Today's Headlines | Friday, September 11, 2009
I.E.Canada
News
I.E.Canada
CATIE Awards and Nomination Process
TThe I.E.Canada CATIE Awards celebrate and recognize excellence in Canada’s
trade community. The following awards will be featured:
• Best Practices in Trade Processes Award – recognizing the implementation of a new process to improve trade processes, to create efficiencies and reduce costs.
• Trade Leadership Award – peer recognition of an individual who has demonstrated leadership and vision in the process of compliance and the culture of professionalism in trade.
• Greening of the Supply Chain Award – corporate award recognizing best practices in environmental trade sustainability.
• I.E.Canada Beth Travis Member of the Year – recognizing a member who has demonstrated a passion and commitment to the development of Canadian trade and to I.E. Canada’s mission to be the voice of trade.
Entry Process
Each entry must have:
• nomination form
• statement of no more than 600 words on why the nominee deserves to win
the award as set out in the award criteria
The awards have been organized by
I.E.Canada
National Head Office
160 Eglinton Avenue East, Suite 300
Toronto, Ontario M4P 3B5
Tel: (416) 595-5333
For further information on the Awards, please contact Jesse Arsenault, 416-595-5333
or jesse@iecanada.com.
Nomination package: http://www.iecanada.com/events/2009/CATIE_Awards/Nomination_Form.pdf
Windsor
Chapter Seminar, September 22, 9:00am – 5:00pm
At a time of economic uncertainty, developments in border policy and projects
could provide the edge your business needs. Register for I.E.Canada’s Windsor
Chapter Seminar on the Canada – U.S. Border today.
Hilton Hotel, Windsor, 277 Riverside Dr. West, Windsor, ON
Canada and the United States share the largest bilateral trading relationship
in the world, with each country the other’s most significant trading partner.
Statistics from the recently released Canadian Chamber of Commerce Shared Border
Report show that the two countries share approximately $1.6 billion in two-way
trade, and the borders see daily crossings by 300,000 travelers.
In a time of global economic upheaval, the relationship and continued development of trade between Canada and the U.S. is more important than ever. I.E.Canada’s Seminar will provide participants with practical information and updates on future developments at the border, the development of key transportation hubs along the border, practical advice on the “Buy America” legislation, and critical information on border safety and security programs. Participants will also hear first hand how U.S. supply chain security programs are affecting trade for one of the world’s leading auto manufacturers, General Motors Corporation.
I.E.Canada has created a panel of leaders in border policy and development to lead this seminar. Participants will leave with the knowledge needed to assess the costs and benefits of cross border trade, including ACI/eManifest, PIP/C-TPAT, developing transportation hubs and future border development.
Take this opportunity to
learn from experts on the latest programs, as well as a chance to network
with your
industry peers. Make sure your company has
the advantage of cutting edge information. Be sure to register for I.E.Canada’s
Windsor Chapter Seminar.
Organizational Benefits:
• An opportunity to hear the latest plans for future border management
• A great opportunity to network with people who develop and affect border
policy
• A comprehensive discussion of the competitive advantages of trade at
the border and analysis and interpretation of border legislation
•
Practical applications – examples of how changes in U.S. supply chain
security are affecting day-to-day trade operations.
For a full course brochure, see attached, or call Jesse Arsenault at 416-595-5333
ext. 37.
Annual
Conference Highlight – Statistics Canada Update: HS Import Codes,
Electronic Reporting, and New Database Available to Importers and Exporters
I.E.Canada’s 78th Annual Conference & Trade Show
Best Practices in Global Trade and Customs
October 19-21, 2009
Delta Meadowvale Conference Centre, 6750 Mississauga Road, Toronto (West)
On Wednesday October
21 there will be a session on the latest developments
at Statistics Canada and will cover the following:
•
Latest developments regarding Statistics Canada’s upcoming project to
reduce the number of HS import codes
• Electronic reporting for exporters
• New database to provide users with free access to HS 6-digit import and
export data
Craig Kuntz, Director, International Trade Division, Statistics Canada
Marc Pelchat, Applications Development, Statistics Canada
General Highlights of the Conference:
• 60 speakers from across North America representing government officials,
industry leaders and service providers
• 25 business sessions including keynotes, general plenary sessions, concurrent
sessions, panels, workshops and case studies
• Networking opportunities: Inaugural CATIE Awards (featuring the best
of the best in international trade and customs), trade show, keynote luncheons,
networking
breaks, and a Casino night
This three-day conference program is packed with timely and topical information
vital to Canada’s trade community. For program details, registration
options, sponsorship and trade show opportunities, please visit: http://www.iecanada.com/events/2009/78th_Annual_Conference/78th_Annual_Conference.html
Hotel/Accommodations – Discount rates are guaranteed to delegates at $165 single/double until September 28, 2009 at the Delta Meadowvale Resort & Conference Centre located at 6750 Mississauga Road by the Toronto Airport. After this date, room rates will be based on availability. Registrants are to call the hotel directly at 905-542-4003 or 1-800-422-8238 and book under I.E.Canada.
