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An investigation reveals a troubling trend in the global oil trade: the booming business of sanctioned oil. Despite international embargos, countries like China continue to import oil from sanctioned nations like Russia and Iran by relabeling it as originating from third-party countries. This illicit practice raises concerns over environmental risks, crew safety, and the impact…

The global maritime industry is witnessing a concerning rise in illicit activities orchestrated by “dark vessels” that manipulate their locations to engage in smuggling and sanctions evasions. These activities, including the falsification of vessel positions to evade price caps on Russian oil, covert operations in Venezuelan waters, and unauthorized trading in goods like grain from…

The politics surrounding border control in Texas have had a significant impact on truck inspections at the Texas-Mexico border. The recent suspension of commercial cargo processing at El Paso’s Bridge of the Americas has resulted in increased truck traffic at the Marcelino Serna port of entry in Tornillo. However, stringent inspections by the Texas Department…

The United States could be set to introduce a new export control regime that harmonizes policy with smaller groups of like-minded nations. According to a report by the Congressional Research Service (CRS), the US should coordinate export control policy with such groups to achieve specific national security, foreign policy, and economic goals, and it should…

France and Germany are said to be working on a proposal to offer the UK and other European countries “associate membership” of the EU. This comes as the UK’s ties with the bloc have been strained ever since the Brexit vote in 2016. In this post, we’ll explore the concept of associate membership, what it…

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has temporarily suspended commercial truck cargo processing at a port of entry in El Paso, Texas. This decision comes as border agents in West Texas shift their focus to immigration duties due to a significant increase in migrant attempts to cross into the United States. According to CBP…

The Panama Canal is a vital waterway connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, enabling efficient global trade. However, the recent drought in the region has presented challenges for the Panama Canal Authority (ACP). In this blog, we will explore how the ACP is handling the impact of the drought on vessel transits and their efforts…

As the demand for electric vehicles (EVs) continues to rise globally, an investigation has been launched by the European Union (EU) into China’s state support for its EV manufacturers. The surge in imports of Chinese electric cars has raised concerns for the future of European auto manufacturers. The investigation aims to address the issue of…

In this episode of the Simply Trade Podcast, dig into the intriguing world of international trade. Our guest, Dominic Veneziano, former Director of Import Operations at the FDA, provides key insights from his vast experience in the field. Illuminating topics discussed within this episode range from logistics challenges, navigating intricate regulations, to improving clearance processes…

Huawei, a Chinese telecommunications company, has released a new smartphone called the Mate 60 Pro. This phone is significant because it suggests that Huawei has found a way to bypass U.S. trade restrictions and produce advanced phones, despite limitations on access to American technology and machinery. This development comes as the United States has been…