(The Vancouver Sun – Ian Macleod, Postmedia News)
Canada would end up paying for American highways under trade tax proposal
Even as the prime minister criticized a proposed U.S. head-tax on Canadian air travellers, some cashstrapped American politicians are pushing for a levy on Canadian imports to pay for U.S. road works. A bill recently introduced in Congress calls for a “freight fee” on international trade goods that could, if approved, cost Canadian and U.S. importers and exporters about $42 billion annually.
Sponsored by California Rep. Ken Calvert and Illinois Democrat Jesse Jackson Jr., the bill would impose a “nominal ad valorem fee” equal to .075% of an article’s declared value. The fee would be capped at a maximum of $500.
With about $1.5 billion in daily trade between the two countries, the proposed tariff, calculated as a percentage, would add about $112 million a day to the cost of bilateral trade. Read more here.
February 19, 2011
Canada to Take Another Shot at Free-Trade Talks with Japan
(The Globe and Mail – Campbell Clark)
Canada will take another run at sparking free-trade talks with Japan, the world’s third-largest economy, by launching a joint study on a trade deal, sources say.
Earlier attempts to reach an agreement stalled because the former Liberal Democratic government in Tokyo was cool to opening politically sensitive protected markets and possibly riling constituencies such as farmers. But after signals that the new government is willing to liberate the country’s trade, Canada is moving to explore the possibility of talks.
Sources said that the two countries are set to announce the joint study, possibly as soon as Thursday, on what a free-trade deal might look like. And although Trade Minister Peter Van Loan didn’t explicitly confirm that, he said there is new hope of relaunching talks. A joint study typically examines the costs and benefits of a trade deal, and what areas, from beef to cars to computer parts, might be included. Read more here.
Canada will take another run at sparking free-trade talks with Japan, the world’s third-largest economy, by launching a joint study on a trade deal, sources say.
Earlier attempts to reach an agreement stalled because the former Liberal Democratic government in Tokyo was cool to opening politically sensitive protected markets and possibly riling constituencies such as farmers. But after signals that the new government is willing to liberate the country’s trade, Canada is moving to explore the possibility of talks.
Sources said that the two countries are set to announce the joint study, possibly as soon as Thursday, on what a free-trade deal might look like. And although Trade Minister Peter Van Loan didn’t explicitly confirm that, he said there is new hope of relaunching talks. A joint study typically examines the costs and benefits of a trade deal, and what areas, from beef to cars to computer parts, might be included. Read more here.
Electronic Validation of Animal Health Import Permits
(CFIA)
Please be advised that commencing April 1, 2011 CFIA will be ELECTRONICALLY validating Animal Health Import Permits for all Animal Products and By-Products. For more information please go here.
Please be advised that commencing April 1, 2011 CFIA will be ELECTRONICALLY validating Animal Health Import Permits for all Animal Products and By-Products. For more information please go here.
CTA Warns New Pallet Requirements Could Slow Canada/U.S. Trade
(Canadian Transportation & Logistics)
The Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA) has voiced concerns about supply chain disruptions that could result from US requirements that wood packaging materials such as pallets be treated for bugs before crossing the border. […]
“CTA takes no position on the science behind the decision to eliminate the exemption,” said CTA chief David Bradley. “Canada and the U.S. share a common interest in protecting our forest resources, and if this means treatment of pallets and dunnage, then so be it. But at the same time, CTA’s discussions with industry and government officials have made it abundantly clear that we are simply not ready at this time to ensure that there is an adequate supply of treated WPM in circulation to meet the demands of Canada-U.S. trade, and nor has APHIS outlined detailed plans on how it will apply and enforce the rules at the border.” […]
In a written statement to APHIS, the trucking group said enforcement should not begin until there are enough compliant pallets in circulation to meet demands. Read more here.
The Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA) has voiced concerns about supply chain disruptions that could result from US requirements that wood packaging materials such as pallets be treated for bugs before crossing the border. […]
“CTA takes no position on the science behind the decision to eliminate the exemption,” said CTA chief David Bradley. “Canada and the U.S. share a common interest in protecting our forest resources, and if this means treatment of pallets and dunnage, then so be it. But at the same time, CTA’s discussions with industry and government officials have made it abundantly clear that we are simply not ready at this time to ensure that there is an adequate supply of treated WPM in circulation to meet the demands of Canada-U.S. trade, and nor has APHIS outlined detailed plans on how it will apply and enforce the rules at the border.” […]
In a written statement to APHIS, the trucking group said enforcement should not begin until there are enough compliant pallets in circulation to meet demands. Read more here.
Spot Market Freight Surges in January: TransCore
(Truck News)
TransCore’s Canadian Freight Index recorded its highest load volumes ever for the month of January, with volumes exceeding the previous record set in 2008 by 4%.
January load postings were up 30% compared to January 2010 while month-over-month load postings declined about a percentage point from December. Meanwhile, Canadian equipment postings decreased to the lowest levels for the month in over five years, TransCore reported. Read more here.
TransCore’s Canadian Freight Index recorded its highest load volumes ever for the month of January, with volumes exceeding the previous record set in 2008 by 4%.
January load postings were up 30% compared to January 2010 while month-over-month load postings declined about a percentage point from December. Meanwhile, Canadian equipment postings decreased to the lowest levels for the month in over five years, TransCore reported. Read more here.
eManifest Portal
(CBSA)
On October 31, 2010, eManifest electronic data interchange (EDI) systems became available to highway carriers, or their service providers, for the transmission of cargo and conveyance data before arriving at the border.
Today, I am pleased to confirm that the eManifest Portal will be available to highway carriers in early summer 2011 and accessible from the Canada Border Services Agency’s (CBSA) Web site.
In the coming months, the CBSA will be posting information relating to Portal registration and application processes and user requirements, in addition to training, help and reference materials. I encourage you to visit the eManifest pages of the CBSA Web site regularly, or subscribe to the eManifest RSS news feed, to keep abreast of important updates on eManifest implementation.
I would also like to remind you that with the release of the eManifest Portal, the 18-month implementation timeline for highway carriers to comply with eManifest requirements will begin. Highway carriers will have 12 months to incorporate eManifest requirements into their business processes before requirements become mandatory. This will be followed by a 6-month grace period during which the CBSA will issue zero-rated AMPS for non-compliance.
The CBSA encourages clients to adopt eManifest requirements early within the implementation timeline, which can help in identifying and correcting problems, thus reducing the likelihood of penalties once regulations come into force.
Rest assured that you will be informed as soon as a more precise date is determined for the release of this eManifest data transmission option.
Thank you for your continued support.
Bruna Rados
Director General
eManifest and Major Projects Directorate
Programs Branch
Canada Border Services Agency
On October 31, 2010, eManifest electronic data interchange (EDI) systems became available to highway carriers, or their service providers, for the transmission of cargo and conveyance data before arriving at the border.
Today, I am pleased to confirm that the eManifest Portal will be available to highway carriers in early summer 2011 and accessible from the Canada Border Services Agency’s (CBSA) Web site.
In the coming months, the CBSA will be posting information relating to Portal registration and application processes and user requirements, in addition to training, help and reference materials. I encourage you to visit the eManifest pages of the CBSA Web site regularly, or subscribe to the eManifest RSS news feed, to keep abreast of important updates on eManifest implementation.
I would also like to remind you that with the release of the eManifest Portal, the 18-month implementation timeline for highway carriers to comply with eManifest requirements will begin. Highway carriers will have 12 months to incorporate eManifest requirements into their business processes before requirements become mandatory. This will be followed by a 6-month grace period during which the CBSA will issue zero-rated AMPS for non-compliance.
The CBSA encourages clients to adopt eManifest requirements early within the implementation timeline, which can help in identifying and correcting problems, thus reducing the likelihood of penalties once regulations come into force.
Rest assured that you will be informed as soon as a more precise date is determined for the release of this eManifest data transmission option.
Thank you for your continued support.
Bruna Rados
Director General
eManifest and Major Projects Directorate
Programs Branch
Canada Border Services Agency
STB Proposes Big Cut in Shipper Complaint Fees
(Journal of Commerce Online – John D.Boyd)
Some agency filing charges could plunge to just $350 from $20,600
The Surface Transportation Board wants to make it cheaper for frustrated rail shippers to file formal complaints over rates and service, which could increase the number of cases customers initiate against railroads.
The board proposed a new rulemaking procedure to set the filing fee at $350 for shippers to file a complaint against the freight rate a railroad imposes or to allege an unreasonable market practice by the carrier. Currently, some STB filing fees go up to $20,600, separate from the legal and research costs of mounting a regulatory challenge, although for many types of complaints the agency already charges $350 or less. Read more here.
