The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) is seeking input for a newly initiated investigation into foreign markets for logistic services.

The investigation, Logistic Services: An Overview of the Global Market and Potential Effects of Removing Trade Impediments (Investigation No. 332-463), was requested by the United States Trade Representative (USTR).

In his request letter, the USTR noted that the globalization of manufacturing and electronic commerce have increased the demand for logistic services, which involve planning, implementing, managing, and controlling the flow and storage of goods, services, and related information from the point of origin to the point of consumption. As requested by USTR, the ITC's investigation will focus on foreign logistic services markets and will, to the extent possible, provide an overview of the global logistic services market, including major industry players, factors driving growth, and industry operations; examine trade and investment in selected regional logistic service markets, including impediments to the provision of international logistic services, if any; and discuss and analyze the potential effects of removing impediments to logistic services on trade and economic welfare. The USTR noted that the study will serve as a useful tool in supporting U.S. negotiations in bilateral free trade agreements and in the World Trade Organization.

The ITC expects to submit its report to USTR by May 6, 2005.

The ITC is seeking input for its new investigation from all interested parties and requests that the information focus on the issues for which the ITC is requested to provide information. The ITC will hold a public hearing in connection with the investigation on November 18, 2004. Requests to appear at the hearing should be filed no later than 5:15 p.m. on November 4, 2004, with the Secretary, U.S. International Trade Commission, 500 E Street SW, Washington, DC 20436. For further information, call 202-205-1816.

The ITC also welcomes written submissions for the record. Written submissions should be addressed to the Secretary to the Commission at the above address and should be submitted at the earliest practical date but no later than 5:15 p.m. on December 14, 2004. The hearing will be canceled if no witnesses are scheduled to appear as of the close of business on November 16, 2004.

Further information on the scope of the investigation and appropriate submissions is available in the ITC's notice of investigation, dated August 27, 2004, which can be downloaded from the ITC Internet site (www.usitc.gov) or may be obtained by contacting the Office of the Secretary at the above address or at 202-205-1816.

ITC general factfinding investigations, such as this one, cover matters related to tariffs or trade and are generally conducted at the request of the U.S. Trade Representative, the Senate Committee on Finance, or the House Committee on Ways and Means. The resulting reports convey the Commission's objective findings and independent analyses on the subjects investigated. The Commission makes no recommendations on policy or other matters in its general factfinding reports. Upon completion of each investigation, the ITC submits its findings and analyses to the requester. General factfinding investigation reports are subsequently released to the public unless they are classified by the requester for national security reasons.