Trade News

The following is a 23 February 2011 press release from the World Customs Organization (WCO). On 22 February 2011, the Mission of the Republic of Romania to the European Union deposited Romania’s instrument of accession to the International Convention on the Simplification and Harmonization of Customs Procedures (revised Kyoto Convention) with the World Customs Organization. The Convention is regarded as a blueprint for effective and modern Customs procedures, and will enter into force in Romania on 22 May 2011.

The following is from the 23 February 2011 edition of "cbc.ca". Canada is taking the first step toward negotiating a free-trade deal with Japan, the world's third-largest economy and one of the most reluctant to enter formal trading arrangements. The two countries have agreed to launch a joint study on the feasibility of establishing an economic partnership, Trade Minister Peter Van Loan announced Wednesday.

The following is excerpted from the 23 February 2011 edition of "globeandmail.com". It sounds like such a wacky little story, or even a joke: The Cornwall Regional Task Force, a multi-jurisdictional force, and the Canada Border Services Agency, have made a big bust of…smuggled chicken. Let the why-did-the-chicken-cross-the-border funnies begin.

The following is a 23 February 2011 news release by Reuters Canada. Canada is concerned about possible European import restrictions on crude from its vast oil sands, but a fight over the industry's emissions will not have an impact on trade talks with the European Union, Ottawa's Trade Minister said on Wednesday.

The following is excerpted from the 23 February 2011 edition of the "American Shipper". China’s Ministry of Commerce is projecting total foreign trade to grow 21.4 percent in 2011 to $3.6 trillion, according to a report from China Intelligence Online. Export volume is forecast by the ministry to rise 20 percent to $1.9 trillion, while import volume is expected to rise 23 percent to $1.7 trillion.

The following is excerpted from a 24 February 2011 release by Statistics Canada. October 2008 to October 2010 Declines in employment between October 2008 and October 2009 were larger in occupations for which an apprenticeship program exists than in all other occupations combined. However, between October 2009 and October 2010, the recovery in employment was stronger in these apprenticeable occupations than in all other occupations.

The following is a 23 February 2011 news release by CBSA. Today, the Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, on behalf of the Honourable Vic Toews, Minister of Public Safety, announced details about a partnership between the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and the Atlantic Police Academy (APA). The CBSA has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the APA to use its facilities at Slemon Park to deliver firearms training to officers as part of the Agency's 10-year Arming Initiative.

The following was written by Danielle Goldfarb, Associate Director, International Trade and Investment Centre, Conference Board of Canada. India, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey and other countries have threatened to ban access for Canada-based Research in Motion’s BlackBerry devices in those countries. This is an example of the new types of barriers Canadian and global companies face when buying or selling their products and services in a world that increasingly relies on digital information flows.

The following is a 23 February 2011 news release by CBP.gov. U.S. Customs and Border Protection today released year-end data on its fiscal year 2010 operations – illustrating the agency’s success in securing the border and facilitating legitimate trade and travel through targeted operations, enhanced partnerships, and the unprecedented deployment of personnel, technology and infrastructure along America’s borders.

The following is a 22 February 2011 news release by the International Chamber of Commerce. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is set to implement the ATA Carnet System starting 1 April, bringing to 69 the number of countries using this international system, reducing paperwork and costs for businesses travelling with goods. Businesses have been very keen for the UAE in particular to join the ATA system, so that they can use their Carnets while travelling to, or through, the federation – a key business hub and host to many events in the Middle East.

The following is from the 22 February 2011 edition of "The Canadian Business Journal". Just nine of Canada's 27 major cities will post better real gross domestic product growth this year than last and downtrodden Windsor, Ont. will lead the nation, according to a new forecast. According to the Conference Board of Canada's Metropolitan Outlook, Windsor will lead all Canadian census metropolitan areas with a 3.9 per cent increase in GDP, up from last year's 3.5 per cent.

Members may be interested in the following, published in Part II of the Canada Gazette. Notice amending the Canadian Food Inspection Agency Fees Notice http://www.gazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p1/2011/2011-02-19/html/commis-eng.html

23 February 2011 Transport Canada maritime announcements The following news releases were issued by Transport Canada on 21 February 2011. The governments of Canada and Nova Scotia announce new investments in transportation infrastructure

The following is excerpted from a 22 February 2011 news release by Reuters Canada. Lumber sales to China from British Columbia skyrocketed last year and a top official in Canada's largest timber-exporting province believes it can continue to grow despite increasing U.S. competition. Forestry firms in the western Canadian province shipped 4.6 million cubic meters of softwood lumber products to China in 2010, a 76 percent increase from 2009, according to figures from B.C.'s Ministry of Forests, Mines and Lands.

The following is excerpted from a 23 February 2011 release by Statistics Canada. Fourth quarter 2010 (preliminary) Canadian corporations earned $65.5 billion in operating profits in the fourth quarter, up 7.9% from the previous quarter. Increases were widespread across the economy, as 19 of 22 industries reported higher profits... In the non-financial sector, profits increased 7.3% to $49.6 billion, while in the financial sector profits rose 9.5% to $15.9 billion.

Members may be interested in the following, published on 19 February, 2011, in Part I of the Canada Gazette. 1. Canadian International Trade Tribunal. Tariff classification of various costumes for children and adults; Notice No. HA-2010-022. http://www.gazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p1/2011/2011-02-19/html/commis-eng.html#…

On January 1, 2011, the CSCB sent a message to members regarding CBSA’s review of certain remission orders. Members who are logged in can view that message here: http://new.cscb.ca/article/review-remission-orders CBSA have now completed their review and, as a result, have issued a new Customs Notice on the use of these remission orders. Customs Notice 11-002 can be seen here:

The following is a 22 February 20111 news release by Department of Finance. Harper Government’s Low-Tax Plan Creating Jobs and Growth The Honourable Ted Menzies, Minister of State (Finance), today highlighted the economic growth and jobs created by the Harper Government’s low-tax plan. The Government emphasized its support for keeping taxes low and freer trade, which open markets and attract investment.

Updated Compliance and Enforcement Operational Policy and publication of CFIA enforcement activities This is to inform you that the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has updated its Compliance and Enforcement Operational Policy (CEOP). The revised version places greater emphasis on transparency as well as recourse mechanisms available to industry.

The ACROSS EDI release requests received report for January 2011 is available on the CSCB website at: http://www.cscb.ca/listinfo/EDI_Release_Jan_2011.xls The national percent EDI was 93.3%.