http://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/dispu_e/363r_e.pdf

Report of a panel upholding U.S. complaints against China in regard to Chinese marketing restrictions against foreign reading materials, films, and sound recordings. Finds that Chinese restrictions on marketing of imported items are inconsistent with its world trade obligations. From the World Trade Organization.

http://assets.opencrs.com/rpts/RL31832_20090715.pdf

The 111th Congress may consider legislation to renew, modify, or reauthorize the Export Administration Act. Reviews the evolution of the Act, the ongoing debates between those who want to liberalize controls to promote U.S. exports and those who want to tighten controls to protect national security and prevent nuclear proliferation, and the commodities and products at the center of the debates.

http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d09439.pdf

Subtitled: Four Free Trade Agreements GAO Reviewed Have Resulted in Commercial Benefits but Challenges on Labor and Environment Remain. Focuses on trade agreements with Jordan, Chile, Singapore and Morocco. Finds the trade agreements resulted in greater market access and trade increases of 42% to 259%, but little was done to improve worker and environmental conditions. From the Government Accountability Office

http://www.ers.usda.gov/Publications/FAU/2009/08Aug/FAU125/FAU125.pdf

Reports faster import growth trends for consumer-ready foods such as processed food products. From the Economic Research Service

http://www.wto.org/english/res_e/booksp_e/anrep_e/world_trade_report09_e.pdf

Includes the trade situation in 2008-2009 which includes the greatest contraction in trade since the 1930s. Warns about the dangers of protectionist responses and how they can lead to prolonged economic crisis. From the World Trade Organization

http://www.ers.usda.gov/Publications/ERR76/ERR76.pdf

Studies how exchange rates and their application to agricultural prices affects international trade in agricultural products especially in developing countries. From the Economic Research Service.

http://www.usitc.gov/publications/332/pub4084.pdf

The 13th in a series of annual reports on recent trends in U.S. services trade. Focuses on such services as advertising, education, healthcare, and legal services. Reports that the contribution of U.S. professional services to gross domestic product was about $1.7 trillion or 17% of GDP. The U.S. trade surplus in professional services grew to $30 billion on total exports of $90 billion. From the U.S. International Trade Commission.

http://www.bea.gov/newsreleases/international/intinv/2009/pdf/intinv08.pdf

Reports that the net international investment position of the U.S. at the end of 2008 was negative $3.4 trillion as the value of foreign investments in the U.S. continued to exceed the value of U.S. investments abroad. Also examines the reasons behind this situation and looks at the investment highlights of 2008. From the Bureau of Economic Analysis.

http://www.usip.org/files/resources/1_0.pdf

Argues that the upsurge of Somali piracy has dire implications for political stability and economic development in Somalia and threatens global trade. Offers practical strategies to mitigate the rising costs of Somali piracy and strengthen chance for lasting peace. From the United States Institute of Peace.

http://www.ers.usda.gov/Publications/EIB52/EIB52.pdf

U.S. food imports from China tripled in value between 2001 and 2008, but concerns have been raised by weak Chinese enforcement of food safety standards, heavy use of agricultural chemicals, and widespread environmental pollution. Also covers refusals of food imports from China and efforts to improve Chinese food safety. From the Economic Research Service.

http://www.state.gov/p/eap/rls/reports/2009/125605.htm

Latest issue of an annual document which tries to promote foreign direct investment in Japan, the U.S. and globally and to oppose investment protectionism. From the State Department.