Breaking news! The United States is attacking China again! European air transport is blocked! Many countries announced the closure of their airspace! 丨 Foreign Trade News Express
Breaking news! The United States strikes China again!
On the morning of April 17th, local time in the United States, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) suddenly issued an announcement: announcing the launch of a comprehensive 301 investigation into China's three major areas: maritime, logistics and shipbuilding!
The spokesperson of the Ministry of Commerce of China subsequently made an urgent statement on the US's 301 investigation against China. China is strongly dissatisfied with this and firmly opposes it.
The Ministry of Commerce pointed out that the US application is full of false accusations, misinterpreting normal trade and investment activities as damaging US national security and corporate interests, and blaming China for its own industrial problems. This is not only lacking in factual basis, but also contrary to economic common sense. Many US research reports show that the US shipbuilding industry has lost its competitive advantage many years ago due to overprotection.
The US provides hundreds of billions of dollars in discriminatory subsidies to its own industries, but accuses China of adopting so-called "non-market practices". In fact, the development of Chinese industries is the result of technological innovation and active participation in market competition by enterprises. The US accusation is totally untenable.
The previous US administration launched a 301 investigation into China and imposed tariffs on China, which has been ruled by the WTO as a violation of WTO rules and has been opposed by many WTO members.The United States has made one mistake after another by launching a new Section 301 investigation out of domestic political needs.
We urge the US to respect facts and multilateral rules, immediately stop its wrong practices and return to the rules-based multilateral trading system. China will closely follow the progress of the investigation and will take all necessary measures to resolutely defend its rights and interests.
It is reported that U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai officially announced on April 17 that after a detailed review of the petition submitted by five national trade unions to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, the department has decided to "launch an in-depth investigation into China’s dominant behaviors, policies and practices in the shipping, logistics and shipbuilding industries."
The five petitioning unions include:
the International Union of Steel, Paper and Forestry, Rubber, Manufacturing, Energy, Allied Industrial and Service Workers of America, American Federation of Labor-CIO (“USW”);
International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (“IAM”);
International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmiths, Forgemen and Helpers, American Federation of Labor-Industrial Organization ("IBB");
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (“IBEW”);
and the Maritime Trade Department, AFL-CIO (“MTD”).
On March 12, five major trade unions led by the United Steelworkers (USW) formally petitioned the Biden administration to conduct a trade investigation into the "unreasonable and discriminatory" practices suffered by China in the United States in the maritime, logistics and shipbuilding industries.
What does the US "301 investigation" mean?
The 301 investigation is an investigation conducted by the United States under Section 301. Section 301 refers to the entire content of Sections 1301-1310 of the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988. Its main meaning is to protect the rights of the United States in international trade.
Under this provision, the United States can investigate the trade practices of other countries that it deems "unfair" and consult with the governments of the countries concerned. Ultimately, the president will decide on retaliatory measures such as raising tariffs, restricting imports, and suspending relevant agreements.
It is understood that after considering the petition of the labor union and the professional advice of the Section 301 Committee, the Office of the United States Trade Representative has decided to formally initiate the investigation procedure. The United States Trade Representative must consult with the foreign government under investigation during the investigation.
Based on consultations and investigations, the U.S. Trade Representative may take a variety of measures to address the issues found. These measures include but are not limited to:
Tariffs: Imposing tariffs on goods from investigated countries to offset the impact of unfair trade practices.
Trade restrictions: Restrict or prohibit the import of certain goods, especially those that involve unfair trade practices.
Investment restrictions: Restricting U.S. companies’ investments in specific sectors or in specific countries, or restricting investment activities in the United States by companies from the investigated countries.
Diplomatic pressure: Increase political and economic pressure on the investigated country through diplomatic channels to prompt it to change relevant policies and practices.
Multilateral and international cooperation: Work with other countries to seek solutions through multilateral organizations such as the World Trade Organization (WTO) to jointly combat unfair trade practices. These measures are intended to restore fair competition conditions and protect the U.S. economy from unfair trade practices.
European air transport is blocked! Many countries announced the closure of their airspace!
According to media reports, in the early morning of the 14th local time, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps began launching large-scale missile and drone attacks on Israeli targets.
Many countries in the Middle East have announced the temporary closure of their airspace to all aircraft
Israel, Jordan, Iraq, Lebanon and many other countries have announced the temporary closure of their airspace to all aircraft.
Israel closed its airspace from the early morning of the 14th (now open)
The Israel Airports Authority said on the night of the 13th local time that due to the Iranian attack, Israeli airspace was closed from 0:30 local time on the 14th.
The Israel Airports Authority has not yet provided details on when flights will resume, saying it will update based on developments.
Jordan Civil Aviation Authority announces temporary closure of airspace to all aircraft (now open)
On April 13, local time, the Jordanian Civil Aviation Authority announced that in order to maintain civil aviation safety in Jordanian airspace, in view of the escalating risks in the region,
After assessing the risks in accordance with international standards, the Jordanian Civil Aviation Authority decided to temporarily close Jordanian airspace to all inbound, outbound and transit aircraft starting from 23:00 that day.
This policy will be adjusted at any time based on developments.
According to local media reports in Jordan, after the Jordanian Civil Aviation Authority announced the closure of its airspace, some planes that were originally scheduled to land at Queen Alia International Airport in Amman, the capital of Jordan, diverted to the airport in Aqaba in southern Jordan.
According to statistics, the decision has affected at least 40 flights taking off and landing at Queen Alia Airport, and a large number of passengers were stranded at the airport.
Iraq announces closure of airspace (now open)
According to the Iraqi National News Agency, on the evening of April 13th local time, Iraqi Transport Minister Razak Saadawi announced that Iraq has closed its airspace and stopped all air traffic.
According to a statement released by the Iraqi Civil Aviation Authority, Iraq's airspace will be closed from 23:30 local time on the 13th to 5:30 local time on the 14th, and may be extended.
Lebanon temporarily closed its airspace to all aircraft (now open)
In the early morning of the 14th local time, Lebanese Minister of Public Works and Transport Ali Hamie announced that as a preventive measure, Lebanese airspace has been temporarily closed to all aircraft arriving, taking off and flying over Lebanese airspace.
Several airlines announced flight suspensions
Russian Air Transport Agency: Russian airlines have suspended flights to Israel, Iraq and Jordan
Russian airlines have suspended flights to Israel, Iraq and Jordan until restrictions are lifted, the Russian Federal Air Transport Agency said in a message on its Telegram channel.
Air France flights avoid Iranian airspace
Air France has reportedly decided not to fly over Iran, with flight AF253 from Ho Chi Minh City to Paris diverted to Bangkok for refueling.
KLM to suspend flights over Israel, Iran
On April 12, the Dutch News Agency quoted a KLM spokesperson as saying that KLM flights will suspend flying over Israel and Iran.
KLM said the move was a precautionary measure in response to growing tensions between Iran and Israel.
Lufthansa extends suspension of Tehran flights
In addition, German Lufthansa announced on the 12th that due to concerns about flight safety, the company will suspend flights between Frankfurt, Germany and Tehran, the capital of Iran, until the 18th.
The suspension period was extended by five days from the previously announced period. At the same time, Lufthansa will no longer use Iranian airspace.
Austrian Airlines suspends Tehran flights
Due to the tense situation in the region, Austrian Airlines announced that it would suspend flights from Vienna to Tehran until April 18. "We continue to assess the situation in the Middle East and are in close contact with the relevant authorities for this purpose."
Lufthansa and its Austrian Airlines subsidiary are the only Western airlines flying to Tehran.
Qantas to London route to take detour
Qantas has diverted its direct flight from Perth to London via Singapore to avoid Iranian airspace. The return flight will remain direct but will also avoid Iranian airspace.
Singapore Airlines: Suspend cargo collection at European destinations
“Due to the recent intensification of the situation in the Middle East, our company’s flights to and from Europe have avoided the airspace of relevant countries: this has had a huge impact on the cargo carrying capacity.
According to the instructions of the Singapore headquarters, we will suspend the acceptance of European goods (except IST) from now until the 28th of this month.
Malaysia Airlines: Notice on suspension of cargo acceptance to London (LHR) destination
"We have decided to suspend receiving cargo to London (LHR) from April 17 to 30. The specific resumption time will be notified after our headquarters studies it."
The US refuses to export “Made in China” products from Malaysia and Vietnam!
According to foreign media reports, the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) is developing a plan to prevent Chinese-made cabinets and parts from being shipped to the United States through Malaysia and Vietnam.
The Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association (KCMA) recently stated that under the proposed procedures announced by the Department of Commerce, U.S. importers and exporters will need to certify that wooden cabinets and dressers imported from Malaysia and Vietnam, such as doors, drawer fronts and frames,None of them are finished or semi-finished products made in China.
“The Commerce Department’s decision is a big step forward as we work to ensure all cabinets and components imported from Malaysia and Vietnam are made in those countries and not in China,” said Betsy Natz, CEO of KCMA.
It is reported that KCMA will submit comments on the proposed certification procedures on April 19, and the US Department of Commerce is expected to issue a final scope ruling on June 14.
China is the world's largest furniture producer, accounting for 35% of global furniture production, and has outstanding supply chain advantages. However, in recent years, the US tariff policy has had a significant impact on the domestic furniture industry, so there has been a wave of furniture companies going overseas, but there are still a large number of companies that have no plans to go overseas and are more optimistic about the Chinese industrial environment.
The threshold for Southeast Asia, a novice village for furniture exports, is now becoming higher.
Trump proposes 10% tariff on all US imports
According to a Reuters report on the 16th, regarding former US President Trump's statement that if he is re-elected as US President, he plans to impose a 10% tariff on all goods imported from the United States, World Trade Organization Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala warned on the 16th thatThis approach would provoke counterattacks from trading partners, creating a "lose-lose" situation that could subvert the trading system.
Reuters said this was the first time Iveta had publicly commented on the impact that Trump's re-election as president might have on trade.
EU may restrict Chinese medical device companies from bidding
According to a report by Bloomberg on April 15, the European Union plans to launch its first investigation into China's medical device procurement under a new tool, the International Procurement Instrument (IPI), which may be announced as early as mid-April. This may lead to the EU restricting Chinese companies from participating in bidding in related fields within the EU.
The report said that if an IPI investigation is initiated, the EU must complete it within nine months; if the EU's concerns about the medical device field are confirmed, the EU can take measures to restrict China's participation in public bidding. According to IPI regulations, these measures may mean adjusting China's scores or completely excluding non-EU bidders. The number of subcontracts that bidders can subcontract from companies restricted by IPI measures will also be limited; in special circumstances, such as when there are no other bidders, the contract signing agency may also decide not to implement certain IPI measures.
The report said that this move by the European side means that this will beThe EU uses the new IPI tool for the first timeThe IPI will come into effect in 2022, and the EU originally intended to use the tool to promote so-called "equivalence" in public procurement market access. The survey will reportedly collect information from companies and member states, with the initial goal of engaging in dialogue with the Chinese government to ensure fairness and openness in both markets.
The report believes that the EU launched an anti-subsidy investigation against Chinese electric vehicles last year and may announce preliminary anti-subsidy tax measures on electric vehicles manufactured in China before July; in this context, if the EU launches an investigation under the IPI, it may exacerbate tensions between China and the EU; the use of the IPI is also related to the economic security strategy being implemented by Europe, which aims to strengthen the EU's export controls and investment reviews.
Saudi Arabia further reduces tariffs on imported raw materials
Saudi Arabia has expanded tariff exemptions for industrial products from April 1, 2024. On March 8, 2024, the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources of Saudi Arabia issued a notice stating that the scope of tariff exemptions will be expanded to raw materials, semi-finished products, packaging materials, equipment, machinery and parts directly used in industrial production. Locally produced input or output materials are not included in the exemption.
Agencies applying for the exemption must submit their application through the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources’ Senaei platform, selecting the “Add a customs item” option and attaching the required information.
Oman to adopt Gulf standards for cars, motorcycles and their tires
According to the Omani newspaper Al-Point, the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion of Oman recently issued Ministerial Resolution No. 120/2024, which stipulates that the safety, quality and environmental protection standards of Oman's automobiles, motorcycles and their tires will adopt Gulf standards. The standards included in the decision involve the relevant standards of ordinary passenger cars, ambulances, buses, multi-purpose vehicles, trucks, buses, trailers, four-wheeled desert tanks, agricultural vehicles and motorcycles, as well as the standards of tire wear resistance, heat resistance, tension, grip, explosion resistance, etc.
