Industry representatives serving on the Footwear, Leather, and Leather Products ISAC provide advice on trade policy matters. Recently, members of the Footwear, Leather, and Leather Products ISAC have provided advice on a range of issues that included: international negotiations related to the World Trade Organization (WTO); new trade relations with China, Eastern Europe, and Russia; trade and labor issues; and, environmental agreements. The Footwear, Leather, and Leather Products ISAC actively participated in the discussions surrounding the passage of China Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR), the writing of the Trade and Development Act of 2000 (the Africa Trade Bill), and the U.S. role in trade agreements compliance, particularly relating to disputes with the European Union, Argentina, and Australia, three issues very important to the footwear, leather, and leather products industries.

Industry representatives serving on the ISAC on Footwear, Leather, and Leather Products have a voice in U.S. trade policy formulation through the Industry Consultations Program (ICP), which emerged from the 1974 Trade Act, to ensure that trade negotiators were coordinating with the private sector during trade negotiations. Based on the program's success, the ICP was renewed and expanded by the Trade Agreements Act of 1979 and the Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988. The Department of Commerce, the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), and other agencies work side-by-side with business leaders who serve as advisors to the U.S. Government. The Department of Commerce and USTR have joint responsibility for operating the advisory committees of the ICP.

Eligibility for Membership on the Footwear, Leather, and Leather Products ISAC
Committee members are U.S. citizens representing U.S. manufacturing or service firms in the footwear, leather, and leather products industry, trade internationally, and have a special interest in and knowledge of international trade issues. Representatives of industry associations may also participate. Additional information can be found on the Industry Consultations Program's website at www.ita.doc.gov/icp or by contacting: