On Wednesday, November 25, 2020, the United States Trade Representative (USTR) office released the hearing schedule for the investigation of Vietnam’s acts, policies, and practices related to the import and use of illegal timber and the valuation of its currency first announced in a press release on October 2.

The USTR will convene a virtual public hearing and accept rebuttal comments in the Section 301 investigation against Vietnam as follows:

Vietnam Timber – Federal Register 85 No 228 FR 75398
- The docket number is USTR–2020–0036
- December 10, 2020 at 11:59 p.m. – Requests to appear at the hearing must be submitted through the eRulemaking Portal (www.regulations.gov) and must include a summary of the testimony
- December 28, 2020 at 9:30 a.m. – Virtual hearing to be held
- January 6, 2021 11:59 p.m. – Post-hearing rebuttal comments due
Vietnam Currency – Federal Register 85 No 228 FR 75397
- The docket number is USTR–2020–0037
- December 10, 2020 at 11:59 p.m. – Requests to appear at the hearing must be submitted through the eRulemaking Portal (www.regulations.gov) and must include a summary of the testimony
- December 29, 2020 at 9:30 a.m. – Virtual hearing to be held
- January 7, 2021 11:59 p.m. – Post-hearing rebuttal comments due

If the USTR determines that Vietnam’s trade practices unfairly undermine American businesses, the United States could move to place tariffs or quotas on Vietnam. Importers and others that could be affected are encouraged to participate in the hearings and allow your voices to be heard. The USTR notes that the hearings will include testimony on the issues being evaluated and the nature of the impact on U.S. commerce as well as any actions that should be taken.

For more information, please contact your local Noatum Logistics USA representative.