U.S. trade programs and Caribbean exports, U.S. trade with South Asia, the U.S. Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), and European Union (EU) enlargement are the topics covered in the current issue of the International Economic Review (IER), a publication of the U.S. International Trade Commission's Office of Economics.

The IER is produced as part of the ITC's international trade monitoring program. The program's purpose is to keep the Commission informed about significant developments in international economics and trade and to maintain the Commission's readiness to provide technical information and advice to policymakers in the Congress and the executive branch. The opinions and conclusions of the IER are those of the authors and do not reflect the views of the Commission or any individual Commissioner.

The current issue (November-December 2001) includes the following articles:

• U.S. Trade Measures and the Caribbean Export Profile -- The United States is the dominant trading partner for most Caribbean Basin countries, and Caribbean countries are an important source of certain U.S. import items. U.S. tariff and quota relief granted under production sharing provisions have had significant impact on income growth and investment, while less so under the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act (CBERA). Both have been factors in shaping the profile of Caribbean exports to the United States.

• United States Trade with South Asia The events following September 11, 2001, have focused world attention on the region of South Asia. This region is composed of the countries of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. This article examines the economies, U.S. trade patterns, and U.S. trade policies with these countries. Some U.S. trade policies with these countries, especially with Pakistan and India, have come under the microscope in light of the recent events in the region.

• AGOA Forum: So Far... Where Now? -- The first annual AGOA Forum was held in Washington, DC, on October 29-30, 2001, between United States officials and African trade and finance delegates. This forum reviewed the effects of AGOA to date and provided a venue for discussions on enhancing both the act and U.S.-Sub-Saharan African economic relations.

• EU Enlargement -- An Overview -- The EU is expected to undergo the largest expansion of its borders ever. Up to 10 countries could join the EU in 2004, although some difficult areas for negotiations remain, including agriculture. The candidate countries, and to a lesser extent the EU, will likely benefit from enlargement.

In addition, the publication reviews U.S. economic performance relative to other major trade partners, U.S. trade performance, and economic forecasts. Comparative economic indicators for major industrialized countries are also provided. An annual IER chartbook depicting trends in U.S. trade with major trading partners and regions is also included in the IER series.

The current issue of the IER (USITC Publication 3481, November-December 2001) will be available on the ITC's Internet server at www.usitc.gov. To request a printed copy, write to the Office of the Secretary, U.S. International Trade Commission, 500 E Street SW, Washington, D.C. 20436, or fax requests to 202-205-2104.

To be added to the mailing list for the publication, write to the Office of Economics, U.S. International Trade Commission, 500 E Street SW, Washington, D.C. 20436, or fax requests to 202-205-2340.