(The Canadian Press)
Federal Maritime Commission singles out Prince Rupert, B.C.
An American federal agency is suggesting Canadian ports taking in
U.S.-bound cargo, in particular Prince Rupert, B.C., lack the tight
security measures in place in the United States for cargo shipped
directly to its ports.
The report by the five-member Federal Maritime Commission points out
that Prince Rupert isn’t a “CSI” port. CSI is an acronym for the
Container Security Initiative, a program implemented by U.S. Customs and
Border Control to pre-screen more than 86 per cent of U.S.-bound
container cargo.
“Vancouver, Montreal and Halifax are CSI ports; Prince Rupert is
not,” reads the report obtained by The Canadian Press on the eve of its
official release. Read more here.
July 27, 2012
News from Thompson Ahern: Weekly Updates
An updated list of recently published government
memorandums, notices, regulations and decisions for the week ending July 27, 2012 is now available on our
website here.
July 26, 2012
Trade Minister to Travel to Myanmar to Open up Trade, Investment Opportunities
(Canadian Business)
After years of imposing tough sanctions, Canada announced a push Wednesday to open up economic relations with Myanmar, saying International Trade Minister Ed Fast and a delegation of business leaders would travel to the strategically-placed Southeast Asian nation in September.
Fast will be the first cabinet minister to visit the country since trade sanctions were eased at the end of April and Canada announced it would open an embassy in the capital, Rangoon, in recognition of Myanmar’s moves to improve human rights and democracy.
But despite Ottawa’s optimism over a trade relationship, some pro-democracy and human rights groups are warning that the country formerly known as Burma is still facing serious human rights issues. Read more here.
After years of imposing tough sanctions, Canada announced a push Wednesday to open up economic relations with Myanmar, saying International Trade Minister Ed Fast and a delegation of business leaders would travel to the strategically-placed Southeast Asian nation in September.
Fast will be the first cabinet minister to visit the country since trade sanctions were eased at the end of April and Canada announced it would open an embassy in the capital, Rangoon, in recognition of Myanmar’s moves to improve human rights and democracy.
But despite Ottawa’s optimism over a trade relationship, some pro-democracy and human rights groups are warning that the country formerly known as Burma is still facing serious human rights issues. Read more here.
Argentina the World’s Most Protectionist Country, says World Bank Trade Report
(MercoPress)
For the second time in a row a study from World Bank’s Global Trade Alert points Argentina as the world’s most protectionist country. In a report released by the institution, Argentina appears as the country which applies the most restrictions to control foreign trade for the second time in a row.
Argentina tops the list of countries with more commercial restrictions, both for imports and exports, and also for foreign currency controls. Read more here.
For the second time in a row a study from World Bank’s Global Trade Alert points Argentina as the world’s most protectionist country. In a report released by the institution, Argentina appears as the country which applies the most restrictions to control foreign trade for the second time in a row.
Argentina tops the list of countries with more commercial restrictions, both for imports and exports, and also for foreign currency controls. Read more here.
Harper Government Teams With Canadian Researchers to Bolster Food Safety System
(Daily Commercial News)
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Genome Canada and Alberta Innovates Bio Solutions are partnering in a $600,000 project that will help protect consumers from Listeriosis, a serious foodborne illness.
The project aims to map the genome of Listeria bacteria so that more rapid tests can be developed. Current test methods take at least five days. Genomic techniques could improve accuracy and cut testing time significantly, allowing the CFIA and industry to more effectively identify unsafe foods.
“The Harper Government is committed to improving Canada’s already robust food safety system,” said Agriculture Minister, Gerry Ritz. “Through investments in science and innovation, we are giving industry the opportunity to better identify and reduce risks for consumers, meaning safer food for Canadian families.” Read more here.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Genome Canada and Alberta Innovates Bio Solutions are partnering in a $600,000 project that will help protect consumers from Listeriosis, a serious foodborne illness.
The project aims to map the genome of Listeria bacteria so that more rapid tests can be developed. Current test methods take at least five days. Genomic techniques could improve accuracy and cut testing time significantly, allowing the CFIA and industry to more effectively identify unsafe foods.
“The Harper Government is committed to improving Canada’s already robust food safety system,” said Agriculture Minister, Gerry Ritz. “Through investments in science and innovation, we are giving industry the opportunity to better identify and reduce risks for consumers, meaning safer food for Canadian families.” Read more here.