We look forward to seeing you on October 19, 2009.
November
24, Toronto – Customs Accounting Competency
Day 2 of the Customs Duty and International Trade Course will cover:
•
Classification
•
Value for Duty (focus on transaction value)
•
Origin (focus on NAFTA
•
Summary accounting and Recordkeeping
•
Adjustments, Corrections and Audits
•
U.S. Customs Basics
The facilitator on Day 2 will be Jaime Seidner, CCS, Sr. Consultant, Fraser
Milner Casgrain LLP.
For more information about the complete program of the Customs Duty and International
Trade Course, November 23-25, 2009, Toronto Airport Marriott Hotel, see
http://www.iecanada.com/events/2009/CC09/2009_Customs-Course-Brochure.pdf or call Jesse Arsenault at 416-595-5333 ext. 37.
Register online at http://www.iecanadaregistration.com/Transaction/view_conference_order.aspx.
Advocacy: Have Your Say
Issues
with Peace Bridge and Queenston-Lewiston Bridges – Please Respond
by Tuesday
I.E.Canada has been invited to participate on a Canada U.S. Western New York
Fact Finding Mission and Industry Trade Advisory Group meeting with the U.S.
Department of Commerce and USTR. This is a formal government closed door meeting
in which ten representatives from industry are asked to offer information to
the U.S. government. The goal is to understand specific issues related to the
Peace Bridge and Queenston Lewiston bridges from a “micro level”.
The Fact Finding Mission is keen to learn specific company issues that you might experience in bringing goods northbound into Canada at these ports of entry. The government committee wants to hear concerns and then to seek insights in order to solve problems. I.E.Canada is looking for specific issues that your company might be experiencing when shipping northbound into Canada at these ports of entry. If there are broader issues not specific to these ports of entry but generally when shipping to Canada, it would be helpful to understand these concerns too.
Please email or call Mary Anderson, by September 15: manderson@iecanada.com or 416 595 5333 x24.
Canada
Prohibits Importation of Food Containing Unenriched Flour – Please
Respond Today
In
a letter to industry June 29, 2009, CFIA announced that it will be
taking enforcement action against imported foods containing unenriched
flour.
In the letter, below, CFIA and Health Canada remind importers and manufacturers
that "wheat" flour used in all products including cookies,
crackers along with bread, cereal and pasta must be fortified as required
under section B.13.001 of the Food and Drug Regulations.
It would appear that flour used in some imported products may not be
fortified either because of industry practice, customer preference
or because fortification of flour is prohibited in the country of origin.
If this impacts your company would you please contact Keith Mussar
Chair of the Food Committee at kmussar@iecanada.com or 905-542-2082,
before September 11.
We are interested in gathering the following information:
• Is your company impacted?
• Number of and types of products implicated
• Amount [either in sales dollars or weight] of your product affected
• Implications of prohibition on product availability and the supply
chain
• For each product category impacted [e.g. cookies and crackers] the
amount of or proportion of Canadian sales that originate from the sale
of imported product
•
List of countries that prohibit flour fortification – is fortification
of flour prohibited in the country from which you import your products?
Is flour fortification optional in those countries? Are the standards
for fortification the same as those in Canada?
• Would you be interested in participating on an I.E.Canada working group
to address this matter?
• Would you be willing to participate at a face to face meeting with
CFIA and Health Canada to address this matter?
I.E.Canada has had preliminary discussions with CFIA and Health Canada.
The above information is needed prior to pursuing further discussions.
Thank you in advance for your help and input.
