NEW BALANCE CLAIMS VICTORY AS FTC RETHINKS "MADE IN USA"

     The FTC announced yesterday they will "consider revising its
50-year old domestic content standard for defining productions as
"Made in the USA."  New Balance Athletic Shoe Inc. "claimed
victory" after the decision, as the two sides were set to go to
trial next week over the meaning of the term.  The trial will be
postponed for at least 30 days, and the FTC will conduct "a
comprehensive review of consumers' perceptions of 'Made in the
USA' advertising claims."  New Balance Chair Jim Davis:  "It
signals their understanding that the 100% domestic content
standard just isn't workable in today's global economy" (Chris
Reidy, BOSTON GLOBE, 7/12).