Canadian International Trade Minister Van Loan gave an update on the status of Canada-European Union talks on a comprehensive economic and trade agreement, noting that a third round of talks began in Ottawa on April 19. A fourth negotiating round will take place in Brussels in July 2010. The deal is expected to deliver a $12-billion annual boost to the Canadian economy. (Release dated 04/30/10, available at http://www.international.gc.ca/media_commerce/comm/news-communiques/2010/147.aspx?lang=eng)

On April 28, 2010, China said it will levy anti-subsidy duties of up to 31.4 percent on some US chicken products that it says have received US government subsidies.This is the first time that China has imposed duties on imports of agricultural goods on the grounds of alleged subsidies. (MOFCOM, dated 04/30/10, available at http://english.mofcom.gov.cn/aarticle/counselorsreport/westernasiaandafricareport/201004/20100406892473.html)

The Canadian Border Services Agency has updated its Memorandum D19-11-1 listing Canada's economic sanctions for (1) regulations implementing a United Nations Resolution on Eritrea and (2) new CBSA internal contacts for export/regulation inquiries. (Dated 04/30/10, available at http://www.cbsa.gc.ca/publications/dm-md/d19/d19-11-1-eng.html)

The Canadian International Trade Tribunal will hold a public hearing on June 2, 2010 to consider whether certain flat panel TV stands are properly classified under 9403.20.00 as other metal furniture, as determined by CBSA, or under 8529.90.90 as other parts suitable for use solely or principally with the apparatus of headings 85.25 to 85.28, as claimed by Sanus Systems. (Notice No. HA-2010-003 available at http://canadagazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p1/2010/2010-05-01/html/commis-eng.html#f105)

The Chinese Ministry of Commerce has released regulations concerning foreign investment in China's central region. The region - which includes the provinces of Shanxi, Anhui, Jiangxi, Henan, Hubei and Hunan - should attract high-end green industry, as well as give priority to manufacturing while eyeing investment in agriculture, processing industries, trade, finance, education, culture, tourism and leasing. (Xinhuanet.com release, dated 04/30/10, available at (http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/china/2010-04/30/c_13272953.htm)

An official with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations stated that the ASEAN-China free trade agreement that was realized on January 1, 2010 will bear fruit, noting that ASEAN-China trade reached over 192 billion U.S. dollars last year, and is growing at an annual rate between 24 percent to 30 percent. (Mofcom release, dated 04/29/10, available at http://english.mofcom.gov.cn/aarticle/bilateralexchanges/201004/20100406891959.html)

The Canada Gazette reports that 17 substances are being added to the Domestic Substances List, which consists of chemicals and polymers that are (a) manufactured in or imported into Canada by any person in a quantity of not less than 100 kg in any one calendar year; or (b) in Canadian commerce or used for commercial manufacturing purposes in Canada. A correction to one name on this list is also being made. (Notice, posted 04/28/10, available at http://canadagazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p2/2010/2010-04-28/html/sor-dors82-eng.html)

A European Commission proposal to authorize the use of "meat glue" enzyme bovine/porcine thrombin, which can be used to stick scraps of meat together, was opposed by Environment, Public Health and Food Safety Committee Members of European Parliament on April 27, 2010. Parliament as a whole is due to vote on its use by the end of May. (Press release, dated 04/27/10, available at http://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/expert/infopress_page/067-73517-116-04-18-911-20100426IPR73477-26-04-2010-2010-false/default_en.htm)

The European Commission has tabled a strategy for encouraging the development and use of clean and energy efficient vehicles. Among other things, the EC will continue its legislative program on vehicle emission reduction; support research and innovation in green technologies; and propose guidelines for demand-side incentives. (Press release, dated 04/28/10, available at http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/10/473&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en)

Taiwan-based Kuomintang honorary chairman Lien Chan said on April 28, 2010, that the Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA) between China and Taiwan would greatly benefit the island. The ECFA , which aims to normalize mainland-Taiwan economic ties and bring the two economies closer, could be signed by the end of June. (MOFCOM article available at http://english.mofcom.gov.cn/aarticle/newsrelease/commonnews/201004/20100406889551.html)