Letter to Industry – Prohibition
against the sale of unenriched white flour and products containing unenriched
flour
June 29, 2009
Purpose
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Health Canada would like to
clarify the requirements related to the manufacture, importation and sale of
white flour and foods containing white flour. This letter outlines the current
Canadian enrichment requirements for these products.
The mandatory enrichment of white flour with B vitamins, iron and folic acid
is a cornerstone of Canada's fortification program aimed at helping to prevent
nutrient deficiencies and maintain or improve the nutritional quality of the
food supply. Flour enrichment is used as a public health tool because of its
widespread use in foods consumed regularly by a large majority of the population.
Compliance with Canadian Legislation
It is the responsibility of all manufacturers, importers and distributors of
foods to ensure that their products comply with Canadian legislation and other
relevant guidelines and policies.
The Food and Drugs Act and Regulations is the primary legislation that applies
to all food sold in Canada, whether domestic or imported. This legislation
sets out minimum health and safety requirements, as well as provisions to prevent
fraud or deception.
The Food and Drug Regulations (FDR) require that all white flour and all foods
sold in Canada that contain white flour, such as bread, cookies, and pastries,
be made from enriched white flour. The sale of unenriched white flour or foods
containing unenriched white flour is not permitted in Canada, with the exception
of packaged foods that meet the conditions set out in section 37 of the Food
and Drugs Act.
Canadian Requirements
The standard for flour (also known as "white flour", "enriched
flour" or "enriched white flour") in the FDR requires the mandatory
addition of thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, folic acid and iron. The addition
of vitamin B6, pantothenic acid, magnesium and calcium is optional. All white
flour sold in Canada for food use, whether for use in further manufacturing
or for sale directly to the consumer, must be enriched. Consequently, all foods
sold in Canada that contain white flour must be made with enriched white flour.
The sale of unenriched white flour or its use is not permitted in Canada. The
only exception to this requirement is white flour sold for the production of
gluten or starch.
Section B.13.001 (Food and Drug Regulations):
[S] Flour, White Flour, Enriched Flour or Enriched White Flour
(d) shall contain in 100 grams of flour
1. 0.64 milligrams of thiamine
2. 0.40 milligrams of riboflavin
3. 5.30 milligrams of niacin or niacinamide
4. 0.15 milligrams of folic acid, and
5. 4.4 milligrams of iron
(e) may contain…..
…… (xv) in 100 grams of flour
1. 0.31 milligrams of vitamin B6
2. 1.3 milligrams of d-pantothenic acid, and
3. 190 milligrams of magnesium
… .(f) may contain calcium carbonate, edible bone meal, chalk (B.P.), ground
limestone or calcium sulphate in an amount that will provide in 100 grams of
flour 140 milligrams of calcium.
All white flour and foods containing white flour, both imported and domestically
produced, are expected to be in compliance with the enrichment requirements
for white flour. Any products in violation of the Food and Drugs Act and
Regulations may be subject to enforcement and compliance action by the CFIA.
For more information on the labelling and composition of foods sold in Canada
or for the complete text of the Regulations, please consult the CFIA's website
at http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/fssa/fssae.shtml or
the Health Canada website at http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/index-eng.php.
New of the Day
Buy
America Laws to Drag Down Canadian Recovery Next Year: Report
(The
Canadian Press – Julian Beltrame)
Buy America restrictions in the massive U.S. stimulus package could
be sufficiently punitive to keep Canada's economy from a more robust
recovery next year, a new economic outlook says. The CIBC report argues
that Canada will largely miss out on the benefits of the U.S. recovery
next year because most of the activity is being generated by government
stimulus.
"Much of the U.S. growth in 2010 will be generated from government
stimulus on projects where Buy America provisions shut the door on
Canadian
suppliers, or in sectors like education that don't benefit Canadian
industry," said chief economist Avery Shenfeld.
The CIBC has upgraded its forecast for the Canadian economy next year
by half-a-point to two per cent growth, but that is still a full percentage
point less than the Bank of Canada estimate.
The key difference in the forecasts, says Shenfeld, is that the central
bank has built in a substantially bigger bounce for Canada's export
sector, a pop he maintains won't happen because of Buy America and
other provisions of the stimulus program. "In a normal year Buy
America provisions might not bite that much because the U.S. economy
would be growing on several channels, but in the case of 2010, with
a lot of the growth coming out of that stimulus, that will be one reason
why we may underperform," he explained.
The restrictive provisions have been a bone of contention between the
two countries since they first appeared last fall. But with the lion's
share of the US$290-billion infrastructure portion of the U.S. stimulus
set to roll out in 2010, the issue has come to a critical juncture
for Canadian suppliers who hope to bid on thousands of lucrative contracts.
In late August, Canada named Foreign Affairs assistant deputy minister
Don Stephenson as Canada's chief negotiator with the marching orders
of obtaining a Canadian exemption from the laws.
Canada has obtained provincial consent to offer the U.S. unfettered
access to sub-federal government procurement markets on a temporary
basis, and a "commitment to explore the scope for a permanent,
reciprocal government procurement agreement." The North American
Free Trade Agreement only covers federal procurement practices, not
sub-national governments.
Officials said talks have commenced with the aim of achieving progress
in time for Prime Minister Stephen Harper's visit to Washington next
week.
But Canada-U.S. relations analyst Chris Sands of the Washington-based
Hudson Institute believes Obama is in no position to offer substantial
concessions, given the president's plummeting approval ratings and
the economy shedding seven million jobs in the past 20 months. "He
will obviously make a gesture on this at Harper's insistence, (but)
the Obama administration will not want the news of the day to be his
efforts to ensure that Canadians get jobs out of U.S. taxpayer-financed
stimulus funds," he said.
Even if the White House were to give Ottawa everything it wants, that
would not eliminate all the barriers to Canadian suppliers, Sands added. "The
more serious concern is 'Buy Local' sentiments, particularly in areas
with high unemployment," he said. "Regardless of the outcome
of an Obama-Harper meeting next week, a county road commissioner is
likely to want to spend federal stimulus money on local contractors.
There is not much that a Canadian government can do to counter this
attitude, especially since most Canadian cities and provinces have
taken similar positions over time."
Despite the expected ongoing weakness in Canadian exports, particularly
autos and forestry, Shenfeld believes Canada's economy will still manage
to outperform the U.S. in each of the next two years by a half-point,
with two per cent and 3.8% growth for 2010 and 2011.
Nor does he fear a so-called double-dip recession hitting the economy
in 2011 as some economists, including George Vasic of UBS Securities
Canada and Scotiabank's Derek Holt, say remains a risk.
Shenfeld said government and central bank stimulus should buttress
the economy from a sudden reversal, until the private sector is ready
to do its part. He predicts both the Bank of Canada and the U.S. Federal
Reserve will keep their policy interest rate at the practical low of
0.25% all of next year. "As long as policy makers don't overdo
the return to higher interest rates and tighter fiscal policy, they
should be able to avoid the double dip horror," he predicted.
Flaherty
Says Economy Still Fragile
(Reuters – Ka
Yan Ng)
Canada's recovery from an economic recession is not yet fully secured and
the government must continue spending on projects to stimulate growth, Finance
Minister Jim Flaherty said on Friday.
"Canada's economy is still fragile and uncertain. The global economic crisis
is affecting every part of the country, affecting every country in the world," Flaherty
said while announcing infrastructure projects in Toronto. "It's important
that we continue to stimulate the economy in Canada and this announcement is
an important part of that," he said after announcing a C$600 million ($556
million) in investments in infrastructure projects in the city.
On Thursday, Flaherty acknowledged that as a result of the global economic
meltdown and the government's stimulus spending, the Conservative government
does not know for sure when it will be able to eliminate its budget deficit.
Previously, the government had promised to balance the books by 2013-14 but
it has now pushed that back by at least two years, based on private sector
growth forecasts. The deficit for 2009 will be about $55.9 billion – about
10% more than the government's previous forecast.
Canada
New Home Prices Rebound in July
(Reuters – Louise
Egan)
The price of new houses in Canada unexpectedly rose in July for the first
monthly increase since September 2008, a sign the housing market may be improving
as the economy emerges from recession. Statistics Canada said prices rose 0.3%
in July from June and that prices were down 3.2% compared with a year earlier.
Analysts surveyed by Reuters had expected a 0.1% drop in prices in the month.
Monthly prices rose most in the cities of Vancouver, Hamilton, Windsor and
Calgary. Prices softened the most in the Western Canadian city of Victoria,
where housing costs had spiked dramatically prior to the economic slump.
