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Commerce at a Glance: January 15, 2021

U.S. Department of Commerce sent this bulletin at 01/15/2021 12:00 PM EST

The Latest News

Commerce Department Issues Interim Rule to Secure the ICTS Supply Chain

Pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13873, “Securing the Information and Communications Technology and Services (ICTS) Supply Chain,” today U.S. Department of Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross issued an interim final rule to address the national security, economic security, and public health and safety concerns related to ICTS Transactions. The rule will ensure the resilience of, and trust in, our Nation’s ICTS supply chain, and, for the purposes of this rule, identifies six foreign governments or foreign non-government persons as foreign adversaries...

Commerce Adds China National Offshore Oil Corporation to the Entity List and Skyrizon to the Military End-User List

The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) in the Department of Commerce (Commerce) added Chinese National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) to the Entity List and Chinese company Skyrizon to the Military End-User (MEU) List. Both companies threaten U.S. national security, CNOOC by helping China intimidate neighbors in the South China Sea and Skyrizon for its capability to develop, produce, or maintain military items, such as military aircraft engines.

Commerce Tightens Controls to Prevent Support of Foreign Military-Intelligence and WMD Activities

The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) in the Department of Commerce (Commerce) imposed new controls on any U.S. technologies and specific activities of U.S. persons who may be supporting foreign military-intelligence end uses and end users in China, Cuba, Russia, and Venezuela, as well as in terrorist-supporting countries. BIS is also enhancing controls to prevent U.S. persons from supporting unauthorized weapons of mass destruction (WMD) programs, including weapons delivery systems and production facilities.

Commerce Secretary Signs MOU Establishing U.S. Trade Zone in Kingdom of Bahrain

The U.S. Department of Commerce and the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism of the Kingdom of Bahrain signed of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to Enhance U.S.-Bahrain Trade through the Establishment of a U.S. Trade Zone (USTZ) in the Kingdom of Bahrain. The MoU was signed by U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross and the Minister of Industry, Commerce, and Tourism in the in the Kingdom of Bahrain H.E. Zayed R. Alzayani.

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Around Commerce

Journeys of innovation: Mail that Makes Memories

Born from a desire to give people moments to make memories, Punkpost is a fresh take on the time-honored art of greeting cards. It was created by Lex Monson and her husband, Santiago Prieto, who rely on their strong partnership through the exciting but challenging journey of entrepreneurship.

The Challenge of Mapping Disaster Areas During a National Emergency

For the first time in history, all 50 states were declared federal disaster areas due to COVID-19. At the same time, hurricanes, floods, wildfires and winter storms continued to hit communities already dealing with the pandemic.

Recovering from Harvey: EDA Leads Coordination of Federal Resources

EDA’s ability to coordinate and deliver resources to disaster-impacted communities is illustrated by its quick and effective approach to economic recovery after Hurricane Harvey.

Eating U.S. seafood is good for your health, our economy, and working waterfront communities.

5 Ways to Add More Seafood to Your Family’s Diet

Fish and shellfish are a great source of lean protein. They’re also rich in nutrients and omega-3 fatty acids that play a key role in heart, immune system, and brain health.

Commerce Data & Reports

November 2020 Trade Gap is $68.1 Billion

The U.S. monthly international trade deficit increased in November 2020 according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis and the U.S. Census Bureau.

Census Bureau’s Annual Business Survey Includes Data on Digital Technology for the First Time

You have probably received unsolicited emails, texts and telephone calls. Ever wonder how you ended up on these lists? The answer is simple: Everything you touch can turn into data that help businesses and individuals increase their reach to consumers.

NIST Publishes a Beginner’s Guide to DNA Origami

In a technique known as DNA origami, researchers fold long strands of DNA over and over again to construct a variety of tiny 3D structures, including miniature biosensors and drug-delivery containers. Pioneered at the California Institute of Technology in 2006, DNA origami has attracted hundreds of new researchers over the past decade, eager to build receptacles and sensors that could detect and treat disease in the human body, assess the environmental impact of pollutants, and assist in a host of other biological applications.

USPTO Report Examines the Impact of Chinese Government Subsidies and Other Non-Market Factors on the Recent Rise in Patent and Trademark Filings in China

A new report published by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), “Trademarks and Patents in China: The Impact of Non-Market Factors on Filing Trends and IP Systems,” discusses how the high rate of Chinese patent and trademark filings may be influenced by government subsidies and other non-market factors.