Global Textile & Apparel Markets to Remain Subdued in 2012
(fibre2fashion.com)
Textile and clothing markets are likely to remain subdued in 2012, given the considerable uncertainty in the global economy, and the fact that the debt crisis in the eurozone continues to hit business and consumer confidence, according to Issue No 156 of Textile Outlook International from the global business information company Textiles Intelligence.
In the EU economy, the recovery which started in 2010 is expected to be snuffed out in 2012. Forecasts suggest that the EU economy will suffer a second dip in 2012 with GDP down in real terms by 0.5%. A partial recovery is predicted for 2013 but GDP is expected to grow by only 0.8%.
The views of European textile manufacturers reflect this outlook. Having reported a notable recovery in their markets in 2011, the recovery slowed markedly in the last quarter of the year and the view now is that the effects of Europe’s economic turbulence will continue to have an adverse effect on trade during the remainder of 2012 and perhaps beyond. Read more here.
Textile and clothing markets are likely to remain subdued in 2012, given the considerable uncertainty in the global economy, and the fact that the debt crisis in the eurozone continues to hit business and consumer confidence, according to Issue No 156 of Textile Outlook International from the global business information company Textiles Intelligence.
In the EU economy, the recovery which started in 2010 is expected to be snuffed out in 2012. Forecasts suggest that the EU economy will suffer a second dip in 2012 with GDP down in real terms by 0.5%. A partial recovery is predicted for 2013 but GDP is expected to grow by only 0.8%.
The views of European textile manufacturers reflect this outlook. Having reported a notable recovery in their markets in 2011, the recovery slowed markedly in the last quarter of the year and the view now is that the effects of Europe’s economic turbulence will continue to have an adverse effect on trade during the remainder of 2012 and perhaps beyond. Read more here.
July 25, 2012
Cheap Steel Sets Up Anti-Dumping Trade War Now Fought in India
(Sohrab Darabshaw – MetalMiner)
India is the latest country to cry foul over the dumping of cheap imports by Southeast Asian countries in what is being dubbed as a “mini-war” in global trade.
In the last month or so, steel producers from around the globe have already exchanged accusations of rivals in foreign lands dumping cheap metal into their markets. The countries at which fingers are being pointed are not only China, but also Russia, Ukraine and Korea.
Now, it’s the Indian steel producers’ turn to cry foul. Last week, The Business Standard reported on how the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) is proving to be a new headache for Indian steel producers, who are already struggling with other problems beyond anti-dumping issues such as shortages of iron ore and skittish prices. They are now demanding that steel products be kept away from such Free Trade Agreements. Read more here.
India is the latest country to cry foul over the dumping of cheap imports by Southeast Asian countries in what is being dubbed as a “mini-war” in global trade.
In the last month or so, steel producers from around the globe have already exchanged accusations of rivals in foreign lands dumping cheap metal into their markets. The countries at which fingers are being pointed are not only China, but also Russia, Ukraine and Korea.
Now, it’s the Indian steel producers’ turn to cry foul. Last week, The Business Standard reported on how the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) is proving to be a new headache for Indian steel producers, who are already struggling with other problems beyond anti-dumping issues such as shortages of iron ore and skittish prices. They are now demanding that steel products be kept away from such Free Trade Agreements. Read more here.
China an Attractive Free Trade Partner, Poll Suggests
(Nirmala Menon – Wall Street Journal)
A majority of Canadians with professional and business ties to Asia picked China as a priority partner for a free trade agreement, though many are concerned that such a deal may still not allow Canadian businesses to compete on a level playing field, according to a new poll.
The Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada says 47% of its opinion panel of Canadians with ties to Asia chose China for a trade deal, well ahead of Japan at 16% and India at 15%.
The findings come as Canada looks to boost trade ties with Asia, as the economies of its traditional trade partners in the West slow. Some three-quarters of Canadian exports are currently to the U.S. Read more here.
A majority of Canadians with professional and business ties to Asia picked China as a priority partner for a free trade agreement, though many are concerned that such a deal may still not allow Canadian businesses to compete on a level playing field, according to a new poll.
The Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada says 47% of its opinion panel of Canadians with ties to Asia chose China for a trade deal, well ahead of Japan at 16% and India at 15%.
