Trade Enforcement Priority for New Commerce Panel

A new panel will advise the Commerce Department on ways trade enforcement and compliance policies can better support a strong trade and manufacturing agenda, Commerce said.The Advisory Council on Trade Enforcement and Compliance (ACTEC) will also provide advice on seeking foreign government compliance with U.S. trade agreements, according to a Federal Register notice published January 10.The ACTEC, established under the Federal Advisory Committee Act, will be a forum for input regarding current and emerging issues in trade enforcement and compliance matters, according to the notice.Trade cases targeting sales at less than fair value and unfair subsidies have been trending upward in recent years. President-elect Donald Trump's designee for Commerce Secretary, financier Wilbur Ross, said in a tweet that he looked forward to working with Trump to restore fair trade and stand up for U.S. jobs if confirmed by the Senate.Commerce's assistant secretary for enforcement and compliance will be the ACTEC's executive director. Commerce will publish another notice soliciting nominations for membership. Members will serve for two years, according to the notice.The council will provide the Commerce Secretary with recommendations regarding trade enforcement and compliance efforts. The ACTEC should recommend specific solutions to the problems and needs it identifies, according to the notice.