Adapting Supply Chains: Resilience Amidst the Baltimore Bridge Collapse Following the collapse of a bridge in Baltimore, the resilience of supply chains and transportation modes has been demonstrated as they adapt to mitigate logistical challenges. Stakeholders have worked to keep cargo flowing by extending permitted hours for truckers, swiftly restoring the channel, and utilizing nearby…
China’s stance on U.S. trade barriers has been reaffirmed once again as it responds to the U.S. National Trade Estimate Report on Foreign Trade Barriers. Released on March 29, the report categorizes China as a “country of primary concern,” prompting a strong response from China’s commerce ministry. In a statement issued on Tuesday, the ministry…
Trade groups in the United Kingdom are sounding the alarm about potential increases in food prices following the government’s decision to impose post-Brexit charges on imports of EU food and plant products. The new fees, known as the common user charge, are set to apply to small imports of animal products and plants entering the…
In a recent development, lawmakers from both the Republican and Democratic parties have joined forces to call on the Biden administration to increase scrutiny and oversight of Chinese biotech firms. The lawmakers, Republican Michael Gallagher and Democrat Raja Krishnamoorthi, have sent a letter to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, urging him to add seven Chinese biotech…
Oil Prices Surge to 5-Month High Amidst OPEC Oil prices have surged to a near five-month high, reaching $85 per barrel for the first time since October. The rally in oil prices is attributed to a combination of factors, including production cuts by OPEC+, robust global demand, and heightened geopolitical risks. Tensions in the Middle…
In recent years, trade between China and Russia has experienced a remarkable surge, benefitting several Russian companies and strengthening the economic relationship between the two countries. This tremendous growth in trade comes at a time when Western firms have withdrawn from the Russian market due to sanctions imposed after the invasion of Ukraine. In this…
The topic of cybersecurity has become increasingly critical in our interconnected world, and recent concerns about the Chinese cyber threat have raised alarms at the biggest ports. In this blog post, we will delve into an NBC Boston article that examines the true nature of the Chinese cyber threat lurking within the nation’s biggest ports….
In a significant move aimed at enhancing economic ties and promoting investment, Britain is set to sign a memorandum of understanding on trade with Texas. This landmark agreement marks the largest state-level trade pact between Britain and a U.S. state to date. Despite the pause in talks over a Free Trade Agreement at the federal…
WTO’s Moratorium on Digital Tariffs Buoyed, But for How Long? The World Trade Organization (WTO) has granted a temporary extension to the moratorium on customs duties for digital transmissions, a significant aspect of internet development, but the deal includes a hard expiration in 2026. The extension was agreed upon during the WTO’s 13th ministerial meeting…
Navigating the Waves of Detention and Demurrage Billing Reform The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) has released a new rule addressing detention and demurrage billing practices in compliance with the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2022, aiming to rectify major issues for shippers during the pandemic. The FMC’s final rule outlines regulations on who can receive…
Former CBP Commissioner Alan Bersin sat down with the Simply Trade podcast to share his experiences transforming border governance in the post-9/11 era. As the threat landscape changed, Bersin pioneered initiatives with the private sector that strengthened security while facilitating international trade and imports/exports. One of his most impactful projects was developing the Advanced Cargo…
Governments and regulators are ramping up efforts to address climate change through trade policies. In this episode of Simply Trade, sustainability expert Emily Cori breaks down the complex landscape of green trade initiatives and shares actionable strategies for importers and exporters. Understanding the Expanding Regulatory Framework Cori outlines the four pillars of the CBP’s green…
