concerns this year regarding inadequate or ineffective IP protection or enforcement or actions that otherwise limit market access for persons relying on IP protection. 
• USTR identified 12 countries—Algeria, Argentina, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, India, Indonesia, Kuwait, Russia, Ukraine, and Venezuela—on the Priority Watch List.  The IP issues in these countries will be the subject of intense bilateral engagement during the coming year. 
• China is on the Priority Watch List for the 14th consecutive year.  Longstanding and new IP concerns merit increased attention, including China’s coercive technology transfer practices, range of impediments to effective IP enforcement, and widespread infringing activity—including trade secret theft, rampant online piracy, and counterfeit manufacturing.
• India also remains on the Priority Watch List this year for longstanding challenges in its IP framework and lack of sufficient measurable improvements, particularly with respect to patents, copyrights, trade secrets, and enforcement, as well as for new issues that have negatively affected U.S. right holders over the past year.
• USTR downgrades Canada from the Watch List to the Priority Watch List this year for failing to make progress on overcoming important IP enforcement challenges.  Key concerns include poor border enforcement generally and, in particular, lack of customs authority to inspect or detain suspected counterfeit or pirated goods shipped through Canada, concerns about IP protections and procedures related to pharmaceuticals, deficient copyright protection, and inadequate transparency and due process regarding the protection of geographical indications.
• USTR downgrades Colombia from the Watch List to the Priority Watch List for its longstanding failure to make meaningful progress in fulfilling obligations under the United States-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement, such as obligations to amend its copyright law.  USTR is also announcing an Out-of-Cycle Review of Colombia to assess its progress in addressing these and other concerns. 
• USTR also identified 24 trading partners on the Watch List:  Barbados, Bolivia, Brazil, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Greece, Guatemala, Jamaica, Lebanon, Mexico, Pakistan, Peru, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Thailand, Turkey, Turkmenistan, the United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam.  IP challenges in these countries also merit increased bilateral engagement in 2018-2019.  
• USTR places Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on the Watch List.  For Saudi Arabia, there are concerns regarding recent deteriorations in IP protection for pharmaceutical products, in addition to outstanding concerns regarding IP enforcement and the continued use of unlicensed software by the government.  For the UAE, the placement on the Watch List is in response to longstanding concerns about the sale and transshipment of counterfeit goods and the establishment of collecting management organizations, as well as recent policy changes that may not provide adequate and effective IP protection for pharmaceutical products.
• USTR closes the Out-of-Cycle Reviews (OCRs) for Kuwait without a change in status and Tajikistan with a downgrade to the Watch List.  Kuwait has not yet brought its copyright regime in line with its international commitments and still needs to make necessary improvements to the regulations implementing its 2016 Copyright and Related Rights Law.  Tajikistan failed to address unlicensed software use by government agencies during the OCR.  USTR announced that it will initiate OCRs for Colombia, Kuwait, and Malaysia to promote engagement and progress on specific IP opportunities and challenges.
• USTR highlights engagement with trading partners to address concerns related to IP protection and enforcement and market access barriers with respect to pharmaceuticals and medical devices so that trading partners contribute their fair share to research and development of new treatments and cures.  For a fact sheet on USTR engagement on pharmaceutical and medical device issues, click here.

The Special 301 Report is an annual review of the global state of IP protection and enforcement.  USTR conducts the Special 301 review annually pursuant to Section 182 of the Trade Act of 1974, as amended. 

2018 Special 301 Report: https://ustr.gov/sites/default/files/files/Press/Reports/2018%20Special%20301.pdf 

PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT

USTR continued to encourage broad and transparent public engagement in this year’s Special 301 review process.  USTR invited written submissions from the public through a request published in the Federal Register on December 27, 2017.  On March 8, 2018, USTR hosted a public hearing that provided the opportunity for interested persons to testify before the interagency Special 301 Subcommittee of the Trade Policy Staff Committee about issues relevant to the review.  The hearing featured testimony from witnesses representing foreign governments, industry, and non-governmental organizations.  USTR offered a post-hearing comment period during which hearing participants could submit additional information in support of, or in response to, hearing testimony and posted on its public website the full transcript and video of the Special 301 hearing.

The December 2017 notice in the Federal Register—and post-hearing comment period—drew submissions from 39 non-government stakeholders and 23 trading partner governments.  The submissions that USTR received are available to the public online at www.regulations.gov, docket number USTR-2017-0024. 

ANTIDUMPING

DoC. 05/01/2018. U.S. Department of Commerce Issues Affirmative Preliminary Antidumping Duty Determinations on Polyethylene Terephthalate Resin from Brazil, Indonesia, Korea, Pakistan and Taiwan

Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced the affirmative preliminary determinations in the antidumping duty (AD) investigations of imports of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resin from Brazil, the Republic of Indonesia (Indonesia), the Republic of Korea (Korea), Pakistan, and Taiwan.

“The Department will use every tool at our disposal to defend U.S. industry against unfair trade practices,” said Secretary Ross. “Today’s decision allows U.S. producers of PET resin to receive relief from the market-distorting effects of potential dumping while the open and transparent process of investigating this matter continues.”

Commerce preliminarily determined that exporters from Brazil, Indonesia, Korea, Pakistan, and Taiwan have sold PET resin in the United States at less than fair value at the following preliminary dumping rates:

• Brazil – 24.09 percent to 226.91 percent;
• Indonesia – 13.16 percent;
• Korea – 8.81 percent to 101.41 percent;
• Pakistan – 7.75 percent;
• Taiwan – 9.02 percent to 11.89 percent. 

As a result of today’s decision, Commerce will instruct U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to collect cash deposits from importers of PET resin from Brazil, Indonesia, Korea, Pakistan, and Taiwan based on these preliminary rates.

In 2016, imports of PET resin from Brazil, Indonesia, Korea, Pakistan, and Taiwan were valued at an estimated $51.7 million, $35.7 million, $24 million, $34.1 million, and $109.8 million, respectively. 

The petitioners are DAK Americas, LLC (Charlotte, NC), Indorama Ventures USA, Inc. (Decatur, AL), M&G Polymers USA, LLC (Houston, TX), and Nan Ya Plastics Corporation, America (Lake City, SC).  Indorama Ventures USA, Inc. is not a petitioner with respect to the Indonesia investigation.

Enforcement of U.S. trade law is a prime focus of the Trump administration.  Commerce has initiated 112 new antidumping and countervailing duty investigations since the beginning of the Trump administration.  This is 75 percent more than the 64 initiations in the last 465 days of the previous administration.

The AD law provides U.S. businesses and workers with an internationally accepted mechanism to seek relief from the harmful effects of unfair pricing of imports into the United States. Commerce currently maintains 432 antidumping and countervailing duty orders which provide relief to American companies and industries impacted by unfair trade.

Commerce is scheduled to announce the final determinations in these investigations on or about September 17, 2018.  If Commerce makes affirmative final determinations of dumping and the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) makes affirmative final injury determinations, Commerce will issue AD orders.  If Commerce makes negative final determinations of dumping or the ITC makes negative final determinations of injury, the investigations will be terminated and no orders will be issued. 

Commerce’s Enforcement and Compliance unit within the International Trade Administration is responsible for vigorously enforcing U.S. trade laws and does so through an impartial, transparent process that abides by international law and is based solely on factual evidence.

Foreign companies that price their products in the U.S. market below the cost of production or below prices in their home markets are subject to antidumping duties. 

Fact sheet: https://enforcement.trade.gov/download/factsheet-multiple-pet-resin-ad-prelim-043018.pdf

USITC. REUTERS. 1 DE MAIO DE 2018. Indústria dos EUA é prejudicada por importações de fio-máquina de aço, diz Comissão de Comércio

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A Comissão de Comércio Internacional dos Estados Unidos informou nesta terça-feira que as importações de fio-máquina de aço carbono e liga de cinco países estão prejudicando os produtores norte-americanos, e estabeleceu direitos antidumping de até 147,63 por cento nos produtos por cinco anos.

A conclusão final da comissão afeta as importações de aço carbono e de certas ligas de aço da Itália, Coreia do Sul, Espanha, Turquia e Grã-Bretanha que o Departamento de Comércio dos EUA disse em março estar entrando por um preço abaixo do custo no mercado norte-americano. Na ocasião, anunciou a imposição de tarifas que dependiam da decisão final da comissão de comércio.

O fio-máquina é um produto de aço intermediário laminado a quente usado em uma variedade de mercadorias.

A ação foi estimulada por petições no ano passado da Gerdau Ameristeel US Inc, da Flórida, uma unidade da brasileira Metalurgica Gerdau SA, da Nucor Corp, da Keystone Consolidated Industries e da Charter Steel.

