§ 2413. Consultation upon initiation of investigation
(a)
In general
(1)
On the date on which an investigation is initiated under section
2412 of this title, the Trade Representative, on behalf of the United States, shall request consultations with the foreign country concerned regarding the issues involved in such investigation.
(2)
If the investigation initiated under section
2412 of this title involves a trade agreement and a mutually acceptable resolution is not reached before the earlier of—
the Trade Representative shall promptly request proceedings on the matter under the formal dispute settlement procedures provided under such agreement.
(3)
The Trade Representative shall seek information and advice from the petitioner (if any) and the appropriate committees established pursuant to section
2155 of this title in preparing United States presentations for consultations and dispute settlement proceedings.
(b)
Delay of request for consultations
(1)
Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (a) of this section—
(A)
the United States Trade Representative may, after consulting with the petitioner (if any), delay for up to 90 days any request for consultations under subsection (a) of this section for the purpose of verifying or improving the petition to ensure an adequate basis for consultation, and
(B)
if such consultations are delayed by reason of subparagraph (A), each time limitation under section
2414 of this title shall be extended for the period of such delay.