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Archive for the ‘News’ Category

China’s Economic Growth Hits 30-Year Low

China, News, Trade Agreements

January 7, 2020

The International Trade Council announces that the United States and China have signed an agreement to ease the trade war that has impacted global markets and the world economy. US President Donald Trump called the pact “transformative” for the US economy, while Chinese leaders described it as a “win-win” deal that would foster better relations […]

U.S. FAIR Shipping Act (2019) – Pilot Programs on Freight Visibility (2020)

Supply Chain

January 1, 2020

U.S. FAIR Shipping Act (2019) – Pilot Programs on Freight Visibility (2020)

The passage of the U.S. FAIR Shipping Act in December 2019 marked an important, if somewhat underappreciated, development in the long-standing effort to introduce greater transparency into maritime freight operations. While the legislation attracted less public attention than some other trade measures of the year, those involved in shipping, port management, and logistics understood its […]

EU Pesticide Regulation (1107/2009) Update (2019) – Supply Chain Impacts on Crop Exports

Supply Chain

December 15, 2019

EU Pesticide Regulation (1107/2009) Update (2019) – Supply Chain Impacts on Crop Exports

When the European Union revised Regulation 1107/2009 on the approval of pesticides in 2019, exporters of agricultural products to the EU found themselves facing a quietly disruptive shift. The core of the amendment centered around stricter enforcement on maximum residue limits (MRLs), particularly for cereals, fruits, and other high-volume imports where prior tolerances had been […]

U.S. Farm Bill (2018) – Supply Chain Transparency for Hemp (2019)

Supply Chain

December 1, 2019

U.S. Farm Bill (2018) – Supply Chain Transparency for Hemp (2019)

The passage of the 2018 U.S. Farm Bill marked a significant turning point for the agricultural sector, particularly in relation to hemp. With hemp officially removed from the list of Schedule I controlled substances, the plant and its derivatives—whether destined for CBD extraction or industrial fiber—entered a regulatory limelight few could have anticipated a decade […]

USMCA: Agreement Reached on NAFTA Trade Deal Replacement

News, Trade Agreements

November 10, 2019

The International Trade Council is pleased to announce that the US, Mexico, and Canada have finalized a trade deal to replace the 25-year-old North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Representatives from the three countries signed the pact in Mexico, marking a significant milestone in the renegotiation process. The agreement was reached after Democrats in the […]

The EU-Japan Trade Deal: Unveiling New Horizons for Small Businesses

Europe, Japan, News, Trade Agreements

November 4, 2019

The International Trade Council commends the remarkable progress that has been achieved through the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), often referred to as the ‘cars-for-cheese’ deal, and spotlights the significant opportunities it opens up for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).   The EPA, which came into effect earlier this year, represents nearly 30% of global […]

EU Regulation on Cosmetics Products (1223/2009) – Animal Testing Supply Chain Disclosures (2019)

Supply Chain

November 1, 2019

EU Regulation on Cosmetics Products (1223/2009) – Animal Testing Supply Chain Disclosures (2019)

The European Commission’s 2019 update to Regulation 1223/2009 served as a critical reminder to cosmetics manufacturers and importers that the EU’s animal testing ban is not just symbolic—it’s enforceable and expanding in scope. This clarification addressed lingering ambiguities about imported ingredients and components tested on animals outside the EU, making it clear that any product […]

U.S. Federal Seed Act Amendments (2018) – GMO Traceability in Agricultural Supply Chains (2019)

Supply Chain

October 15, 2019

U.S. Federal Seed Act Amendments (2018) – GMO Traceability in Agricultural Supply Chains (2019)

When the Federal Seed Act was amended in December 2018, it quietly marked a significant turning point in the traceability expectations for genetically modified organisms (GMOs) within U.S. agricultural supply chains. Although the Seed Act has long served as a foundation for labeling and purity standards, the latest amendments introduced explicit disclosure requirements related to […]

WTO Warns Trade Wars Threaten Living Standards and Jobs

News, Trade Policy

October 1, 2019

The World Trade Organization (WTO) has significantly reduced its trade growth forecast for 2019, warning that ongoing trade wars and slower growth in major economies could negatively impact living standards and employment. The organization now predicts a 1.2% growth in trade volumes this year, a considerable drop from its earlier 2.6% projection. The WTO has […]

UK Signs Economic Partnership Agreement with Six African Nations Ensuring Trade Continuity Post-Brexit

Africa, News, Trade Agreements, United Kingdom

October 1, 2019

The International Trade Council is pleased to announce that the UK has signed an economic partnership agreement with the Southern African Customs Union and Mozambique (SACU+M). The agreement ensures continued free trade between the UK and South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, Eswatini, and Mozambique after Brexit.     Businesses in both regions will benefit from […]

Canada’s Modern Slavery Act Consultation (2019) – Initial Policy Framework (2019)

Supply Chain

October 1, 2019

Canada’s Modern Slavery Act Consultation (2019) – Initial Policy Framework (2019)

In May 2019, Canada took a decisive step toward addressing forced labor and human trafficking risks in supply chains with the launch of a public consultation on a proposed Modern Slavery Act. The consultation process, led by Global Affairs Canada, invited feedback from a broad cross-section of society—including businesses, civil society organizations, and concerned individuals—on […]

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