Em 2016, as importações de fio-máquina da Itália, Coreia do Sul, Espanha, Turquia e Grã-Bretanha foram estimadas em 12,2 milhões de dólares, 45,6 milhões de dólares, 40,7 milhões de dólares, 41,4 milhões de dólares e 20,5 milhões de dólares, respectivamente.

Por David Alexander

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ECONOMIA BRASILEIRA / BRAZIL ECONOMICS

ENERGIA

PETROBRAS. 27.Abr.2018. Produção de petróleo e gás natural em março

Nossa produção total de petróleo e gás em março, incluindo líquidos de gás natural (LGN), foi de 2,66 milhões de barris de óleo equivalente por dia, sendo 2,56 milhões de barris produzidos no Brasil e 99 mil barris no exterior. No total, nossa produção operada (parcela própria e dos parceiros) foi de 3,31 milhões de barris de óleo equivalente, sendo 3,17 milhões no Brasil.

No país, a produção média de petróleo foi de 2,07 milhões de barris por dia, volume 0,8% inferior ao de fevereiro, devido, principalmente, à manutenção de equipamentos no FPSO Cidade de Angra dos Reis, localizado no campo de Lula, no pré-sal da Bacia de Santos.

A produção de gás natural, excluído o volume liquefeito, foi de 78,1 milhões de m³/d, 2,9% abaixo do mês anterior, devido, principalmente, à parada para manutenção da plataforma de Peroá, localizada na Bacia do Espírito Santo, e a intervenções na plataforma de Mexilhão, localizada na Bacia de Santos.

No exterior, a produção de petróleo foi de 61 mil barris por dia e a produção de gás natural foi de 6,4 milhões de m³/d, ambas em linha com o mês anterior.

PETROBRAS. REUTERS. 30 DE ABRIL DE 2018. Petrobras prevê iniciar produção da plataforma Tartaruga Verde até o fim de junho, diz diretor
Por Marianna Parraga

HOUSTON (Reuters) - A Petrobras (PETR4.SA) prevê iniciar até o fim de junho a produção de sua plataforma Tartaruga Verde e Mestiça, na Bacia de Campos, a segunda das sete unidades previstas para entrar em operação no Brasil neste ano, disse um executivo da petroleira estatal nesta segunda-feira.

As sete novas plataformas permitirão que a companhia, cuja produção está em declínio neste ano, some 500 mil barris por dia de produção nova de petróleo em 2019, afirmou Hugo Repsold, diretor-executivo de Desenvolvimento da Produção e Tecnologia, nos bastidores da Offshore Technology Conference, em Houston.

“Nós enfrentamos alguns atrasos no processo de licenciamento para as plataformas, mas eles terminaram, então a plataforma da Tartaruga está quase pronta para começar a produzir. Levará 45-60 dias a mais, mas os poços já foram conectados”, disse Repsold a jornalistas.

A primeira das novas plataformas deste ano iniciou operações, neste mês, no campo de Búzios, o primeiro a entrar em operação na área da cessão onerosa, no pré-sal da Bacia de Santos.

As cinco plataformas restantes serão instaladas principalmente em dezembro, depois que chegarem da China, acrescentou o executivo.

A Petrobras também planeja iniciar a produção de uma plataforma na costa da Nigéria neste ano.

A empresa está cada vez mais concentrada na exploração e produção para aumentar sua capacidade de produção de petróleo em cerca de 1 milhão bpd no próximo ano, enquanto busca vender seus ativos da área de refino.

A Petrobras está em negociações com a estatal chinesa CNPC para compartilhar e finalizar a refinaria do Comperj, no Rio de Janeiro, cuja construção —atualmente paralisada— está cerca de 75 por cento concluída.

Se as discussões forem bem-sucedidas, a empresa chinesa assinaria um contrato e receberia uma parte dos produtos da refinaria como pagamento, segundo o executivo.

Petroleo Brasileiro SA Petrobras
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PETR4.SASAO PAULO STOCK EXCHANGE
+0.24(+1.06%)
PETR4.SA

PETR4.SA

“Queremos ter um parceiro, precisamos dele. Gastamos muito dinheiro (no “downstream”) e agora esperamos focar na exploração e produção. Seria bom trazer um parceiro para financiar a conclusão do Comperj e fazer melhorias para conectar os campos de produção à refinaria”, disse Repsold.

Reportagem de Marianna Parraga

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LGCJ.: