ECONOMIC/TRADE ISSUES

EU Publishes Draft Agreement for EU-UK Future Relationship as Trade Negotiations Are Postponed

26 March 2020

On 19 March 2020, the European Commission published a draft legal agreement for the future EU-UK partnership in order to propel progress on trade talks given the short timeframe to conclude an agreement. The draft text proposes to establish a zero-tariff area for goods with a favourable environment for trade in services, however, it also contains provisions on robust commitments to guarantee a level playing field between the EU and the UK and proposes strict penalties in case of non-compliance. More

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Henan: Market Profile

08 May 2019

Hong Kong is the largest source of foreign direct investment in Henan. In 2017, actual investment from Hong Kong amounted to US$10.21 billion, accounting for 59.3% of the total. Other major sources of investment included Taiwan, the UK and the US. More

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Peru Bans Canned Fish Imports from Mainland China

22 December 2017

Effective 27 November 2017, Peru has banned the importation of all canned fish products from mainland China after it found nematodes in 20 cans of mackerel in tomato sauce. The ban will remain in place until the relevant mainland Chinese authorities ensure the safety of such products. More

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Brazil Modifies Duties on Various Products

22 December 2017

Brazilian authorities recently announced the addition of 1,116 items through 30 June 2019 to a list of foreign capital goods and information technology and telecommunications goods that benefit from duty-free treatment under the Ex-Tarifario regime, down from 14 or 16 percent. More

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Refusal of Inspection by Foreign Food Establishments Clarified by FDA

22 December 2017

The Food and Drug Administration is accepting comments through 27 February on a draft guidance document outlining what type of actions by a foreign food establishment or foreign government would constitute a refusal of FDA inspection. More

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Canada and Mainland China Agree to Deepen Collaboration on Clean Growth, Agriculture

22 December 2017

Canadian Minister of Environment and Climate Change Catherine McKenna travelled to Beijing and Shanghai in early-to-mid December to advance bi-lateral collaboration efforts on climate change and clean growth. More

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FDA Issues Guidance on Gluten Labelling of Certain Drug Products

22 December 2017

The FDA has issued a draft guidance document on gluten in drug products and associated labelling recommendations. More

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U.S. Critical of Efforts to Address Global Excess Steel Capacity

22 December 2017

U.S. trade officials were critical of a recent report on ways to reduce excess capacity in the global steel market. More

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CBP to Test Electronic Payment of Vessel Fees

22 December 2017

CBP is planning to conduct a pilot test of the electronic payment of taxes and fees imposed on commercial vessels at four ports of entry. More