STRENGTHENING GLOBAL TRADE The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) Supply Chain Agreement, recently introduced by the U.S. Department of Commerce, is an important development in the world of global trade. This agreement emphasizes countries working together to make supply chains stronger and more resilient, while helping to boost economies. [...]
CERTAIN SECTION 301 EXCLUSIONS EXTENDED The U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) is continuing the ongoing Section 301 investigation into China's technology practices. This investigation, which has been in progress for several years, centers on concerns related to technology transfer, intellectual property, and innovation. Several commodities including medical products, terry bathrobes, [...]
The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) is proposing a series of modifications to overhaul the exclusion procedure for Section 232 steel and aluminum tariffs. These proposed adjustments are intended to enhance the precision of exclusion requests, simplify the objections process, and elevate the overall efficiency of the system. The [...]
GOLDEN WEEK IN CHINA As China's Golden Week holiday approaches, scheduled from October 1 to October 7, 2023, it is important for shippers and businesses to prepare for its impact on the global supply chain. Early planning and close communication with a trusted freight forwarder and suppliers will help [...]
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency implements U.S. government initiatives aimed at eliminating goods linked to forced labor and in violation of intellectual property rights. In July, the agency identified $272 million worth of shipments held for further investigation due to suspicions these were either counterfeit products or [...]
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a draft guidance for the cosmetics industry outlining the new upcoming process that will require cosmetic product facilities and products to be registered with the agency by December 29, 2023. BACKGROUND INFORMATION On December 29, 2022, the President signed the Consolidated Appropriations Act, [...]
INAUGURAL UYGHUR FORCED LABOR PREVENTION ACT STRATEGY REPORT The Forced Labor Enforcement Task Force (FLETF) issued its initial update on the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) strategy, emphasizing the need for increased funding and resources for effective enforcement. The update, released on August 1 and mandated annually, highlights [...]
FOSTERING TRANSPARENCY & GROWTH The United States-Taiwan Initiative on 21st-Century Trade First Agreement Implementation Act (H.R. 4004) is a bipartisan bill that formally validates Congressional endorsement of the trade agreement negotiated between the Biden Administration and Taiwan. Making its way to President Biden for approval, this legislation outlines stipulations for [...]
COMPREHENSIVE COMPLIANCE DISLOSURES The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is urging China-based companies to provide more comprehensive disclosures regarding their compliance with the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) and reporting on the Chinese government’s involvement in their operations. Recently, a sample letter was shared on the SEC's official website, [...]
USMCA AUTOMOTIVE RULES OF ORIGIN The International Trade Commission (ITC) recently released its first USMCA Automotive Rules of Origin: Economic Impact and Operation report. The report is mandated by section 202A(g)(2) of the USMCA Implementation Act. This Act requires the USITC, an impartial federal agency responsible for factual investigations, to [...]