Some agency filing charges could plunge to just $350 from $20,600
The Surface Transportation Board wants to make it cheaper for frustrated rail shippers to file formal complaints over rates and service, which could increase the number of cases customers initiate against railroads.
The board proposed a new rulemaking procedure to set the filing fee at $350 for shippers to file a complaint against the freight rate a railroad imposes or to allege an unreasonable market practice by the carrier. Currently, some STB filing fees go up to $20,600, separate from the legal and research costs of mounting a regulatory challenge, although for many types of complaints the agency already charges $350 or less. Read more here.
U.S. Deserves ‘Total Control’ of Northern Border: Lawmaker
(The Toronto Star – Lee-Anne Goodman, The Canadian Press)
Every inch of the Canada-U.S. border and the American boundary with Mexico should be under “operational control” of American border officials, a U.S. lawmaker told a congressional hearing into border security on Tuesday.
“The acceptable level for the American citizen is total control of our southern border, our northern border, our natural ports of entry,” said Republican Jeff Duncan, a South Carolina lawmaker and a member of the House of Representatives Subcommittee on border and maritime security. […]
Duncan was one of several lawmakers who peppered Michael Fisher, the border patrol chief of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, on the true meaning of “operational control” following a recent congressional report that found only a small fraction of the Canada-U.S. border was being adequately monitored by American officials. Read more here.
Every inch of the Canada-U.S. border and the American boundary with Mexico should be under “operational control” of American border officials, a U.S. lawmaker told a congressional hearing into border security on Tuesday.
“The acceptable level for the American citizen is total control of our southern border, our northern border, our natural ports of entry,” said Republican Jeff Duncan, a South Carolina lawmaker and a member of the House of Representatives Subcommittee on border and maritime security. […]
Duncan was one of several lawmakers who peppered Michael Fisher, the border patrol chief of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, on the true meaning of “operational control” following a recent congressional report that found only a small fraction of the Canada-U.S. border was being adequately monitored by American officials. Read more here.
February 18, 2011
News from Thompson Ahern: Weekly Updates
An updated list of recently published government memorandums, notices, regulations and decisions for the week ending February 18, 2011 is now available on our website here.
February 16, 2011
Canada Concludes re Investigation on Steel Welded Pipes
(Steel Guru)
The Canada Border Services Agency has concluded a re investigation of the normal values, export prices and amounts of subsidy respecting certain carbon steel welded pipe originating in or exported from the People’s Republic of China, pursuant to the Special Import Measures Act.
The re investigation was initiated on October 8th 2010, as part of the ongoing enforcement of the Canadian International Trade Tribunal’s (Tribunal) finding of material injury issued on August 20th 2008, in Inquiry No NQ-2008-001. […]
Given that no submissions to the CBSA’s RFIs were received from any of the exporters, all exporters were deemed to be non-cooperative in the re investigation 1 Accordingly, the normal values and amounts of subsidy for all exporters will be determined in accordance with a ministerial specification under SIMA based on the export price of the goods advanced by 179 % and countervailing duties will be assessed at a rate of CNY 5,280 per tonne. These normal values and amounts of subsidy will be effective for the subject goods released from the CBSA on or after February 14th 2011. Read more here.
Strong Support For Another Windsor-Detroit Bridge
(Soo Today)
Demonstrating that the need for an additional bridge connecting Detroit to Windsor, Ontario is an issue of statewide economic importance, leading West Michigan businesses today announced their support of the New International Trade Crossing.
Demonstrating that the need for an additional bridge connecting Detroit to Windsor, Ontario is an issue of statewide economic importance, leading West Michigan businesses today announced their support of the New International Trade Crossing.
Meijer Inc., Amway Corp., Steelcase Inc., Kellogg Co. and Wolverine World Wide Inc., emphasized the benefits to West Michigan and the entire state.
The proposed crossing is a public/private partnership with Canada that opens the door to more global exports from Michigan while creating no new debt for the state and no new taxes for Michigan taxpayers. Read more here.
U.S. Congresswoman Candice Miller on “Perimeter Security”
(Luiza Ch. Savage — Macleans)
You can watch the hearing and read the official testimony at the Committee’s website. I have also archived the written testimony here.
Today Candice Miller, a Republican congresswoman from Michigan who chairs the Border and Maritime Security subcommittee of the House Committee on Homeland Security, held a hearing looking into the GAO report that said the Department of Homeland Security has “operational control” of only 32 miles of the US-Canada border.
