IMPORT & EXPORT
USMCA Takes Effect, Replaces NAFTA
By Dorothy Crouch | July 1, 2020
As a replacement for the North American Free Trade Agreement, the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement was implemented July 1.
USTR to Consider Extension of Tariff Exclusions on $34 Billion of Chinese Imports
As the leaders of the United States and China continue to negotiate new trade terms and navigate through tariff increases implemented on imported goods, the office of the United States Trade Representative made an announcement on Oct. 28 regarding exclusions.
Record Cargo Numbers for August at Port of Los Angeles Could Foreshadow Trouble
After moving 861,081 20-foot equivalent units—or TEUs—the Port of Los Angeles reported this week that it has set a new single-month cargo record for the month of August.
Tariff Issues Cool, Concerns Remain
Following the United States Trade Organization’s confirmation this week that an additional duty of 5 percent on $300 billion in products from China—on top of an original figure of 10 percent—would be implemented starting Sept. 1, representatives from the Chinese and U.S. governments had started to cool on the heated situation.
Mongolia Third Neighbor Trade Act Could Diversify Cashmere Sourcing for U.S.
Following the Trump administration’s declaration of raising tariffs by 10 percent on $300 billion of Chinese goods come Sept. 1—not including the $250 billion subjected to the existing 25 percent tariff—exports from China to the United States rose according to the General Administration of Customs earlier this week.
Administration’s New Tariff Brings Mixed Reaction
The United States trade war with China heated up this week when the Trump administration said that the U.S. would place a 10 percent tariff on an additional $300 billion worth of Chinese imports.
Organization Urges Trump Administration to Include Apparel and Made-Up Textiles in Next Round of Chinese Tariffs
As the trade war between the United States and China intensifies, members of the National Council of Textile Organizations have been urging the Trump administration to include apparel and certain textile items in the next round of tariffs.
Mexican Tariffs Are Off for Now but Manufacturers Still Cautious
The Trump administration’s threat to impose a 5 percent tariff on all goods imported from Mexico did not go into effect on June 10 as threatened.
Southern California Ports Tell a Tale of Two Traffic Stories
Business at Southern California’s seaports has been looking a little schizophrenic.
White House Announces Termination of India’s GSP Status
Following the White House’s removal of Turkey from the countries eligible for GSP (Generalized System of Preferences) status last month, the Trump administration declared that India has been deemed ineligible for continued inclusion as a beneficiary under the duty-free trade program.
Exclusion of Turkey and India from GSP Could Bring New Sourcing Problems
A great deal of attention has been paid to the issues surrounding the Trump administration’s move to impose up to an additional 25 percent higher tariff on certain goods entering the United States from China.
Proposed Tariffs on Chinese Goods Has the Apparel Industry Scrambling
Robert Jungmann has been importing hemp fabric from China for more than 20 years for the T-shirts he manufactures in Los Angeles.
How Far Will Tariff Expansion Go?
As the Trump administration threatened to again raise tariffs on $200 billion worth of Chinese imports as soon as May 10, many were wondering how far it would go and what it would cost the American consumer.
Byer California Cited for Evading Customs Duties by Undervaluing Garments
After years of litigation, Byer California has agreed to pay $325,000 in a civil fraud lawsuit that alleges the decades-old San Francisco clothing company for five years undervalued the cost of its merchandise coming through customs, paying lower duties than normal.
Big Challenges for Shipping Industry in 2020
Apparel and textile importers have spent the last year challenged by rising shipping rates and tight vessel space as cargo owners scrambled to bring in merchandise earlier than normal to beat an expected tariff rise on certain Chinese goods.
A Cease-Fire in the Trade War Has the Apparel Industry Wondering What Will Happen Next
The recent lull in the trade war between the United States and China was good news for U.S. retailers, clothing manufacturers and importers who have seen their bottom line eroded by a 10 percent tariff on certain goods imported from China.
