http://assets.opencrs.com/rpts/RL34524_20080610.pdf

Discusses the problems of determining the country of origin for merchandise entering the U.S., especially when component parts originate in many countries. Explains why determining the country of origin is important and what U.S. laws and policies provide direction. Concludes with options for alternatives that congress may want to consider. From the Congressional Research Service, posted by OpenCRS.org.

http://www.eia.doe.gov/emeu/cabs/OPEC_Revenues/Factsheet.html

Latest in a series of reports. Estimates that the members of the Organization of Oil Exporting Countries earned $671 billion in net oil export revenues in 2007, a 10% increase over 2006 and offers country by country breakdown. From the Energy Information Administration.

http://www.ustr.gov/assets/Document_Library/Fact_Sheets/2008/asset_upload_file302_14991.pdf

Latest report from an initiative launched in 2001 to mitigate disagreements and promote economic growth in trade relations between the U.S. and Japan. Topics covered in this report include intellectual property, foreign trade policy, pharmaceuticals, privatization of public entities and telecommunications. From the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative.

http://www.importsafety.gov/report/actionupdate/actionplanupdate.pdf

Last year the U.S. imported $2 trillion worth of goods from 825,000 importers through 300 ports. This report describes progress made sincet November 2007 to assure that food, toys and other imported products are safe. From the Interagency Working Group on Import Safety.

http://hotdocs.usitc.gov/docs/pubs/332/pub4015.pdf

Focuses principally on infrastructure services which grew faster than other services areas of U.S. trade. The 12th in a series of annual reports on recent trends in U.S. services trade. From the U.S. International Trade Commission

http://www.bts.gov/publications/bts_special_report/2008_007/

In less than 20 years, China has grown from being the 10th largest U.S. trade partner to the 2nd largest after Canada. This special report traces the impact that increased trade with China has had upon U.S. seaports, airports, highways, and railroads. From the Bureau of Transportation Statistics.

http://www.ers.usda.gov/Publications/CCR41/CCR41.pdf

Reports research results on the problem of foreign trade and invasive species. Looks at biological implications of tariff and inspection policies. Funded by the Economic Research Service.

http://www.bea.gov/newsreleases/international/fdi/2008/fdi07.htm

Reports that investments by foreigners in U.S. businesses reached $276 billion in 2007, a sharp increase from 2006, and a figure approaching the pre-9/11 high in 2000. From the Bureau of Economic Analysis.

http://www.fas.usda.gov/cmp/outlook/2008/May-08/AES-05-29-2008.pdf

Predicts that U.S. agricultural exports will reach $108.5 billion in fiscal year 2008, up $26 billion from 2007. Also predicts agricultural imports will reach $78.5 billion for 2008. From the Economic Research Service and Foreign Agricultural Service.

http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/row/RL34199.pdf

Discusses current issues in German-U.S. relations, including European security and defense policy, use of German troops in peace-keeping missions, support for NATO, and foreign trade issues. From the Congressional Research Service, posted by the Federation of American Scientists.

http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/row/RL32724.pdf

Discusses current issues in Mexican-U.S. relations, including drug trafficking, migration, border security, human rights and foreign trade. From the Congressional Research Service, posted by the Federation of American Scientists.