Summary statistics and a link to the data files are on the Statistics Canada
website at http://www.statcan.gc.ca/daily-quotidien/090911/dq090911b-eng.htm
Canada
Funds Montreal Port Truck Project
(Journal of Commerce Online – Canadian Sailings)
Plan to add truck bays will speed traffic through port
The Canadian government will provide the Montreal Port Authority up to US$8.4
million in infrastructure stimulus funding to build a common access portal
for trucks. The work is expected to improve operations at the port, where
container shipments generate a substantial flow of truck traffic.
The port authority said a common entrance for all trucks with a series of automated
security gates at the container terminals would improve safety and security
and reduce congestion by moving trucks more quickly through the port.
Part of the port’s Vision 2020 strategic plan, the project involves installation
of 27 automated truck gate pedestals at Section 73 North, where truck drivers
will carry out transactions, and the renovation of terminal entrances to install
automated control posts, cameras and computer equipment.
“The construction of a common portal will permit the Port of Montreal to
improve the flow of truck traffic and increase its competitiveness,” said
Sylvie Vachon, president and CEO of the Montreal Port Authority. “In addition,
by significantly decreasing the wait time of trucks, this system will reduce
the environmental footprint of port activities.”
The stimulus funding will cover about half the cost of the US$17 million project.
Top
[U.S.]
Wholesale Inventories Fall for Eleventh Straight Month
(RTT News)
Wholesalers cut their inventories again in July, continuing a process that has been going on for almost a year. Sales picked up a bit, as retailers have been regaining their footing after struggling through the weak economy of the last year. Still, there remains some reluctance to send more orders to manufacturers, as the economic outlook remains murky.
The U.S. Commerce Department revealed that wholesale inventories dropped 1.4%
in July, the 11th consecutive month of declines. This moderated a bit after
a downwardly revised 2.1% slide in June.
Wholesale sales advanced 0.5%, stretching a streak of gains to 4 months. This
marked the biggest gain since June of last year.
The inventory to sales ratio ticked down to 1.23 in the month, meaning that
it would take 1.23 months to use up the current stock. The ratio stood at 1.25
in June and at 1.13 in July of last year.
Top
U.S.
Freight Transportation Index Rose 1.6% in July from June
(Transport
Intelligence)
The U.S. Freight Transportation Services Index (TSI) rose 1.6% in July from its
June level, the first monthly increase since February and the largest increase
since January 2008, the U.S. Department of Transportation's Bureau of Transportation
Statistics (BTS) reported yesterday (September 10).
The BTS pointed out that the Freight TSI* had declined in nine of the last 12
months but had remained steady or increased in the last two. It went on to state
that the July Freight TSI of 95.5 was a 1.6% increase from the recent low of
94.0 reached in May and June. "During those two months, the index was at
its lowest level since June 1997. The Freight TSI is down 15.4% from its historic
peak of 112.9 reached in May 2006."
The BTS stated that the 4.8% decline in the first seven months of 2009 was the
second largest in the last decade, exceeded only by a 5.9% decline for the first
seven months of 2000.
"The July Freight TSI of 95.5 is at its lowest July level since 1997 when
it was
94.8," it reported. "The 13.5% decline in the Freight TSI from July
2008 to July 2009 was the largest July-to-July decline in the 20 years for which
the TSI is calculated. The freight index is also down 13.3% in the five years
from July 2004, the 10th consecutive month in which the index declined for a
five-year period."
*The Freight TSI measures the month-to-month changes in freight shipments in
ton-miles, which are then combined into one index. The index measures the output
of the for-hire freight transportation industry and consists of data from for-hire
trucking, rail, inland waterways, pipelines and air freight.
Top
Notice
Regarding Possible Amendments to Certain Specific Rules of Origin [Mexico]
(Baker & McKenzie)
Notice requesting comments or proposals regarding possible amendments to the Specific Rules of Origin provided for under the free trade agreements signed by Mexico. A 45-day term for filing comments is granted.
Free trade agreements grant a preferential duty treatment to goods that qualify as originating in the territory of the Parties to the corresponding agreement. In this regard, each free trade agreement contains Specific Rules of Origin, which set forth the requirements that must be met in order for goods to be considered "originating" and, thus, subject to preferential duty treatment.
On September 8, 2009, the Ministry of Economy published in the Federal Official Gazette a Notice requesting comments or proposals regarding possible amendments to the Specific Rules of Origin provided for under the free trade agreements signed by Mexico (the "Notice"). By means of the Notice, the Ministry of Economy invites individuals and legal entities whose economic activity is the production of goods, to file comments or proposals regarding amendments to the Specific Rules of Origin set forth under the free trade agreements entered into by Mexico.
The term to file the aforementioned comments will elapse 45 days after the publication of the Notice. i.e. on October 23rd, 2009.
The Ministry of Economy is requesting comments or proposals on amendment to
the specific rules of origin for the following Free Trade Agreements:
(i) North American Free Trade Agreement;
(ii) Free Trade Agreement between the Mexican United States, the Republic of
Colombia and the Republic of Venezuela [1].
(iii) Free Trade Agreement between the Mexican United States and the Republic
of Bolivia;
(iv) Free Trade Agreement between the Republic of Chile and the Mexican United
States;
(v) Decision No 2/2000 of the EC-Mexico Joint Council (EUFTA [2]);
(vi) Free Trade Agreement between the Mexican United States and the State of
Israel;
(vii) Free Trade Agreement between the Mexican United States and the States
of the European Free Trade Association [3];
(viii) Free Trade Agreement between the Mexican United States and the Oriental
Republic of Uruguay, and
(ix) Mexico-Japan Agreement for the Strengthening of the Economic Partnership.
[1] As of November 19, 2006, such agreement is no longer in force for Venezuela.
[2] Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France,
Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxemburg, Malta, the
Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, the United Kingdom, Czech Republic, Romania,
Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden.
[3] Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.
Top
UAE
Bolsters Logistics Hub Status
(Khaleej
Times – Issac John)
The UAE has committed around $26 billion in investments to new air and seaport
infrastructure projects to reinforce its role as a global trade and logistics
centre, the bank Standard Chartered said on Wednesday.
The financial crisis notwithstanding, the UAE is on track to achieve economic
diversification. Central to this strategy are the expansion of Jebel Ali Port,
the launch of a new seaport in Abu Dhabi, a new airport in Dubai and the expansions
of existing airports in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the bank said in a report.
“
The economic benefits of turning the country into a logistics hub are multiple.
It encourages more firms to set up regional headquarters in the UAE. The meetings,
incentives, conferences, and exhibitions sector benefits from improved access,” said
Philippe Dauba-Pantanacce, senior economist at Standard Chartered.
The UAE can take advantage of its central location at the crossroads of Europe,
Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Dubai, the UAE’s traditional cosmopolitan
trading hub, is transforming into a logistics hub as well, he said.
Jebel Ali Port, which accounts for roughly a third of Dubai’s gross domestic
product, has embarked on a plan to expand capacity to 50 million 20-foot equivalent
units, or TEU, by 2030, up from its current capacity of 30 million TEU. The
port, the third-largest re-export hub after Singapore and Hong Kong, became
a symbol of Dubai’s rapid development at home and abroad, the report
said.
Government-owned DP World, which manages Jebel Ali, is set to open a new port
in Abu Dhabi – Shaikh Khalifa Port in Taweelah. The first phase of the
new port will open in 2010 with two million TEU and six million tonnes of general
cargo capacity. The next phases of development will boost the port’s
capacity to 22 million TEU and 35 million tonnes of cargo by 2028. Sharjah
and Fujairah are also ramping up their port infrastructure, the report said.
Dauba-Pantanacce said that the UAE’s airport expansion push was facilitated
by aggressive capacity expansion by the country’s government-backed airlines.
Etihad Airways announced $14 billion in new aircraft orders in June. Emirates
Airline will receive eight more planes this year and has 160 planes on order,
worth a total of $50 billion, he said.
The country’s expanded infrastructure is supporting this push. Emirates
opened a new terminal at Dubai airport, and Abu Dhabi is extending its airport,
the report said.
Dubai’s new The Al Maktoum International Airport, now under construction,
is to have five runways and a planned capacity for 160 million passengers annually,
compared to about 60 million at today’s largest airports. The airport
is building its freight and logistics platform in coordination with Jebel Ali
port to form Dubai Logistics City, a 21.5 square-kilometer logistics hub that
links the airport and the port, the report said.
China
Condemns U.S. Tariffs on Steel Pipes
(Industry
Week – Agence France-Presse)
Imports of the pipes were valued at $2.6 billion last year
China on September 10 opposed a U.S. decision to slap tariffs on steel pipes
from the mainland, as President Barack Obama mulled whether to also curb tire
imports from the Asian giant. The twin disputes are a litmus test for Obama's
trade policy with Beijing, and are coming to the forefront ahead of his highly
anticipated first presidential visit to China set for November.
In July, Obama laid out his vision of "cooperation, not confrontation" between Washington and Beijing, saying the relationship would "shape the 21st century" – but the thorny trade issues could throw a spanner in the works.
The U.S. Commerce Department said on September 9 it had made a preliminary decision to impose duties of as much as 31% on Chinese carbon or alloy tubular steel products used in oil and gas wells, following claims they were backed by unfair subsidies. That announcement drew a quick and angry response from Beijing. "China is highly concerned over this matter. We strongly oppose such trade protectionist moves," a commerce ministry spokeswoman said.
From 2006 to 2008 U.S. imports of such pipes as oil country tubular goods (OCTG) – from China increased 203% by volume. They were valued at $2.6 billion last year. The Commerce Department launched a probe into the case after complaints from various U.S. industry groups and unions, including the United States Steel Corp., and the United Steel, Paper and Forestry, Rubber, Manufacturing, Energy, Allied Industrial and Service Workers International Union.
"As a result of this preliminary determination, Commerce will instruct
U.S. Customs and Border Protection to collect a cash deposit or bond based
on these preliminary rates," the department said. It will issue a "final
determination" on the issue in November.
"This is the largest countervailing duty and dumping case filed against
China, based on the value of trade," a lawyer representing a Chinese company
involved in the case, said.
The quasi-judicial U.S. International Trade Commission has proposed tariffs
of up to 55% on Chinese passenger and light truck tires based on a petition
led by the United Steelworkers Union that tire imports had tripled since 2004,
forcing plant shutdowns and the loss of 5,100 jobs. The office of the U.S.
Trade Representative held a public hearing on the proposal and submitted its
recommendation to Obama last week. Obama is required to make his decision by
September 17, ahead of hosting Chinese President Hu Jintao at the G20 summit
in the U.S. city of Pittsburgh on September 24-25. If Obama rejects the tire
proposal, he will disappoint unions and some leaders in his Democratic party.
But if he embraces the plan, he will anger China as the two countries try to
build a new relationship.
The American Coalition for Free Trade in Tires, which represents the tire distribution
and retail sectors, has said thousands of American jobs – as many as
25,000 – would be at risk if Obama accepts the tariff recommendation.
Top
China's
Exports See Sharp Decline
(BBC News)
China's exports continued to decline in August, down 23% from the same month last year. Official figures show exports fell to $103.7bn, from $134.9bn in August 2008. Exports of almost all major industrial products saw double-digit drops.
The trade surplus fell 45% from August 2008 to $15.7bn, but was up from July.
Recent signs that recession has ended in some major economies, including China's major trading partner Japan, suggest that exports may pick up again. But separately, Japan's economy grew 0.6% in the third quarter from the previous three months, less than the 0.9% originally estimated. This was due to fewer private-sector inventories than previously estimated, Japan's finance ministry said. Japan is the world's second-largest economy.
The Chinese export figures were worse than expected by economists. So far this year, China's total trade with the U.S. fell 16.4% and its trade with Japan fell 22%. Trade with the European Union dropped nearly 21%, the government said.
"The stabilisation and recovery of the Chinese economy is not yet steady, solid and balanced," Premier Wen Jiabao said on Thursday. "Some of the stimulus measures will see their effect wane, and it will take time before those long-term policies show effect."
China, which is targeting 8% economic growth this year after 10% annual growth over the past few years, has relied on its $586bn stimulus plan to boost spending this year.
A separate survey showed investments in urban fixed assets rose 33% in the first eight months of the year, suggesting that the Chinese government is the main driver of economic growth. New loans from Chinese banks also rebounded in August, rising to 410.4bn yuan ($60bn; £36bn) after falling to 355.9bn yuan in July.
Li Xiaochao, a spokesman
for the National Bureau of Statistics, said the country remained on track
for its
8% annual growth target. "So far, the main reason
why the overall economy is stabilising and starting to recover is that we adopted
the stimulus package to expand domestic demand," he said.
