Textile industry representatives questioned the logic of the Section 301 investigation on Nicaragua's human rights and labor rights violations, arguing that while they deplore the despotism of Nicaragua's leaders, none of the actions burden or restrict U.S. commerce. Rather, if the government were to decide that Nicaragua's violations merited the withdrawal of tariff benefits for its apparel exports, that action is what would burden U.S. commerce.
Mara Lee
Mara Lee, Senior Editor, is a reporter for International Trade Today and its sister publications Export Compliance Daily and Trade Law Daily. She joined the Warren Communications News staff in early 2018, after covering health policy, Midwestern Congressional delegations, and the Connecticut economy, insurance and manufacturing sectors for the Hartford Courant, the nation’s oldest continuously published newspaper (established 1674). Before arriving in Washington D.C. to cover Congress in 2005, she worked in Ohio, where she witnessed fervent presidential campaigning every four years.
Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, said his trade priorities for the next two years are supporting the negotiation of comprehensive free trade deals that expand market access for American producers, supporting the negotiation of digital trade rules and intellectual property protections, and reauthorizing key trade programs.
Rep. Morgan Griffith, R-Va., introduced House Resolution 2 this week, to create a Joint Ad Hoc Committee to design a plan where the functions and responsibilities of the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative would be moved to the legislative branch, since the Constitution gives the power to regulate trade to Congress.
President-elect Donald Trump, at a news conference in Mar-a-Lago Jan. 7, threatened substantial tariffs on Mexico and Canada over migration and drug smuggling issues, and had a lengthy list of complaints in particular about Canada.
The incoming administration is thinking about applying tariffs on strategic goods from all countries, rather than a 10% or 20% global tariff, The Washington Post reported, citing three anonymous sources.
CBP suspended multiple customs brokers from participating in the Entry Type 86 pilot in May, and officials who participated in a background interview recently with International Trade Today said some of those firms haven't been reinstated.
While it's still CBP's goal in the next 16 days to release a notice of proposed rulemaking on requirements for data submissions and on restrictions for goods eligible for de minimis, agency officials acknowledged that one or both might not be ready in time.
The Bureau of Industry and Security is asking for public comments about how BIS regulations on Chinese-made drones, or Chinese components in drones made elsewhere, should be focused, to mitigate the risk of Chinese sabotage or espionage.
CBP officials said that just because ACE isn't able to flag when a purchaser is receiving packages from different exporters that add up to more than $800 in one day doesn't mean the $800 limit is an honor system.
The Border Trade Alliance released a Dec. 30 letter it sent to the Mexican Embassy asking that nation to pause its regulatory changes that end tariff-free treatment of apparel and textile home goods that are imported into Mexico but destined for U.S. consumers. The same change also increased the tariffs on 121 apparel goods from China to 35% (see 2412240009).