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 us 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…
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. What is associate membership of the EU? Associate membership is a lesser-known…
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has temporarily suspended commercial truck cargo processing at a texas 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…
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 electric car 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…
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 and cycle times. Dominic shares his unique perspective…
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…
The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) has recently made a significant announcement regarding the extension of exclusions in the China Section 301 Investigation. This update impacts 352 reinstated exclusions and 77 COVID-related exclusions, originally set to expire on September 30, 2023. The new extension grants more time for consideration under the statutory…
The United Auto Staff union and the Detroit automakers are currently in negotiations for a new labor contract. However, the possibility of a strike is increasing as the union demands improved wages and benefits. A strike would have significant consequences for both the local and national economy, especially considering the ongoing transition to electric vehicles,…
A panel responsible for enforcing labor provisions under the United States-Mexico-Canada free trade agreement (USMCA) has requested Mexico to investigate allegations regarding labor rights violations at cargo airline Mas. The U.S. Department of Labor received a complaint from Mexico’s Associated Union of Aviation Pilots (ASPA) alleging that Mas engaged in intimidation, interference, and reprisals against…
