According to U.S. tobacco growers, a bill which recently passed Canada's House of Commons and is currently before the Canadian Senate, would have the effect of banning all imports and sales in Canada of U.S.-grown burley tobacco and cigarettes. The bill, C-32, would amend Canada's Tobacco Act with new controls on, among other things, little cigars, additives, and advertising, but is written so broadly as to apply to all cigarettes containing flavoring agents normally used with burley tobacco to lessen harshness, according to industry representatives. Virginia Farm Bureau release available at http://www.vafb.com/news/2009/june/061809_3.htm. Draft of Canadian Bill C-32 available at http://www2.parl.gc.ca/Sites/LOP/LEGISINFO/index.asp?Language=E&Chamber=N&StartList=A&EndList=Z&Session=22&Type=0&Scope=I&query=5835&List=toc-1
The Office of Textiles and Apparel reports that a revised version of the Chinese textile care labeling code using symbols became effective on March 1, 2009. The revisions bring China's standard into alignment with the international care label standard ISO 3758. (Notice, dated 06/17/09, available at http://web.ita.doc.gov/otexa/hotiss.nsf/7bfa72c94f543da685256e5b00498a4d/442effa40e66e049852575d8004b80f2?OpenDocument)
Beginning June 22, 2009, importers of FSIS-exempt food products that contain small amounts (less than 2%) of meat or poultry which comes from an animal disease country1 will not be granted a new (or renewed) APHIS import permit unless FSIS makes a determination that the meat or poultry ingredient is from an approved source2.
On June 17, 2009, Brazil, Russia, India and China met to discuss reforms to discuss trade, the global financial system and weigh the possibility of creating a new reserve currency. (Notice, dated 06/12/09, available at http://www.counciloftheamericas.org/article.php?id=1708)
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service sent its list of approved applicants for the Lacey Act Automated Line Release/Border Release Advance Screening and Selectivity (BRASS) pilot program1 to U.S. Customs and Border Protection on June 10, 2009.
The Federal Maritime Commission has announced that it filed in the U.S. District Court in Washington D.C. a motion requesting the court to withdraw the its challenge of FMC Agreement No. 201170, the Los Angeles/Long Beach Port Infrastructure and Environmental Programs Cooperative Working Agreement. (News release, dated 06/16/09, available at http://www.fmc.gov/speeches/newsrelease.asp?SPEECH_ID=281)
In response to a question about the Buy American policy posed at a press conference in Canada, Secretary of State Clinton stated that the Buy American provision is not being enforced in any way that is inconsistent with U.S. international trade obligations. She acknowledged the concerns that there may be elements of the international trade obligations or absences of agreements that should be looked at so that the U.S. can promote more procurement and other kinds of trade interactions and assured Canadian officials that the U.S. will take a very close look at that. (Press briefing, dated 06/13/09, available at http://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/2009a/06/124717.htm.)
The U.S.-China Business Council has posted a press release noting that despite the global economic downturn, 85% of congressional districts increased their exports to China in 2008. The council also posted a mapthat shows U.S. exports to China by state and district (must scroll down). (Press Release, dated 06/11/09, available at http://www.uschina.org/public/documents/2009/06/congressional-district-exports.html)
China's General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine has issued a notice announcing an annual supervision examination on designated accreditation bodies, labs and factory inspectors, as well as spot tests on CCC licensed products which include toys, household appliances, information technical products, motorcycles, lighting, latex products, coffers against theft and plant protection machineries. (Notice, dated 06/11/09, available at http://english.aqsiq.gov.cn/NewsRelease/NewsUpdates/200906/t20090611_118033.htm)
The Office of Textiles and Apparel reports that effective June 1, 2009, China's Value Added Tax (VAT) export rebate (duty drawback rate) for most footwear, headgear, and travel goods increased two percentage points to 15 percent. Certain polymers, silk products, cotton waste, and umbrella goods are also affected by China's most recent decree. (Notice, dated 06/09/09, available at http://web.ita.doc.gov/otexa/hotiss.nsf/7bfa72c94f543da685256e5b00498a4d/68f0c4d32b725d10852575d0004841c8?OpenDocument)