You can watch the hearing and read the official testimony at the Committee’s website. I have also archived the written testimony here.
Read more here.
Denied Entry to the U.S.? Don’t Panic
(Tony Wilson — Globe & Mail)
Given the recent meeting between Prime Minster Stephen Harper and U.S. President Barak Obama to discuss a potential Canada/U.S. “security perimeter,” it’s a good time to look at your options if you find yourself stopped at the border.
What should you do if you are denied entry on the basis of a criminal conviction that might have happened decades ago in your wayward youth? Read more here.
Given the recent meeting between Prime Minster Stephen Harper and U.S. President Barak Obama to discuss a potential Canada/U.S. “security perimeter,” it’s a good time to look at your options if you find yourself stopped at the border.
What should you do if you are denied entry on the basis of a criminal conviction that might have happened decades ago in your wayward youth? Read more here.
“Forgotten Border” Now Making Headlines
(Associated Press)
A recent government report states the terrorist threat from Canada is greater than from Mexico, and that only 32 miles of the border is adequately patrolled.
A recent government report states the terrorist threat from Canada is greater than from Mexico, and that only 32 miles of the border is adequately patrolled.
Related: Northern border may be more secure than depicted (Wall Street Journal)
February 15, 2011
CFIA Update: Wood Packaging Material Between Canada and U.S
(CIFFA eBulletin)
Implementation of the International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15 (2009) for Wood Packaging Material Moving Between Canada and the United States
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and the United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA-APHIS) are moving forward to remove the current exemption for wood packaging being shipped between the two countries, as outlined in the International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPM) No. 15. This action is necessary to prevent the introduction of new forest pests, as well as slow the spread of forest pests already established in North America.
Full details here.
Implementation of the International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15 (2009) for Wood Packaging Material Moving Between Canada and the United States
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and the United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA-APHIS) are moving forward to remove the current exemption for wood packaging being shipped between the two countries, as outlined in the International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPM) No. 15. This action is necessary to prevent the introduction of new forest pests, as well as slow the spread of forest pests already established in North America.
Full details here.
Japan, India to Sign Free Trade Agreement
(Journal of Commerce Online – Hisane Masaki)
Pact to eliminate import tariffs on 94% of bilateral trade
Japan and India will sign a free trade agreement Wednesday to eliminate import tariffs on most products traded between the two giant Asian economies, the Japanese government announced Tuesday.
The FTA, which is formally called the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between Japan and the Republic of India, will be signed in Tokyo by Japanese Foreign Minister Seiji Maehara and Indian Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma.
The signing comes after about four years of negotiations. The Japan-India FTA will eliminate import tariffs on about 94% of bilateral trade by value within 10 years. Read more here.
Pact to eliminate import tariffs on 94% of bilateral trade
Japan and India will sign a free trade agreement Wednesday to eliminate import tariffs on most products traded between the two giant Asian economies, the Japanese government announced Tuesday.
The FTA, which is formally called the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between Japan and the Republic of India, will be signed in Tokyo by Japanese Foreign Minister Seiji Maehara and Indian Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma.
The signing comes after about four years of negotiations. The Japan-India FTA will eliminate import tariffs on about 94% of bilateral trade by value within 10 years. Read more here.
Increased Reliance on Imports Weakens Canadian Food Sector: Report
(FoodNavigator.com – Caroline Scott-Thomas)
The Canadian food industry is losing relevance, profitability and quality, says a new report from the Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute (CAPI), which outlines steps that could help reverse the trend.
Canada was once the world’s third-largest food producer, but now ranks seventh, and imports 50% more food than it did in 2000, the report said. With increased reliance on imports, the Canadian food sector could miss out on big opportunities, as the world’s demand for food is widely expected to grow by about 70% by 2050.
CAPI, a non-partisan policy forum, urges the Canadian food industry to take advantage of the nation’s natural advantages in terms of climate, geography and skills to produce higher volumes of better quality food. “Canada can be the world’s leading producer of nutritious and safe foods produced in a sustainable, profitable manner,” the report said. “This would pack a competitive punch that few other countries in the world can match.”
Read more here. The full CAPI report is available online here.
The Canadian food industry is losing relevance, profitability and quality, says a new report from the Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute (CAPI), which outlines steps that could help reverse the trend.
Canada was once the world’s third-largest food producer, but now ranks seventh, and imports 50% more food than it did in 2000, the report said. With increased reliance on imports, the Canadian food sector could miss out on big opportunities, as the world’s demand for food is widely expected to grow by about 70% by 2050.
