ITC launches Africa trade investigation

   The International Trade Commission has launched an investigation to examine U.S. trade and investment in sub-Saharan Africa, the ITC announced Friday.
   The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) requested the investigation on May 6.
   Through the investigation, the ITC will provide an overview of U.S. exports and foreign direct investment in the region, identifying the sectors and countries in which U.S. exports have increased the most from 2016 to 2018, major factors driving the growth and integration of U.S. products and services into sub-Saharan African value chains.
   The investigation also will provide an overview of U.S. goods and services imports from sub-Saharan Africa, summarize recent regional integration efforts, including progress on the negotiation and implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area, summarize utilization strategies by sub-Saharan African countries of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), and summarize the most recent 2019 data on trade flows between the U.S. and sub-Saharan Africa.
   The ITC expects to deliver the report to USTR by March 31. The commission will hold a public hearing related to the investigation on July 24 and will accept written submissions to inform the investigation through 5:15 p.m. Aug. 16.