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India's
August Exports Drop – Commerce Secretary
(RTT News)
India's August exports declined 20% for the eleventh month in row to $14.3 billion from $17.8 billion in the corresponding month a year-ago. The drop in export was attributed to continued slump in global demand, media reported quoting a statement of Commerce Secretary Rahul Khullar.
In April-August this fiscal, exports dropped 31% to $63.9 billion from $93.1
billion for the comparable period of the corresponding year.
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CFIA-AIRS
Updates September 11, 2009
(CFIA)
a) Chapter 06 was published to change the release recommendation from "Refer to CFIA-ISC" to "Refuse entry" for all countries except the Continental United States for the following HS codes.
06.02.10.0012.06 - Solanum spp. (Other than S. Tuberosum (potato) and S. Melongena
(eggplant)) - Unrooted plants
06.02.90.0024.09 - Solanum spp. (Other than S. Tuberosum (potato) and S. Melongena
(eggplant)) - Rooted plants
06.02.90.0026.62 - Solanum spp. (Other than S. Tuberosum (potato) and S. Melongena
(eggplant)) - Tissue cultured plants
b) Correction:
The code for the end use : Lab and zoo animal feed is 92 (not 90 as indicated
in the September 4th AIRS updates).
Please check your version numbers before submitting through EDI.
If you have any questions, please contact your Import Service Center.
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Customs
Customs
Notice CN09-021: Highway Sufferance Warehouse Closure, Cranbrook, BC
(CBSA)
1. The purpose of this notice is to advise that, effective September 4, 2009,
Mohawk Terminals Ltd., located at 246 Slater Road, Cranbrook, BC will be surrendering
their highway sufferance warehouse licence. The Canada Border Services Agency
(CBSA) has decided not to advertise for a new highway sufferance warehouse
at this port.
2. Therefore, as of September 5, 2009, all bonded highway carriers transporting
in-bond commercial freight destined for clearance at the Cranbrook port should
report to an alternate highway sufferance warehouse.
3. Please direct any questions concerning this notice to:
Anthony Krilow
A/Manager, Program and Communications Division
Pacific Region
Canada Border Services Agency
607-333 Dunsmuir Street
Vancouver, BC V6B 5R4
Telephone: 604-666-082
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Extension
of the B2 Pilot Project
(CSCB)
CBSA has advised that the B2 pilot project has been extended until 31
December, 2009. CSCB are in the process of finalizing an assessment of the pilot and
a decision is expected shortly.
GTA will continue to process all B2 requests from the Prairie region, with
the following exceptions:
1. B2 requests that are pertinent to a Compliance Verification Services verification
(multi-program or single program) initiated in the Prairie Region. These
claims should be directed to the Senior Officer Trade Compliance (SOTC) or
responsible office in the Prairie region;
2. Blanket B2 claims where the books and records of the importer are situated
in the the Prairie region;
3. Blanket B2 claims that have been authorized by the Prairie Region; and
4. Section 60 B2 claims for Recourse.
All other B2s can be sent to:
Canada Border Services Agency
CV & S Services
Attention: B2 Processing
55 Town Centre Court, Suite 718
Scarborough, ON M1P 4X4
Please note that CBSA in the Prairie region will continue to forward B2s
that are submitted in that region.
Regional contacts for this pilot are:
Doreen Maybee
Director, Client Services, GTA Region
416-973-8153 Doreen.Maybee@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca
Jim Clark
Director, Trade Compliance, Prairie Region
403-292-4007 Jim.Clark@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca
Additional questions, or requests for clarification, can be directed to Carol
Ann Driscoll, Manager, Commercial Compliance at 613-954-6373 or Carol-Ann.Driscoll@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca
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Industry Events
How
to Export to Japan and Korea Seminar – October 7, 2009
The Ontario Ministry
of Agriculture, Food & Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) and Agriculture and Agri-Food
Canada (AAFC) are pleased to present a seminar on How to Export to Japan and
Korea. If you are a Canadian food and beverage company that is newly exporting
to the Japanese and/or Korean markets, or you wish to break into these markets,
this seminar will give you practical, hands-on information that you can use to
build your export success.
Please see the attached information
sheet and registration
form for more information.
Top
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