CAPI, a non-partisan policy forum, urges the Canadian food industry to take advantage of the nation’s natural advantages in terms of climate, geography and skills to produce higher volumes of better quality food. “Canada can be the world’s leading producer of nutritious and safe foods produced in a sustainable, profitable manner,” the report said. “This would pack a competitive punch that few other countries in the world can match.”
Read more here. The full CAPI report is available online here.
Webinar: Letters of Credit – February 23
(Canadian Transportation & Logistics)
Join CITT on February 23 at noon EST for a 45 minute Webinar:
Letters of Credit
• Export vs. Import.
• Application Form (import)
• Importance of reviewing a draft
• Terms of sale
• Desired payment terms
• Any Canadian Port
• Who should present and where
• Conclude with exploration of possible differences between two countries (South Korea/Chile)
Facilitator: Patrick Cullen, CITT, Chairman Rodair Holdings Ltd.
Free for CITT members, $25 for non members
Contact: Jennifer Barry, phone 416-363-5696, fax 416-363-5698 jbarry@citt.ca
Join CITT on February 23 at noon EST for a 45 minute Webinar:
Letters of Credit
• Export vs. Import.
• Application Form (import)
• Importance of reviewing a draft
• Terms of sale
• Desired payment terms
• Any Canadian Port
• Who should present and where
• Conclude with exploration of possible differences between two countries (South Korea/Chile)
Facilitator: Patrick Cullen, CITT, Chairman Rodair Holdings Ltd.
Free for CITT members, $25 for non members
Contact: Jennifer Barry, phone 416-363-5696, fax 416-363-5698 jbarry@citt.ca
Changes to Import Notification Requirements – Phase 5
(CFIA)
This notice is to inform importers and brokers that the Canadian Food Inspection Agency will be implementing phase 5 of the changes to import notification requirements for products in the non-federally registered food sector effective May 09, 2011.
Please click here for more information.
This notice is to inform importers and brokers that the Canadian Food Inspection Agency will be implementing phase 5 of the changes to import notification requirements for products in the non-federally registered food sector effective May 09, 2011.
Please click here for more information.
Supply Chain Comment: Rising Transportation Costs in 2011
(Supply Chain Digest – Ted Schaefer)
At 63% of the total logistics costs reported in CSCMP’s most recent release of its Annual State of Logistics Report, transportation continues to be a significant portion of the total supply chain cost. Based on Profit Point’s recent Transportation Survey of industry leaders, 90+% of shippers identify cost, service and finding adequate transportation capacity as their continuing priorities.
Seven out of eight transportation managers and directors around the world expect their freight costs to increase over the next year while about the same fraction of decision-makers are concerned about finding adequate transportation capacity in the market. These results make a lot of sense given that almost two thirds of the freight included by the survey respondents moved in trucks; the sector that has seen the largest capacity reduction and will be most challenged when the economy moves into higher gear. Perhaps this over-arching concern for rising costs and scarcity of capacity explains why less than half of all respondents believe that “green” initiatives will impact their transportation plans within the next five years.
Read more here. To read the complete report, visit Profit Point.
At 63% of the total logistics costs reported in CSCMP’s most recent release of its Annual State of Logistics Report, transportation continues to be a significant portion of the total supply chain cost. Based on Profit Point’s recent Transportation Survey of industry leaders, 90+% of shippers identify cost, service and finding adequate transportation capacity as their continuing priorities.
Seven out of eight transportation managers and directors around the world expect their freight costs to increase over the next year while about the same fraction of decision-makers are concerned about finding adequate transportation capacity in the market. These results make a lot of sense given that almost two thirds of the freight included by the survey respondents moved in trucks; the sector that has seen the largest capacity reduction and will be most challenged when the economy moves into higher gear. Perhaps this over-arching concern for rising costs and scarcity of capacity explains why less than half of all respondents believe that “green” initiatives will impact their transportation plans within the next five years.
Read more here. To read the complete report, visit Profit Point.
China Overtakes Japan as No. 2 Economy
(Industry Week – Agence France-Presse)
Japan lost its 42-year ranking as the world’s second-biggest economy to China in 2010, with data on Monday showing a contraction in the last quarter due to weak consumer spending and a strong yen.
