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 […]
By 2019, the U.K. Modern Slavery Act, introduced in 2015, had begun to show more visible signs of traction across industries, particularly in the retail and manufacturing sectors. According to Home Office data released that year, there was a marked 30% increase in modern slavery statements filed by companies—an indication that businesses were not only […]
For all the advances in global logistics and data analytics, supply chain transparency remains a surprisingly elusive goal. Even the most sophisticated firms, in sectors like electronics, pharmaceuticals, or automotive, frequently struggle to see beyond their first or second-tier suppliers. The consequences are now well understood: sudden shortages, cascading disruptions, and, at times, reputational damage […]
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 International Trade Council is closely monitoring the progress in US-China trade negotiations, as the two countries have reportedly agreed to roll back tariffs as part of any new trade deal. The potential agreement is seen as a significant step towards resolving the ongoing trade dispute that has disrupted the global economy. Though the deal […]
The International Trade Council acknowledges the concerns of the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) regarding the negative impact of tariffs on the industry. Rick Helfenbein, CEO of the AAFA, has urged for the immediate removal of tariffs that were imposed on $112 billion of Chinese goods, such as shoes and clothing, in September. […]
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 […]
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 […]
Urbanization is rarely a neat, linear process. Cities swell in fits and starts, often outpacing the plans drawn up by planners or the hopes of policymakers. For those seeking to understand not just how much cities are growing, but what that growth actually looks like on the ground, ISIC 4120—covering the construction of residential and […]
The International Trade Council announces that Guernsey and Jersey will have access to World Trade Organization (WTO) rules on trade once the UK leaves the EU. UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has notified the WTO of the extension of its formal territory to cover the Channel Islands. The extension will grant island businesses access […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
The International Trade Council is pleased to announce that the United States and Japan, the world’s first and third largest economies, have reached an initial trade agreement that will lower or eliminate tariffs on certain products traded between the two nations. The deal will benefit agricultural goods and digital products, with duties on some […]
In mid-2019, industry associations representing the electronics and automotive sectors released a comprehensive toolkit designed to help companies comply with the European Union’s Conflict Minerals Regulation (2017). Aligned with the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals, the toolkit offered practical templates, checklists, and open data resources to facilitate conflict minerals reporting. […]