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Thompson Hine LLP, a full-service business law firm with approximately 400 lawyers in 11 offices, was ranked number 1 in the category “Most innovative North American law firms: New working models” by The Financial Times and was 1 of 7 firms shortlisted for The American Lawyer’s inaugural Legal Services Innovation Award. The firm has been recognized by the National Law Journal as a Legal Technology Trailblazer and featured by Bloomberg for its innovative service delivery models, which drive accuracy and predictability. The firm’s commitment to innovation is embodied in Thompson Hine SmartPaTHTM – a smarter way to work – predictable, efficient and aligned with client goals. For more information, please visit ThompsonHine.com and ThompsonHine.com/SmartPaTH.

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On November 25, 2020, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) issued a <a href="https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2020-11-25/pdf/2020-26061.pdf">Federal Register notice</a> announcing that it will hold a virtual public hearing on December 28, 2020, in its ongoing investigation into Vietnam&rsquo;s acts, policies and practices related to its import and use of illegally harvested or traded timber.&nbsp; See <a href="https://www.thompsonhinesmartrade.com/2020/10/ustr-initiates-two-section-301-investigations-involving-vietnamese-wood-products-using-illegal-timber-and-currency-valuation/">Update of October 6, 2020</a>.&nbsp; A written request to appear at the hearing must be submitted no later than December 10, 2020, and must include a summary of the testimony.&nbsp; The USTR is specifically interested in testimony regarding:
<ul>
<li>The extent to which illegal timber is imported into Vietnam.</li>
<li>The extent to which Vietnamese producers, including producers of wooden furniture, use illegal timber.</li>
<li>The extent to which products of Vietnam made from illegal timber, including wooden furniture, are imported into the United States.</li>
<li>Vietnam&rsquo;s acts, policies or practices relating to the import and use of illegal timber.</li>
<li>The nature and level of the burden or restriction on U.S. commerce caused by Vietnam&rsquo;s import and use of illegal timber.</li>
<li>The determinations required under section 304 of the Trade Act, including what action, if any, should be taken in the investigation.</li>
</ul>
The hearing &ldquo;will not involve testimony regarding specific products or services that might be affected by an action in the investigation.&rdquo;&nbsp; If necessary, the USTR will offer another opportunity for public comment should it later consider actions affecting specific products or services.&nbsp; After the hearing, the USTR will accept rebuttal comments until January 6, 2021, which will be limited to raising &ldquo;errors of fact or analysis&rdquo; in any written submissions or hearing testimony.
All written submission must be filed via the Federal eRulemaking portal at <a href="http://www.regulations.gov/">www.Regulations.gov</a> on docket number USTR&ndash;2020&ndash;0036.

core/freeform

SmarTrade

Senior Legislative and Regulatory Policy Advisor

Scott E. Diamond

International Trade

USTR Will Hold Public Hearing in Section 301 Investigation into Vietnam’s Import and Use of Illegal Timber