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Potential US-China Trade Deal Could Remove Tariffs

November 7, 2019

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 […]

Tariffs are Hurting the Industry, Says American Apparel Association

November 5, 2019

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

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)

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 […]

Channel Islands to Become Part of UK’s WTO Territory

October 18, 2019

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 […]

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

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

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

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)

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 […]

US and Japan Agree Initial Trade Deal Focusing on Agriculture

September 27, 2019

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 […]

EU Conflict Minerals Regulation (2017) – Industry Toolkit Release (2019)

September 15, 2019

EU Conflict Minerals Regulation (2017) – Industry Toolkit Release (2019)

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. […]

U.K. Water Services Regulation (2018) – Supply Chain Resilience in Drought Conditions (2019)

September 1, 2019

U.K. Water Services Regulation (2018) – Supply Chain Resilience in Drought Conditions (2019)

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 […]

U.S. Anti-Dumping Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ) Adjustments (2019) – Ambraw Importer Guidance

August 15, 2019

U.S. Anti-Dumping Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ) Adjustments (2019) – Ambraw Importer Guidance

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 […]

UK Government Announces Plans for 10 Free Ports Post-Brexit

August 2, 2019

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 […]

Canada’s Bill C-69 (2018) – Impact on Mining Project Supply Chain Permits (2019)

August 1, 2019

Canada’s Bill C-69 (2018) – Impact on Mining Project Supply Chain Permits (2019)

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 […]

EU Climate Law (June 2019) – Supply Chain GHG Reporting Obligations (2019)

July 15, 2019

EU Climate Law (June 2019) – Supply Chain GHG Reporting Obligations (2019)

The adoption of the EU Climate Law by the European Parliament in June 2019 signaled, in no uncertain terms, a new era of regulatory expectations for greenhouse gas reporting. For large manufacturing firms, the change was both anticipated and, to some extent, quietly dreaded. After all, while many companies had long acknowledged the importance of […]

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