ITC Seeks Public Comment on Draft Digital Trade Questionnaire

by Shannon Allen

The International Trade Commission (“ITC”) seeks public comment on a draft digital trade questionnaire.  The ITC plans to submit a request for approval of the questionnaire to the Office of Management and Budget (“OMB”).  According to a 2013 ITC report, digital trade is “commerce in products and services delivered via the Internet.”  The Internet has made substantial contributions to “U.S. output, employment, consumer welfare, trade, innovation, productivity, and corporate financial performance.”  Digital trade helps producers lower operating cost, provides small businesses access to a broader range of products and services, and aids consumers in obtaining product information and convenience.

The ITC drafted the digital trade questionnaire in response to a request from the U.S. Senate Finance Committee (“Committee”) to produce a report that:

1. estimates the value and potential growth of U.S. digital trade;
2. provides insight into the overall connection between digital trade and the U.S. economy;
3. presents case studies examining the value of digital trade to participating U.S. industries; and
4. examines the impact of challenges to digital trade on industries and the U.S. economy.

The ITC will mail a letter to U.S. firms involved in digital trade.  The letter will request the respondents to download and fill out a PDF questionnaire and submit it to the ITC.  The ITC will draft its report on a “review of available data and other information, including the collection of primary data through a survey of U.S. firms in industries particularly involved in digital trade.”  The ITC anticipates delivery of its report to the Committee by July 14, 2014.

Interested parties are invited to submit comments on:

• the necessity of the proposed collection of information;
• the accuracy of the hour and cost estimate of the proposed collection of information;
•  improvements on the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and
• burden minimizing ideas (e.g. automated collection techniques or other technology).

Comments must be submitted by October 1, 2013 and directed to Mr. James Stamps, Project Leader, by one of the following methods:

• Mail:  James Stamps, Project Leader, U.S. International Trade Commission, 500 E Street SW., Washington, DC 20436 or
• Email:  james.stamps@usitc.gov