Congress and the President find themselves in bipartisan unanimity in approving measures opposing China. The weekly trade report with L.C. On July 14th President Trump ended Hong Kong’s special status as a customs territory separate from mainland China. This followed China’s imposition of the Hong Kong Security Law and the US Secretary of State’s determination […]
Senate grills Lighthizer over Bolton book charges
The weekly trade report with L.C. During his annual testimony to Congress on June 17th, USTR Robert Lighthizer was put on the defensive by questions citing former National Security Advisor John Bolton’s newly published book. The Bolton book charges that the President’s interest in a trade deal with China was driven more by 2020 re-election […]
116 countries back Australia’s push for an independent coronavirus inquiry
The weekly trade report with L.C. A coalition of 116 countries back Australia’s push for an independent coronavirus inquiry. A group of 54 African nations has joined, Australia’s SBS News reports, “bringing the total number of countries on board to 116.” SBS adds: The African Group’s 54 member states will co-sponsor the motion, joining 62 […]
Free trade initiatives prompted by pandemic
The weekly trade report with LC Free trade initiatives in medical products are being pursued on at least three continents (Europe, Asia, and Australia / New Zealand), and there are signs that trade may become a point of contention in the US 2020 presidential election. EU Trade Commissioner Phil Hogan, in an April 16th virtual […]
Blocking exports could hurt everyone
The weekly trade report with L.C. The US Government got into a tussle with the 3M Company, maker of N95 medical masks. The quarrel stems from the Trump Administration’s desire of blocking exports of supplies needed in the COVID-19 fight. Using the powers available to it under the 1950 Defense Production Act (DPA), the administration […]
