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October 18, 2019

Daisy

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 […]

October 15, 2019

Kristan

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 […]

October 1, 2019

Daisy

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 […]

October 1, 2019

Daisy

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 […]

October 1, 2019

Kristan

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 […]

September 27, 2019

Daisy

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 […]

September 15, 2019

Kristan

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. […]

September 1, 2019

Kristan

In the wake of OFWAT’s 2018 water resilience rules, utilities across the United Kingdom faced mounting pressure to strengthen supply chain visibility and ensure uninterrupted water services during drought conditions. The regulatory framework, designed to protect consumers and safeguard natural resources, required water companies to demonstrate that their operations and supply chains could withstand prolonged […]

August 15, 2019

Kristan

In June 2019, the United States government implemented adjustments to anti-dumping tariff rate quotas (TRQs) that notably affected the importation of solar cells and steel products. These adjustments introduced stricter requirements for importers to report upstream supply sources as part of enhanced trade compliance measures. The changes aimed to tighten controls on imports linked to […]

August 2, 2019

Daisy

The International Trade Council has noted the UK government’s plans to establish up to 10 free ports across the country following Brexit. Free ports allow firms to import goods and re-export them outside standard tax and customs regulations, fostering trade and economic growth. The last UK free ports were in operation in 2012, and Prime […]

August 1, 2019

Kristan

The coming into force of Canada’s Bill C-69 in August 2019 marked, as many would cautiously agree, a significant turning point in how mining projects must approach environmental assessments and related supply chain transparency. It’s not merely about satisfying regulatory requirements on paper; there is now, arguably, a heightened expectation for firms to demonstrate how […]

July 1, 2019

Kristan

The passage of the Trying to Combat Illegal Fishing Act (TIFFA) in December 2018 marked a significant shift in U.S. policy toward tightening seafood supply chain controls. By mid-2019, seafood importers and processors found themselves grappling with a new and demanding compliance landscape. The Act’s core requirement—that all seafood imports be traceable to the port […]

June 28, 2019

Daisy

The International Trade Council is thrilled to announce that the European Union (EU) and the South American economic bloc Mercosur have reached a monumental trade agreement after 20 years of negotiations. The deal represents the EU’s largest to date and demonstrates a commitment to rules-based trade amid ongoing trade tensions between the US and China. […]

June 15, 2019

Daisy

The International Trade Council acknowledges India’s decision to impose tariffs on 28 US products, including almonds and apples, effective from Sunday. These new duties, with some reaching as high as 70%, are a response to Washington’s refusal to exempt Delhi from higher taxes on steel and aluminum imports. Earlier this month, US President Trump announced […]