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January 29, 2013


Update on ILA-USMX Negotiations

On January 28, 2012, The Journal of Commerce (JOC) issued an update on the negotiations between the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) and the U.S. Maritime Association (USMX), saying that negotiations scheduled to hold place this week will be fundamental in the outcome once the labor contract expires in February 6.

The JOC explains that "both sides have said agreement on a Maine-to-Texas master contract hinges on settlement of supplemental local contracts led by the one covering New York-New Jersey." Negotiations are being led by federal mediators.

Ton’s is monitoring the situation closely, and will provide more information as it becomes available.

The JOC article can be found online at:
http://www.joc.com/port-news/longshoreman-labor/international-longshoremen%E2%80%99s-association/ila-usmx-talks-reach-crucial-point_20130128.html

 

CBP Releases January C-TPAT Meeting Materials

On January 8-10, 2013, the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) conference tool place in Washington, DC. All meeting materials and presentations have been made available for download by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) on their website.

Topics discussed at the conference include:
- The Importer Self-Assessment Program (ISA)
- Mutual Recognition
- Container Inspection
- Evidence of Implementation
- Internal Conspiracies and PIA
- C-TPAT Portal 2.0 - The Industry Partnership Management Tool (IPMT)

CBP explains that "C–TPAT seeks to safeguard the world's vibrant trade industry from terrorists, maintaining the economic health of the U.S. and its neighbors. The partnership develops and adopts measures that add security but do not have a chilling effect on trade."

All materials and presentations are available online at:
http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/trade/cargo_security/ctpat/2013_ctpat_conf/

 


U.S. and Thailand Agree to Expand Bilateral Trade

On January 17, 2013, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) published a press release noting the conclusion of a two-day meeting with Thailand under the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA), where both countries agreed to expand cooperation in order to expand trade and investment.

The press release explained that the meeting "focused on ways to expand goods, services, and agricultural trade, improve the protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights, and resolve other issues affecting the commercial environment."

Other subjects discussed during the meeting include:
- Advancement of the U.S.-ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Enhanced Economic Engagement Initiative
- Concern from the U.S. regarding Thailand's restrictions on imports of pork products
- Regulatory restrictions for foreign participation in Thai telecommunication sector
- Updates in regards to the Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations

The press release can be accessed online at:
http://www.ustr.gov/about-us/press-office/press-releases/2013/january/US-Thailand-engagement

 

Tons News, for current and past issues of Tons News by E-mail request from tonsnews@tonslogistics.com  or call (310) 338-0337.

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Tons News is compiled from a number of public sources that, to the best of Tons knowledge, are true and correct. It is our intent to present only accurate information. However, in the event any information contained herein is erroneous, Tons accepts no liability or responsibility.