This bill directs the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to start investigations within 30 days to find out whether covered foreign countries, including Canada, have stopped importing or distributing alcoholic beverage exports from the United States in a way that can be acted on under section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974. The USTR must consult with affected U.S. alcoholic beverage manufacturers, the Secretary of Commerce, the Secretary of State, and the U.S. International Trade Commission, and may seek information from trade associations and producers.
If the USTR finds no actionable behavior, it must send a written report to the appropriate congressional committees. Before taking enforcement action under section 301, the USTR must notify the appropriate committees, consult with affected stakeholders, and aim for actions that are targeted, proportionate, and that minimize unintended consequences for U.S. consumers and U.S. allies. The bill requires an initial written report to Congress within 90 days and quarterly reports for 2 years with specified content. The USTR must also publish a public summary that excludes confidential stakeholder information.
The bill defines “covered foreign country” as a country that has a free trade agreement with the United States and explicitly includes Canada. "Alcoholic beverage" is defined by reference to the Alcoholic Beverage Labeling Act of 1988. The "appropriate committees of Congress" are the House Ways and Means Committee and the Senate Finance Committee.
No publicly available information.
The bill directs investigations and reporting to determine whether trade partners that have free trade agreements, including Canada, have ceased importing or distributing U.S. alcoholic beverage exports in ways actionable under section 301. It requires consultation with affected manufacturers and key agencies and sets reporting and public-summary requirements.
No publicly available information.