New European Trade Measure Not Caused by Protectionism
The New York Times reports that European exporters has been confronted with more than 223 new and restrictive trade measures since the beginning of the trade crisis last year, but has avoided protectionism. A new report out last Friday introduces the new trade measures issues by EU Commission and its trading partners.
“Proliferation of the kind of beggar-thy-neighbor protectionist policies of the 1930s has been prevented,” adds the document, which was reviewed by the International Herald Tribune. “The current multilaterally based world trade system seems to have passed one of the most serious stress tests in its entire history.”
The report concludes that the 18 percent decrease in trade since 2008 is due to financial crisis rather than protectionism.
Wanna keep up-to-date with all the latest trade measures?
Then, register for a FREE Management Dynamics’ GTM Newsletter that summerizes global trade content on a weekly basis.
To register: http://www.managementdynamics.com/gtm/
To read the full article, click here.
![[Facebook]](http://www.globaltradesuccess.org/wp-content/plugins/bookmarkify/facebook.png)
![[Google]](http://www.globaltradesuccess.org/wp-content/plugins/bookmarkify/google.png)
![[LinkedIn]](http://www.globaltradesuccess.org/wp-content/plugins/bookmarkify/linkedin.png)
![[Twitter]](http://www.globaltradesuccess.org/wp-content/plugins/bookmarkify/twitter.png)
![[Email]](http://www.globaltradesuccess.org/wp-content/plugins/bookmarkify/email.png)
Chinese-Made Products to Be Made Safe
According to Industry Week, China and the United States are serious about combining efforts to reduce the number of issues with the safety of Chinese-made toys, drywall and other consumer goods that have made a number of people sick or injured.
China’s reputation of corruption in the manufacturing industry in recent years has pushed the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ) in China and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to work together to solve the problem.
“A systematic improvement of practices in the supply and distribution chain will be the most effective means of enhancing product safety,” the agencies said in a joint statement. The watchdogs will focus on improving the safety of toys, all-terrain vehicles, electrical products, lighters and fireworks, the statement said.
President Obama will have his first visit to China since taking office in three weeks. Issues on various trade issues will be discussed.
To view the whole article, click here.
U.S Officials Meet In China to Talk Trade
Today, top trade officials from the United States and China will meet in Hangzhou to discuss trade relations between the two countries, according to Business Week. Recent tension has added some much needed topics to the table to discuss, particularly protectionism.
Beginning in September, President Obama added 35% duties on China-produced tires. And earlier this month, the U.S. Government launch an investigation into whether to raise tariffs on Chinese-made steel pipes. The Chinese Government quickly responded by launching its own investigation into possible anti-dumping of chicken and auto parts by U.S.
Other topics the U.S trade representatives want to discuss are:
- undervalued Chinese currency
-and, China’s poor record of protecting intellectual property rights, such as software, movies and music
Check back for changes that come from today’s meeting.
To continue reading, click here.
Webinar: Key Strategies for Establishing an Export Management System
This webinar will demonstrate how to improve your export management program and automate many aspects of compliance including maintaining reference data, screening trade parties, producing documentation and maintaining audit trails – all without having to hire additional staff.
The presenters will address key findings from an industry survey on how companies manage export compliance and highlight a number of best practices for your company to consider when implementing an export management system.
To view: http://www.managementdynamics.com/html/rl_wc_wtm-ec.html
Hosted by World Trade Magazine in partnership with Management Dynamics, Inc and Braumiller Schulz LLP
Prevent Illegal Transactions and Increase Cost Savings with Management Dynamics
Companies engaged in global trade face many challenges. They must manage a large amount of information to establish and remain compliant. The challenge is that global trade content is highly complex and ever-changing. Collecting, cleansing and publishing trade content for all of your trade needs is complicated by the number of countries, government agencies and differences in trade agreements.
How do you reduce the stress of managing trade content?
Management Dynamics offers the industry’s most complete trade content, tightly integrated within our suite of enterprise-level global trade software. Global Trade Content covers 122 countries or roughly 99 percent of world trade. The solution sources from over 300 resources in over 25 languages to transform this data into trade content with a network of over 120 trade professionals.
To find out more about Managment Dynamics’ Global Trade Content, click here.
