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Friday, January 29, 2010
President Pledges to Double Exports, Strengthen Trade Relations in Asia
President Obama’s State of the
Union address Jan. 27 included several items of interest to the international trade community. Some were general in nature,
but others signaled specific objectives.
Exports. “We need to export more of our goods,”
Obama said. “Because the more products we make and sell to other countries, the more jobs we support right here in America.
So tonight, we set a new goal: We will double our exports over the next five years, an increase that will support two million
jobs in America. To help meet this goal, we’re launching a National Export Initiative that will help farmers and small
businesses increase their exports, and reform export controls consistent with national security.”
At press
time the Department of Commerce, which conceivably would have a lead role in the National Export Initiative, had not made
available any information on what that effort might include.
The administration’s work on reforming export
controls, however, is well underway. Press reports indicate that Defense Secretary Robert Gates, Commerce Secretary Gary Locke
and other administration officials met with key lawmakers this week to discuss ways to reform the system so as to strengthen
national security while also aiding U.S. companies’ efforts to sell more goods and services overseas. The administration
is conducting a wide-ranging review of export control policy and observers are optimistic that legislative and/or regulatory
changes could come sooner rather than later. Several industry groups have submitted recommendations for reforms, but as of yet it is unclear what direction the administration might take.
Trade Agreements.
To the surprise of some, the president brought up the issue of trade agreements. Instead of portraying them as a contributor
to the decline in domestic employment, however, as some lawmakers have done, he characterized them as tools to increase jobs,
which he called his administration’s highest priority. “China is not waiting to revamp its economy,” the
president pointed out. “Germany is not waiting. India is not waiting. These nations – they’re not standing
still.” As a result, the U.S. must “seek new markets aggressively, just as our competitors are. If America sits
on the sidelines while other nations sign trade deals, we will lose the chance to create jobs on our shores.”
The president mentioned three trade liberalization efforts in particular: continuing to “shape a Doha trade agreement
that opens global markets,” strengthening “our trade relations in Asia,” and strengthening trade ties with
“key partners like South Korea and Panama and Colombia.” The reference to the long-running World Trade Organization
talks is a standard item in the president’s speeches on combating the global economic downturn, but his previously stated
goal of concluding the negotiations by the end of 2010 was conspicuous by its absence. The mention of improving trade relations
with Asia is likely a reference to the Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement the Obama administration pledged to pursue in late 2009. The specific mention of South Korea, Panama and Colombia, all of
which concluded bilateral FTAs with the U.S. under the Bush administration, is particularly intriguing. While the president
did not mention the FTAs themselves or when he plans to push for congressional approval, the fact that they were brought up
at all in a major speech that focused on economic recovery issues is not insignificant.
9:35 am est
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
What is required to ship charity goods to Haiti?
Helpful info from the U.S. Census Bureau ...
On Tuesday, January 12, 2010, a major
earthquake struck southern Haiti. Many U.S. residents and organizations
are generously donating food, water, medicines, and other supplies
to aid in the relief efforts. In order to facilitate the movement
of these goods, we offer the following guidance that applies to any
good not requiring a license, such as food,clothing, and medicines.
There are four Schedule B numbers that can be used when exporting
humanitarian goods. Those numbers are found in Chapter 98 of the Schedule B Manual, under the subheading 9802. Schedule B Description
Unit of measurement 9802.10.0000 Food Products
X no unit required 9802.20.0000 Medicinal and pharmaceutical
X no unit required
products 9802.30.0000 Wearing apparel
(including X no unit required
footwear and headwear) 9802.40.0000
Donated articles, not elsewhere X no unit required
specified
Any shipment valued over $2,500 per Schedule B number or that requires
a license must be filed in the AES. However, if the shipment is valued
less than $2,500 per Schedule B number and does not require a license,
then the low value exemption (NOEEI FTR 30.37 (a)) can be used.
In this case, food, clothing and medicines do not require a license; however medical equipment and tools may require an export license. The Export Information Code to be reported is "CH" for shipments
of good donated for relief or charity. The value to be reported
is the market value. If the value is not known, estimate how
much you would receive if you sold the goods. The value should be
consistent with the goods being exported, to avoid confusion and possible
delays with U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer at the port
of export. There are different ways to file your export information.
The most common is to report through the Census Bureau's free
Internet based filing system called AESDirect which can be
accessed at: http://www.census.gov/foreign-trade/aes/exporttraining/videos
Another option is to file with a forwarder or agent who may be more
familiar with export licensing and regulations. With so many individuals and first time exporters shipping donated goods to Haiti, the exporting process may seem overwhelming. However, we at the Census Bureau are available to help make the process as smooth
as possible. If you need more information, we are available at 800-549-0595. Select Option 1 for help with the AES, Option 2 for Classifications, and
Option 3 for Regulations. You can also send us an e-mail at [email protected] or [email protected]. Please continue to support those in Haiti during this time of tragedy. Your
assistance is greatly appreciated.
4:45 pm est
Importer Security Filing
CBP Launches Gradual Enforcement of Importer Security Filing Rule
Although the period of informed compliance for U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s
10+2 importer security filing rule ends Jan. 26, CBP officials have recently indicated that they will pursue a gradual approach
to enforcement.
9:40 am est
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making skills to effectively import and export goods. Find out more About Us, then look at our Services to make your possibilities a reality.
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