Trade News

Members may be interested in the following commentary by Peter G. Hall of Export Development Canada. It's a week ago now, so it's old news - but it's still worth repeating. One look at Canada's trade data for March would be enough to file it under 'ho-hum' and wait for a more exciting month. Dig a bit below the surface, and the case gets very interesting. What's the big story behind the story?

The following is from the 18 May 2012 edition of The Globe and Mail. The United States imposed punitive tariffs on solar panel imports from China, the latest in a series of trade disputes between the world’s two biggest economies and sparking accusations by Beijing of protectionism. The new tariffs of 30 per cent, much bigger than had been expected, were set on Thursday by the U.S. Commerce Department after it ruled in favour of local firms which said the Chinese exporters were dumping cut-price solar panels on their market.

The following is from the 17 May 2012 edition of the Journal of Commerce. Agency will begin screening all cargo from international passenger flights Dec. 3 The Transportation Security Administration will begin screening all cargo arriving from international passenger flights in early December, a year after the agency was tasked to expand its screening reach from the domestic to global scale.

The following is excerpted from a 17 May 2012 news release by Canada Border Services Agency. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) reminds travellers to plan their border crossing to avoid delays during this upcoming Victoria Day weekend. In anticipation of higher traffic volumes and limits to the volume of traffic that can be processed at some ports of entry this weekend, travellers are advised to consider the potential for delays ... for the following dates and times: This release is available in its entirety at:

Members may be interested in the following, published on 17 May 2012 in Part II of the Canada Gazette. Consolidated Index of Statutory Instruments http://www.gazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p2/2012/2012-03-31-c1/html/index-eng.html _________________________________________________

The following meat hygiene directives are now available in HTML and PDF versions at: http://www.inspection.gc.ca/eng/1331330793114/1331330868647 MHD 2012-18 Chapter 11 : Section 11.7.3 - United States The PDF version of directives should be used for maintaining print copies of the meat hygiene manual of procedures. _________________________________________________

The following is excerpted from a 17 May 2012 news release by Transport Canada.

The following is excerpted from a 17 May 2012 news release by Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada. The Honourable Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, today said in a speech to members of the American Chamber of Commerce in Ottawa that Canada and the United States must deepen their own bilateral trade while also working together to pursue new opportunities in the Asia-Pacific region.

The following is from the 16 May 2012 edition of The Globe and Mail. Canadians are spending far more on goods in the U.S. than federal data suggest, raising the stakes for domestic retailers trying to find ways to draw customers back into their stores. As much as 8 to 10 per cent of consumer spending on a raft of products is flowing to retailers outside the border, according to estimates in a report being released today by BMO Nesbitt Burns. That compares to Statistics Canada data that say 4 per cent of retail spending is shifting outside the country.

The following is excerpted from a 16 May 2012 news release by Industry Canada. The Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State for Science and Technology, delivered a keynote address at the annual Research Money conference today. He outlined the Economic Action Plan 2012 initiatives that are aimed at bolstering the innovation performance of Canadian businesses.

The following is a 16 May 2012 news release by Export Development Canada. Alberta’s international exports are forecast to grow by 7 per cent this year and 6 per cent in 2013, surpassing CAD 100 billion next year, according to the Global Export Forecast released today by Export Development Canada (EDC).

Chapter 07 was published to add two new miscellaneous codes for the states of Idaho and New-York, and streamline the conditions for all origins for the end uses; "Further processing", "Repacking" and "Direct consumption" for the following HS code. 07.01.90.3000 - Potato - tuber (fresh). (Solanum tuberosum) New Miscellaneous codes: #873: From non-regulated areas for PCN in container weighing more than 50 kg #874: From non-regulated areas for PCN in container weighing less than 50 kg

The Import Control Division will be closed for the Victoria day holiday from Friday May 18, 2012 at 4:00 pm (ET) until Tuesday May 22, 2012 at 8:00 am. If you require assistance please contact the National Import Service Centre: National ISC : 800-835-4486, 877-493-0468 Please note: Ottawa Meat Import Control Centre (1-877-682-5191) will be opened Monday, May 21, 2012 from the hours of 8 AM to 6 PM (ET). We regret the inconvenience and thank you for your cooperation. _________________________________________________

The following is a CBSA message (EDI12-046) The Electronic Commerce Unit's office will be closed on Monday, May 21st, 2012 due to the statutory holiday.

Please note that the CFIA's website has been updated to reflect the prevailing practice of having all fish products on the Mandatory Inspection List (MIL) that are imported by basic importers tested in a CFIA laboratory. The option of using private laboratories accredited by the Standard Council of Canada (SCC) to test these products will be reconsidered as CFIA moves forward with its inspection modernisation initiative across all food programs.

The following is excerpted from a 16 May 2012 news release by The Conference Board of Canada. Western provinces will continue to set the economic pace in Canada, and recent indicators in Ontario’s economy bode well for its outlook over the next two years, according to The Conference Board of Canada’s Provincial Outlook – Spring 2012.

The following is excerpted from a 15 May 2012 news release by Canada Border Services Agency. With the arrival of spring comes increased traveller volumes. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is committed to providing the best possible service, which includes helping you know what to expect when you arrive at the Canadian border.

Registration is now open for corporate members with an office in Montreal to register for the third CBSA/CSCB joint seminar on HS Classification.

Chapter 07 was published to add the end use "Samples for testing" for the following HS codes. 07.02 - Tomatoes, fresh or chilled 07.03 - Onions, shallots, garlic, leeks and other alliaceous vegetables, fresh or chilled 07.04 - Cabbages, cauliflowers, kohlrabi, kale and similar edible brassicas, fresh or chilled. 07.05 - Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) and chicory (Cichorium spp.), fresh or chilled. 07.06 - Carrots, turnips, salad beetroot, salsify, celeriac, radishes and similar edible roots, fresh or chilled.