While Japan was expected to fall behind a surging China in the year, the data underlined the weak state of a Japanese economy burdened by deflation, soft domestic demand and pressured by the industrialized world’s biggest debt. Read more here.
Japan lost its 42-year ranking as the world’s second-biggest economy to China in 2010, with data on Monday showing a contraction in the last quarter due to weak consumer spending and a strong yen.
While Japan was expected to fall behind a surging China in the year, the data underlined the weak state of a Japanese economy burdened by deflation, soft domestic demand and pressured by the industrialized world’s biggest debt. Read more here.
Canada Pursuing Free Trade Agreement with Honduras
(Minister of International Trade)
The Honourable Peter Van Loan, Minister of International Trade, today emphasized the government’s commitment to pursuing free trade negotiations with Honduras.
“The economy remains the government’s number one priority,” said Minister Van Loan. “Honduras offers promising opportunities for Canadian businesses and workers. In fact, during the first 11 months of 2010, Canadian merchandise exports were up almost 20 percent over the previous year.”
Canada is carving out a free trade leadership role in the Americas. Canada currently has agreements with seven countries in the Americas and is negotiating with many more.
“Canadian and Honduran officials are meeting in Tegucigalpa beginning February 14 to advance discussions,” added Minister Van Loan. “Next week’s meeting follows a productive round of negotiations in Ottawa in December, where both sides set an ambitious schedule.”
Canada and Honduras agreed to pursue bilateral negotiations toward a free trade agreement in October 2010, following almost nine years of talks between Canada and the Central American Four Countries of El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua.
Since taking office in 2006, the Harper government has pursued an ambitious free trade agenda. In just five years, Canada has concluded free trade agreements with eight countries: Colombia, Peru, Jordan, Panama and the European Free Trade Association states of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland, and is now in negotiations with close to 50 countries.
The Honourable Peter Van Loan, Minister of International Trade, today emphasized the government’s commitment to pursuing free trade negotiations with Honduras.
“The economy remains the government’s number one priority,” said Minister Van Loan. “Honduras offers promising opportunities for Canadian businesses and workers. In fact, during the first 11 months of 2010, Canadian merchandise exports were up almost 20 percent over the previous year.”
Canada is carving out a free trade leadership role in the Americas. Canada currently has agreements with seven countries in the Americas and is negotiating with many more.
“Canadian and Honduran officials are meeting in Tegucigalpa beginning February 14 to advance discussions,” added Minister Van Loan. “Next week’s meeting follows a productive round of negotiations in Ottawa in December, where both sides set an ambitious schedule.”
Canada and Honduras agreed to pursue bilateral negotiations toward a free trade agreement in October 2010, following almost nine years of talks between Canada and the Central American Four Countries of El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua.
Since taking office in 2006, the Harper government has pursued an ambitious free trade agenda. In just five years, Canada has concluded free trade agreements with eight countries: Colombia, Peru, Jordan, Panama and the European Free Trade Association states of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland, and is now in negotiations with close to 50 countries.
Canada Heeds Softwood Lumber Ruling
(AFP)
Canada will increase export charges on softwood lumber to the United States, the government said Friday after an arbitration court ruled it had wrongly subsidized lumber exports. The London Court of International Arbitration last month supported U.S. claims that Canada broke the terms of a five-year-old agreement on bilateral lumber trade.
After reviewing the decision, Trade Minister Peter Van Loan said the tribunal ruled that “loan guarantee programs that specifically benefit the softwood lumber industry contravene the Softwood Lumber Agreement.”
To bring Canada into compliance with the pact, he said Ottawa will implement additional export charges of 0.1% and 2.6% for Ontario and Quebec, respectively. “The government will complete the necessary steps in parliament to implement these additional charges as of March 1, 2011,” the minister added. Read more here.
Canada will increase export charges on softwood lumber to the United States, the government said Friday after an arbitration court ruled it had wrongly subsidized lumber exports. The London Court of International Arbitration last month supported U.S. claims that Canada broke the terms of a five-year-old agreement on bilateral lumber trade.
After reviewing the decision, Trade Minister Peter Van Loan said the tribunal ruled that “loan guarantee programs that specifically benefit the softwood lumber industry contravene the Softwood Lumber Agreement.”
To bring Canada into compliance with the pact, he said Ottawa will implement additional export charges of 0.1% and 2.6% for Ontario and Quebec, respectively. “The government will complete the necessary steps in parliament to implement these additional charges as of March 1, 2011,” the minister added. Read more here.
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