February 9, 2001
News Release 01-019
GLOBAL ISSUES AFFECTING U.S. INDUSTRIES
AND THE TECHNOLOGICAL COMPETITIVENESS OF THE UNITED STATES
ARE FOCUS OF ITC QUARTERLY PUBLICATION
The U.S. metal mining industry, India's computer software industry, and the North American major
household appliance industry are among the topics examined in the current issue of Industry Trade
and Technology Review (ITTR), a quarterly publication of the U.S. International Trade
Commission's Office of Industries.
Industry Trade and Technology Review (ITTR) contains articles originating from research and
analysis conducted by International Trade Commission (ITC) staff as part of its responsibilities to
provide advice and technical information on industry and trade issues. The ITTR provides analysis of
important issues and insights into the global position of U.S. industries, the technological
competitiveness of the United States, and implications of trade and policy developments.
The ITTR is a publication of the Office of Industries. The opinions and conclusions it contains are
those of the authors and are not the views of the Commission or of any individual Commissioner.
The current issue (January 2001) includes the following articles:
- U.S. Metal Mining: Recent Trends and Uncertainty Discourage Domestic Exploration and
Investment -- The United States is a major producer of mined copper, gold, iron, lead, and
zinc, as well as a significant producer of other metals. However, recent trends suggest that
future U.S. metal-mining production may decline significantly, at least in comparison with
metal-mining production in other countries. This article examines both foreign and domestic
factors affecting the U.S. metal-mining industry, including trends in exploration expenditures,
foreign mining opportunities, implications of U.S. regulatory and environmental issues, and
the outlook for the U.S. metal-mining industry.
- Factors Affecting the Competitive Position of the Indian Software Industry -- Although the
United States is the global technology leader and is the world's largest producer and
consumer in the $154 billion packaged software industry, many other countries such as India
have small but rapidly growing software industries. Historically, Indian software firms have
acted primarily as outsourcing operations for foreign firms, but the industry is experiencing a
shift toward in-house design and development of software. The growth of electronic
commerce is encouraging this trend. This article examines the competitive position of India's
software industry, the factors driving its growth, and the outlook for the industry's future.
- Manufacturing Strategies of the North American Major Household Appliance Industry -- Major household appliance firms in the United States first set up manufacturing subsidiaries
or joint ventures in Canada and Mexico to overcome tariff barriers in supplying these
markets. Subsequent U.S. trade agreements with Canada (1989) and Mexico (1994) enabled
these firms to implement manufacturing strategies across national boundaries throughout
North America that have largely discouraged imports of major appliances from Europe and
Asia into the U.S. and Canadian markets. This article profiles the leading major appliance
producers in North America and examines changes in their manufacturing strategies in
response to competitive pressures to reduce costs and expand market shares.
In addition, the publication includes an appendix charting key performance indicators for the steel,
automobile, aluminum, flat glass, and services industries, as well as for North American trade.
Industry Trade and Technology Review (USITC Publication 3390, January 2001) will be posted on
the ITC's Internet site at www.usitc.gov. A cumulative list of articles published in the report series is
also posted. The ITTR will also be available at regional federal depository libraries in the United
States. To request a printed copy of the ITTR or to be added to the mailing list, contact the Office
of the Secretary, U.S. International Trade Commission, 500 E Street SW, Washington DC 20436.
Requests may also be faxed to 202-205-2104.
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