The findings come as Canada looks to boost trade ties with Asia, as the economies of its traditional trade partners in the West slow. Some three-quarters of Canadian exports are currently to the U.S. Read more here.
U.S. Agency Accuses B.C. Ports of Taking Away Cargo Business
(Lee-Anne Goodman – The Canadian Press)
A U.S. federal agency has accused Canadian ports on the West Coast of deliberately luring lucrative cargo business away from their American counterparts.
The five-member Federal Maritime Commission voted 3-2 on Tuesday in favour of a critical report, which carries findings that also purportedly raise concerns about Canadian security measures at ports.
The report will soon be delivered to the U.S. Congress, which asked the nonpartisan agency last year to probe allegations about Canada’s port practices after complaints by two Washington state senators. Read more here.
A U.S. federal agency has accused Canadian ports on the West Coast of deliberately luring lucrative cargo business away from their American counterparts.
The five-member Federal Maritime Commission voted 3-2 on Tuesday in favour of a critical report, which carries findings that also purportedly raise concerns about Canadian security measures at ports.
The report will soon be delivered to the U.S. Congress, which asked the nonpartisan agency last year to probe allegations about Canada’s port practices after complaints by two Washington state senators. Read more here.
July 24, 2012
Michigan Voters May Consider Bridge Crossing
(Transport Topics)
A committee created by the owners of the Ambassador Bridge turned in just over 600,000 signatures, almost twice the number needed for a ballot initiative that would allow Michigan voters to approve or reject a new, competing bridge crossing.
But the Michigan Bureau of Elections must review the signatures and make a recommendation before the issue can be put on the November ballot, a state official said.
About 8,500 heavy-duty trucks daily cross the Ambassador Bridge, which connects Detroit and Windsor, Ontario.
Last month, Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder (R) reached a public-private partnership agreement with Canada to build a second bridge crossing between the Detroit and Windsor.
A committee created by the owners of the Ambassador Bridge turned in just over 600,000 signatures, almost twice the number needed for a ballot initiative that would allow Michigan voters to approve or reject a new, competing bridge crossing.
But the Michigan Bureau of Elections must review the signatures and make a recommendation before the issue can be put on the November ballot, a state official said.
About 8,500 heavy-duty trucks daily cross the Ambassador Bridge, which connects Detroit and Windsor, Ontario.
Last month, Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder (R) reached a public-private partnership agreement with Canada to build a second bridge crossing between the Detroit and Windsor.
Canada-India Trade Deal on Fast Track, But Experts Question Its Scope
(BJ Siekierski – iPolitics)
When talking about the Trans-Pacific Partnership and the Canada-EU comprehensive and economic trade agreement, Canadian proponents tend to drop in descriptors like ‘ambitious’ and ‘twenty-first century’ — the same can’t be said for the ongoing Canada-India negotiations.
A fifth round of talks for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement — CEPA — between Canada and India begin Tuesday in New Delhi amid sudden optimism from the Harper government about the possibility of concluding the deal in the near future. [...]
For negotiations that really only got started at the end of 2010 with a country of more than a billion people and a vastly different economy, completing a deal the government estimates could give the Canadian economy a ‘$6-billion boost’ would seem to be a coup.
But a glance below the surface of Fast’s optimistic timeframe shows that it’s based on signs that the deal is likely to be comprehensive in name only. Read more here.
When talking about the Trans-Pacific Partnership and the Canada-EU comprehensive and economic trade agreement, Canadian proponents tend to drop in descriptors like ‘ambitious’ and ‘twenty-first century’ — the same can’t be said for the ongoing Canada-India negotiations.
A fifth round of talks for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement — CEPA — between Canada and India begin Tuesday in New Delhi amid sudden optimism from the Harper government about the possibility of concluding the deal in the near future. [...]
For negotiations that really only got started at the end of 2010 with a country of more than a billion people and a vastly different economy, completing a deal the government estimates could give the Canadian economy a ‘$6-billion boost’ would seem to be a coup.
But a glance below the surface of Fast’s optimistic timeframe shows that it’s based on signs that the deal is likely to be comprehensive in name only. Read more here.
July 23, 2012
Free Trade: Untangling the Noodles
(Stephen Grenville – The Interpreter)
The Doha Round of multilateral trade negotiations has fizzled out. The spate of preferential trade agreements (PTAs), misleadingly called ‘free trade agreements’, has created a messy ‘noodle bowl’ of overlapping and uncoordinated rules. A logical alternative strategy might start with a small group of like-minded countries which agree to an over-arching set of free-trade principles. The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) embodies this idea. There is, however, a lot more in this partnership package and these extra components need careful analysis.
The TPP began with just four small and disparate economies (New Zealand, Singapore, Brunei, and Chile). In 2009 the US saw this as the suitable vehicle for its international trade agenda, and the grouping has now grown to ten (adding the US, Australia, Peru, Malaysia, Vietnam, Mexico) with two more (Japan, Canada) contemplating joining. The details are under negotiation, scheduled to be finished this year. Read more here.
The Doha Round of multilateral trade negotiations has fizzled out. The spate of preferential trade agreements (PTAs), misleadingly called ‘free trade agreements’, has created a messy ‘noodle bowl’ of overlapping and uncoordinated rules. A logical alternative strategy might start with a small group of like-minded countries which agree to an over-arching set of free-trade principles. The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) embodies this idea. There is, however, a lot more in this partnership package and these extra components need careful analysis.
The TPP began with just four small and disparate economies (New Zealand, Singapore, Brunei, and Chile). In 2009 the US saw this as the suitable vehicle for its international trade agenda, and the grouping has now grown to ten (adding the US, Australia, Peru, Malaysia, Vietnam, Mexico) with two more (Japan, Canada) contemplating joining. The details are under negotiation, scheduled to be finished this year. Read more here.
RIM, Apple Patent Ruling Upheld
(IDG News / IT world Canada)
The U.S. International Trade Commission has affirmed a prior ruling that an Eastman Kodak patent asserted in a complaint against Apple Inc. and Research In Motion is invalid, according to a notice issued late Friday.
Kodak said Saturday it would appeal the ruling.
In May, ITC Administrative Law Judge Thomas Pender found that Apple’s iPhone 3G and some RIM BlackBerry devices infringe the Kodak patent, U.S. Patent No. 6,292,218, but also ruled that the patent itself is invalid. In essence, the decision determined that Kodak’s claim was invalid.
Kodak, RIM and Apple separately petitioned the ITC for a review of different parts of the decision.
Late Friday, the U.S. ITC affirmed Pender’s decision. “The investigation is thus terminated with a finding of no violation,” the ITC said in a brief notice. Read more here.
The U.S. International Trade Commission has affirmed a prior ruling that an Eastman Kodak patent asserted in a complaint against Apple Inc. and Research In Motion is invalid, according to a notice issued late Friday.
Kodak said Saturday it would appeal the ruling.
In May, ITC Administrative Law Judge Thomas Pender found that Apple’s iPhone 3G and some RIM BlackBerry devices infringe the Kodak patent, U.S. Patent No. 6,292,218, but also ruled that the patent itself is invalid. In essence, the decision determined that Kodak’s claim was invalid.
Kodak, RIM and Apple separately petitioned the ITC for a review of different parts of the decision.
Late Friday, the U.S. ITC affirmed Pender’s decision. “The investigation is thus terminated with a finding of no violation,” the ITC said in a brief notice. Read more here.
CITT Initiates Inquiry into Unitized Wall Modules From China
(CITT)
The Canadian International Trade Tribunal has initiated a preliminary injury inquiry into a complaint by Allan Window Technologies, of Concord, Ontario, Ferguson Neudorf Glass Inc., of Beamsville, Ontario, Flynn Canada Ltd., of Mississauga, Ontario, Inland Glass & Aluminum Ltd./Aluminum Curtainwall Systems Inc., of Kamloops, British Columbia, Oldcastle Building Envelope, of Concord, Ontario, Sota Glazing Inc., of Brampton, Ontario, Starline Architectural Windows Ltd., of Langley, British Columbia, and Toro Aluminum/Toro Glasswall Inc., of Concord, Ontario, that they have suffered injury as a result of the dumping and subsidizing of unitized wall modules from the People’s Republic of China. The Tribunal’s inquiry is conducted pursuant to the Special Import Measures Act as a result of the initiation of dumping and subsidizing investigations by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).
On September 14, 2012, the Tribunal will determine whether there is a reasonable indication that the alleged dumping and subsidizing have injured the domestic industry. If so, the CBSA will continue its investigations and, by October 15, 2012, will issue preliminary determinations. If these preliminary determinations indicate that there has been dumping or subsidizing, the CBSA will then continue its investigations and, concurrently, the Tribunal will initiate a final injury inquiry. Anti-dumping and/or countervailing duties will be imposed only if the Tribunal finds that dumped or subsidized products are injuring or threatening to injure the Canadian producers.
Any interested person, association or government that wishes to participate in the Tribunal’s inquiry may do so by filing a Notice of Participation.
Gillian Burnett
Acting Secretary
613-990-2452
secretary@citt-tcce.gc.ca
www.citt-tcce.gc.ca/new/index_e.asp
The Canadian International Trade Tribunal has initiated a preliminary injury inquiry into a complaint by Allan Window Technologies, of Concord, Ontario, Ferguson Neudorf Glass Inc., of Beamsville, Ontario, Flynn Canada Ltd., of Mississauga, Ontario, Inland Glass & Aluminum Ltd./Aluminum Curtainwall Systems Inc., of Kamloops, British Columbia, Oldcastle Building Envelope, of Concord, Ontario, Sota Glazing Inc., of Brampton, Ontario, Starline Architectural Windows Ltd., of Langley, British Columbia, and Toro Aluminum/Toro Glasswall Inc., of Concord, Ontario, that they have suffered injury as a result of the dumping and subsidizing of unitized wall modules from the People’s Republic of China. The Tribunal’s inquiry is conducted pursuant to the Special Import Measures Act as a result of the initiation of dumping and subsidizing investigations by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).
On September 14, 2012, the Tribunal will determine whether there is a reasonable indication that the alleged dumping and subsidizing have injured the domestic industry. If so, the CBSA will continue its investigations and, by October 15, 2012, will issue preliminary determinations. If these preliminary determinations indicate that there has been dumping or subsidizing, the CBSA will then continue its investigations and, concurrently, the Tribunal will initiate a final injury inquiry. Anti-dumping and/or countervailing duties will be imposed only if the Tribunal finds that dumped or subsidized products are injuring or threatening to injure the Canadian producers.
Any interested person, association or government that wishes to participate in the Tribunal’s inquiry may do so by filing a Notice of Participation.
Gillian Burnett
Acting Secretary
613-990-2452
secretary@citt-tcce.gc.ca
www.citt-tcce.gc.ca/new/index_e.asp
Update on Canada-India Trade Relations
(DFAIT)
The Canada-India Business Council Hosts Interactive Roundtable for Senior Business Leaders
The Canada India Business Council (C-IBC) is pleased to host the Honourable Ed Fast, the Canadian Minister of International Trade, for an update on the negotiations towards a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between Canada and India, as well as insight into the Government’s broader pro-trade agenda.
“Our government remains squarely focused on what matters to Canadians: jobs, growth and long-term prosperity. Deepening Canada’s trading relationships with high-growth markets like India is key to these efforts,” said the Honourable Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway. “I am pleased to say that the Canada-India trade talks are progressing well and both sides are committed to concluding an ambitious agreement which will unlock the full potential of Canada-India trade, and benefit workers and businesses in both countries.”
The C-IBC facilitated discussion offers a platform for Canadian business leaders from a variety of sectors to share their strategic priorities with the Minister. The roundtable is sponsored by Sun Life Financial, KPMG and the Caisse de depot. Read more here.
The Canada-India Business Council Hosts Interactive Roundtable for Senior Business Leaders
The Canada India Business Council (C-IBC) is pleased to host the Honourable Ed Fast, the Canadian Minister of International Trade, for an update on the negotiations towards a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between Canada and India, as well as insight into the Government’s broader pro-trade agenda.
“Our government remains squarely focused on what matters to Canadians: jobs, growth and long-term prosperity. Deepening Canada’s trading relationships with high-growth markets like India is key to these efforts,” said the Honourable Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway. “I am pleased to say that the Canada-India trade talks are progressing well and both sides are committed to concluding an ambitious agreement which will unlock the full potential of Canada-India trade, and benefit workers and businesses in both countries.”
The C-IBC facilitated discussion offers a platform for Canadian business leaders from a variety of sectors to share their strategic priorities with the Minister. The roundtable is sponsored by Sun Life Financial, KPMG and the Caisse de depot. Read more here.
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