Customs & Logistics News
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U.S.
September 19, 2019
Congress Members Push for Partial India General System of Preferences (GSP) Reinstatement
In advance of a meeting between President Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, 44 members of Congress have urged President Trump’s trade representative to restore trade concessions to India, saying the withdrawal of the privilege had led to retaliatory tariffs from India which were hurting U.S. industry. As reported by Reuters: Reuters
More Trans-Pacific Carriers to Levy Interim Surcharges in November
More trans-Pacific trades next month will announce the low-sulfur fuel oil surcharges they intend to charge shippers in November and December as they phase compliant vessels into their fleets in order to meet the International Maritime Organization’s LSFO requirements taking effect January 1. As reported in the Journal of Commerce: JOC
United States – Mexico – Canada Agreement (USMCA)
As reported by Reuters, U.S. Chamber of Commerce CEO Tom Donohue said that Congress has enough votes to pass a new trade agreement signed by Canada, the U.S., and Mexico. Mr. Donohue said that congressional passage would help boost the U.S. economy and reassure financial markets, which have been roiled by tit-for-tat tariffs imposed by China and the United States. Reuters Article: Reuters
Truckers Bemoan Assembly Bill 5 (AB 5) Effect on California Drayage
Trucking representatives this week warned that newly passed legislation in California that places tighter restrictions on the ability of motor carriers to classify drivers as independent contractors will have a devastating impact on drayage at the state’s ports. As reported in the Journal of Commerce: JOC
NAFTA Panel Advises Canada’s Softwood Lumber Industry has not Harmed U.S. Producers
A joint NAFTA panel has said there is no evidence that Canada’s softwood industry has harmed U.S. softwood producers. The U.S. now has 3 months to rethink tariffs imposed on Canadian softwood in 2017. Canada is also challenging the U.S. Commerce Department’s antidumping and countervailing duty determination. Canada had file complaints under both NAFTA and World Trade Organization rules. As reported by CBC: CBC
Federal Maritime Commission Interpretive Rule on Demurrage and Detention Under the Shipping Act
The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) is seeking public comment on its interpretation of the Shipping Act prohibition against failing to establish, observe, and enforce just and reasonable regulations and practices relating to or connected with receiving, handling, storing, or delivering property with respect to the demurrage and detention. Specifically, the Commission is providing guidance as to what it will consider in assessing whether a demurrage or detention practice is unjust or unreasonable. FMC Notice: FMC
Canada
September 19, 2019
Highway Pre-Arrival and Reporting Requirements
Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) recently posted Memorandum D3-4-2. The memorandum outlines and explains specific CBSA requirements and procedures for reporting and control of cargo arriving in Canada in the services of highway carriers. The Memorandum is available at: Memorandum
