Industrial Biotechnology: Development and Adoption by the U.S. Chemical and Biofuel Industries

Riepilogo

Following receipt on November 2, 2006, of a request from the Committee on Finance of the U.S. Senate (Committee) under section 332(g) of the Tariff Act of 1930 (19 U.S.C. 1332(g)), the U.S. International Trade Commission (Commission) instituted investigation No. 332-481, Industrial Biotechnology: Development and Adoption by the U.S. Chemical and Biofuel Industries. Background: As requested by the Committee, the Commission will institute an investigation under section 332(g) with respect to the competitive conditions affecting certain industries that are developing and adopting new biotechnology processes and products. The Commission will transmit its report to the Committee by July 2, 2008. As requested by the Committee, the Commission's report will focus-- to the extent practicable--on firms in the U.S. chemical industry that are developing bio-based products (e.g., fibers and plastics) and renewable chemical platforms, as well as U.S. producers of liquid biofuels. The Commission will-- 1. Describe and compare government policies in the United States and key competitor countries throughout the world relating to the development of products by these industries; 2. Analyze the extent