New Section 301 Investigation on Vietnamese Timber and Currency

The U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) initiated a Section 301 investigation regarding Vietnam’s acts, policies, and practices relating to the import and use of timber that is illegally harvested or traded; and to the valuation of currency.

The USTR will  investigate whether Vietnam’s imports or use of timber restrict U.S. Commerce, due to illegal harvesting or trading, in violation of Vietnam’s or the exporting country’s laws, or any international rules such as Convention or International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).

The valuation investigation will focus on whether Vietnam’s interventions through the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) contribute to the undervaluation of Vietnam’s currency creating unreasonable, discriminatory or burdensome restrictions on U.S. Commerce.

Comments will be accepted until November 12, 2020, through the Federal eRulemaking Portal, using docket number USTR-2020-0036 for timber and USTR-2020-0037 for currency.

Further information may be obtained from the Section 301 line at (202) 395-5725.