“To Join or Not to Join,” That is the Question For Russia
Joining the World Trade Organization (WTO) is one of Russia’s top priority reports The Telegraph in the U.K.
There are two important reasons that Russia and the WTO members has it’s eye on joining: the global economic crisis, and the creation of a Customs Union involving Russia, Kazakhstan, and Belarus – who would all like to enter as world trade members simultaneously.
This year all speeches by Russian leaders at several international forums send a clear message to the economic world that Russia is ready to participate in creating a global governance system. This means that Russia has no choice but to join the WTO.
But, Russia needs to modernize its economy, a need that became apparent with the onset of the crisis. As oil and gas prices dropped, the top two exports in Russia, the need to diversify is even more clear.
If Russia stays out of the WTO, Russian producers and exporters will face increasing difficulties in international markets. WTO membership will provide an opportunity to enter new markets, offering the potential for significant increases in export revenues.
Time will tell if and when Russia will decide to finally enter the WTO as a member or if it will continue to live outside the trading box, so to say.
To read more, click here.
Protectionist or Pro-Free Trade?
Is President Obama a protectionist or pro-free trade? Both, according to a recent Los Angeles Times editorial. President Obama has been quoted as saying more jobs are created and costs are lowered in a free trade economy. But, the recent Stimulus plan angered many with the ‘Buy American’ clause attached to the plan.
Recent news about the large tariff placed on China for its tire imports, and refusing to allow Mexican truck drivers into the U.S. has also raised eyebrows to protectionism. But trade issues is not a new problem and not just in the United States.
Earlier this month, the WTO listed 91 potentially protectionist measures taken by G-20 members between the April summit in London and the end of August, and Global Trade Alert, a trade watchdog group affiliated with the World Bank, puts the number at 121 since November.
The position on protectionism or opening free trade even more will be answered in a matter of time. The G-20 summit began last week and will discuss these issues. President Obama will have the opportunity to make his stance on protectionism or pro-free trade more clear.
To read the full editorial, click here.
China and the U.S. Continue To Battle Out Its Trade Differences
The Wall Street Journal reports that China has appealed to the World Trade Organization (WTO) over its August ruling on entertainment imports, such as Hollywood dvd releases and downloadable music from Apple, Inc. Reports claim that their attempt reflects the recent trade tensions between the U.S. and China because of the increased tire tariffs and chicken import investigation.
China appeals to WTO on grounds of ‘public moral’ stating that it must protect its citizens from Westerized media.
“…China must now prove its trade restrictions are necessary to protect public morals,” says Brendan McGivern, a Geneva-based trade lawyer for White & Case LLP. “It will be a difficult argument to make.”
The WTO’s August ruling required Beijing must stop forcing U.S. artists and production companies to go through state-controlled distributors.
To read the full article, click here.
Revised Cuban Embargo Effects U.S. Exporters
New revisions to the Cuban Assets Control Regulations and the Export Control Regulations took effect September 3rd. These changes effect U.S. exporters.
Changes to the regulations include:
Telecommunications: OFAC new rule expands the range of commercial cellular phones and satellite communications . This rule contains a general license that authorizes travel to Cuba if it is related to the commercial export of telecommunication-related items.
Sales and Marketing Trip for Medical and Agricultual Products. OFAC amended regulations to allow travel of employees of producers or distributors of medical or agricultural products to engage in marketing, sales and accompany delivery or services . A general license is provided and issused by OFAC.
Donated Personal Communications Devices. The BIS rule creates a new license exception of Consumer Communications Devices that authorize exports and re-exports to Cuba of donated personal communication products, such as cellular phones and computers.
For more information: http://www.federalregister.gov/OFRUpload/OFRData/2009-21440_PI.pdf
Canada and Panama Sign Trade Agreement
A free trade agreement between Canada and Panama was signed last week. This agreement will eliminate tariffs of more than 90 percent on Canadian imports into Panama, and Panama will have 100 percent access to the Canadian market.
“The FTA builds an ample highway of exchange for portable products, for the goods we produce and the services we offer,” said President Martinelli at the signing of the deal.
And Prime Minister Harper added: “Signing a free trade agreement with a key hemispheric partner like Panama is the logical next step in our policy of pursuing deeper integration and closer cooperation throughout the Americas.”
The free trade agreement will begin January 2010.
For more information, click here.