In a strategic move aimed at supporting U.S.-based medical mask and glove manufacturers, President Joe Biden recently announced a decision to increase tariffs on Chinese goods. This decision comes as a lifeline for the industry, which saw a surge in demand during the COVID-19 pandemic but struggled to compete with cheaper imports from China. The…
To combat forced labor in global supply chains, the U.S. has taken action to block imports from 26 Chinese cotton traders and warehouse facilities. This action is part of ongoing efforts to eliminate goods made with the forced labor of Uyghur minorities from the U.S. supply chain. The decision reflects the growing concerns over the…
Representatives from the US and China met in Geneva on May 18 to hold bilateral talks on the risks and opportunities associated with artificial intelligence (AI). The meeting, which marked the first formal dialogue between the two nations on AI matters, aimed to increase communication and cooperation between the world’s leading AI powers. The US…
Navigating Changes in De Minimis Imports to the US Online merchants and customs brokers selling to US consumers have been granted a temporary reprieve by the US Customs & Border Protection (CBP) regarding the advance submission of shipment data. However, looming legislative measures are set to impact de minimis imports, particularly for Chinese sellers. Proposed…
In a significant development, President Biden recently signed a national security package (H.R. 815) into law, incorporating various provisions that have far-reaching implications for multinational companies and international affairs. This blog post aims to summarize the key highlights of the legislation, including measures such as doubling the statute of limitations for US sanctions violations, authorizing…
In a recent development, Flexport, a prominent freight forwarder, is facing criticism from Peloton, the fitness equipment manufacturer. Peloton alleges that it has incurred substantial financial losses due to unfair demurrage and detention (D&D) fees imposed by Flexport. This accusation has sparked a debate within the import-export industry, shedding light on the potential impact of…
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned that the growing divide between the United States and China and their respective trade blocs could lead to a “reversal” for the global economy. According to IMF Deputy Managing Director Gita Gopinath, events such as the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine have upended global trade relations…
U.S. Lawmaker Conducts Probe into FTC Collaboration with EU Regarding Amazon-iRobot Merger The article discusses a U.S. lawmaker’s investigation into the Federal Trade Commission’s collaboration with the European Union to block a potential merger between Amazon and iRobot. The lawmaker is concerned that such collaboration would harm American companies and competition. The investigation aims to…
The upcoming arrival of a Chinese-manufactured electric vehicle (EV) from Volvo Cars is creating waves in the U.S. auto market. The Geely-owned Swedish luxury brand is set to introduce the EX30, a made-in-China EV, into the U.S. market this summer. Priced at $35,000, the EX30 is positioned to directly compete with popular models such as…
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has resumed enhanced truck safety inspections at the Bridge of the Americas and the Ysleta-Zaragoza International Bridge Ports of Entry in El Paso. This move is part of the state’s efforts to bolster safety measures and crack down on criminal activities at the border. According to DPS spokeswoman…
Efforts to Reform WTO Dispute Settlement System Gain Momentum Countries within the World Trade Organization (WTO) are preparing to restart discussions aimed at addressing the challenges in the dispute settlement system. This initiative, set to be concluded by the end of the year, is an attempt to reform and replace the WTO’s appeals bench, which…
On April 30, the second phase of Britain’s new post-Brexit border controls for food imports from the European Union is set to commence, marking a significant milestone in the evolving trade landscape between the UK and the EU. This latest development, part of the Border Target Operating Model (BTOM), introduces physical checks for “medium risk”…