GSO 42:2015 is the general standard; GSO 963:1997 is the ambulance standard; GSO 48:1984 is the certificate standard; GSO 52:2007 is the general standard for passenger car tires; GSO 1783:2006 is the standard for the base erosion, tension and heat resistance of passenger car tires; GSO 1784:2006 is the standard for the heat resistance of passenger car tires; GSO 647:1996 is the standard for multi-purpose vehicles, trucks, buses and trailer tires; GSO 1052:2000 is the temporary spare tire and tire test standard; GSO 1798:2007 is the motorcycle standard; GSO ISO 10231:2024 is the performance test standard for large engine motorcycle tires; GSO EN 15997:2016 is the safety requirements and test standard for four-wheeled desert tanks; GSO EN 16990:2022 is the safety requirements and test standards for light motor vehicles and light vehicles with side seats used to transport people, goods and related facilities that do not require road approval; GSO ECE 106:2010 is the standard for agricultural vehicle and trailer tires; GSO ECE 117:2024 is the standard for tire sound and wet surface grip; GSO ISO 29802:2013 is the standard for tires and wheels suitable for different road terrains. The decision will take effect from the date of publication, and violations of the decision will be subject to an administrative fine of no more than 1 million riyals.
South Korea plans to revise the draft law on the implementation of the special law on imported food safety management
Recently, the Ministry of Food and Drug Administration (MFDS) of South Korea issued Announcement No. 2024-148, proposing to revise the Draft Regulations for the Implementation of the Special Act on Import Food Safety Management.
The amendments are as follows: According to the amendment of the Special Act on Import Food Safety Management, enterprises designated by the Presidential Decree can apply for approval to change the use of goods from enterprises licensed, registered or reported under the Food Sanitation Act, the Health Functional Food Act and the Livestock Product Sanitation Management Act, and include the case of import declaration as a raw material for obtaining foreign currency in the scope of approval for change of use, and clearly stipulate that operators do not interfere with import inspections, and improve and supplement some deficiencies in the operation of the current system. The feedback period for this announcement ends on May 7, 2024.
For more details, see:https://www.mfds.go.kr/brd/m_209/view.do?seq=43917&srchFr=&srchTo=&srchWord=&srchTp=&itm_seq_1=0&itm_seq_2=0&multi_itm_seq=0&company_cd=&company_nm=&page=1
Maldives to use RMB for import settlement
Maldivian media reported on April 12 that the Minister of Economic Development and Trade of the Maldives said on the 11th that the Maldives will soon be able to use RMB to settle imports. CCTV Global News reported that on April 14, the government will also officially announce that Alipay and WeChat will enter the Maldivian market.
Cuba extends duty-free import period for non-commercial goods
According to the Latin American News Agency of Cuba, the Cuban Customs Administration recently issued an official announcement, deciding to extend the period of exemption from customs duties for non-commercial food, sanitary products and medicines brought by passengers to June 30, regardless of value. For non-carry-on luggage, according to the value/weight relationship stipulated by the Cuban Customs Administration, its value shall not exceed US$500 or its equivalent weight (50 kilograms). The upper limit of the value of non-commercial items imported by natural persons by freight has been increased from US$200 to US$500, of which the first US$30 value or the equivalent of 3 kilograms of goods will continue to be exempt from customs duties, and a 30% tariff may be imposed on the excess.
The announcement also stipulates that the above policy also applies to non-commercial food, sanitary products, medicines and medical supplies imported by natural persons through air, sea and postal means. The upper limit of duty exemption can be up to US$200 or the equivalent of 20 kilograms in weight, but the prerequisite is that the transported items should be classified as food or sanitary products, and belong to the type identified as medicines and medical supplies in the passenger's luggage, and must be packed separately from the passenger's other luggage and submitted to the customs.
Source: Focus Vision, Shipping Network, Shipping Today, etc.
If there is any infringement, please contact us to delete it.