MITC Trade Bulletin
The Maine International Trade Center's Electronic News Service
Friday, July 21, 2006
Sponsored by
Contents:
Trade Alerts Trade Shows Trade Missions Press Release
Connecting Maine & 2nd Tier Emerging Economies
Connecting Maine & 2nd Tier Emerging Economies will take place on Friday, August 18, at the Maine Maritime Academy's Loeb-Sullivan School of International Business and Logistics in Castine. This conference will feature the Honorable George Bruno, former U.S. Ambassador to Belize, as keynote speaker and includes presentations on the economies of Brazil, Indonesia, Russia, South Africa, Singapore, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Turkey, and Bulgaria. An i nternational networking reception will begin at 4:00 p.m. MITC Members are welcome to attend the business networking reception even if they are not registered for the conference. For more details regarding the conference please see: http://ibl.mainemaritime.edu/seminars/.
TRADE ALERTS
US - CANADA The United States and Canada signed an agreement on July 1, 2006, to settle a drawn-out trade battle over softwood lumber. The primary goal of the U.S. is to keep Canada's share of the U.S. softwood lumber market from exceeding the current level of around 34%. However, the deal does not impose any specific cap. Instead, Canada has agreed to impose taxes on its lumber exports to the United States if the price of lumber falls below a specified level. The deal should go into effect in September.Source: http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2006-07-01-softwood-lumber_x.htm
CHINA Beginning July 1, China lowered import tariffs on cars, SUVs and mini-buses from 28% to 25% in order to comply with the country's commitments to the WTO. Auto parts such as auto bodies, underpans and medium and low emission gasoline engines will also be reduced to 10% from a range of 13.8% and 16.4%.Source: http://www.newkerala.com/news3.php?action=fullnews&id=9635
JAPAN The U.S. International Trade Commission has voted to maintain antidumping duties on Japanese steel sheets as high as 95.29%. The duties have been in place since August 2000 and ITC commissioners judged that scrapping these duties will lead to "continuation or recurrence of material injury" for U.S. industries. Source: http://steelmillsoftheworld.com/news/newsdisplay_moreover.asp?slno=5230
JAPAN Japan has made changes to its Japan Pharmaceutical Affairs Law (JPAL), requiring most foreign medical products and pharmaceutical companies to partner with a third-party Japanese company, identified as a Market Authorization Holder (MAH), in order to import products into the country. The Japanese MAH will be responsible for the release of the products into the marketplace and be responsible for quality and safety. Maine companies will need to use caution when choosing their partners, as it appears that the Japanese company will have considerable control over how and which products enter Japan.
EUROPEAN UNION The EU's Restriction of Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment (RoHS) Directive, which bans most uses of lead, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, mercury and the polybrominated flame retardants PBB and PBDE in electrical and electronic goods exported to the EU, goes into effect on July 1, 2006.
TRADE SHOWS
MITC has compiled a list of trade shows of interest to our members based on industry sector and region. To view this list, visit: http://www.mitc.com/Trade_Bulletin/2006/TBTradeShows.htm
TRADE MISSIONS
Agriculture Trade Mission to Kazakhstan: July 23-28, 2006
Join the US Department of Agriculture and meet with Kazakhstan government officials interested in promoting US agribusiness investment and trade. Please contact Charles Raether, BISNIS Country Manager for Kazakhstan by phone 202-482-2022 or e-mail: charles.raether@mail.doc.gov.
Eastern Mediterranean Table Top Exhibition in Jordan, Israel & Turkey: November 12-17, 2006
Questions and inquiries about the program should be directed to Sherwin Pomerantz, Chairperson, American State Offices Association at sherwin@atid-edi.com.
Mumbai Business Summit, November 29-30, 2006
Join the US Department of Commerce's development mission to India. Summit participants will have access to India's high-level business, industry and government representatives. Spin-off missions to Bangalore, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, Mumbai and New Delhi are also being offered. Arrangements such as market briefings, networking receptions and one-on-one business appointments can be arranged by the US Commercial Service. For more Information, please visit: http://www.export.gov/indiamission.
PRESS RELEASES
G8 talk of trade flexibility
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/07/18/AR2006071800447.html
Thirst for oil fuels China's grand safari in Africa
http://business.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,13132-2251243,00.html
China to Set Standards for E-Labels (RFID tags)
South Korea, US hold free-trade talks-
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/13800933
Time running out for WTO's Doha Round Talks-
http://www.wto.org/English/tratop_e/dda_e/dda_e.htm#dohadeclaration
TRADE JOB OPPORTUNITIES SECTION ON TRADE BULLETIN
MITC would like to announce the following new section of the Trade Bulletin for "Members Only".
Companies involved in international trade have needs for very specific skill sets. This year we have been receiving inquiries from MITC member companies looking to fill international-related positions. To meet our members needs, the Trade Bulletin will launch a Trade Job Opportunities section on a trial basis starting with the next issue.
Please note that the Trade Bulletin goes out on a monthly schedule so it may not be suitable for time sensitive announcements. Additionally, all job listings must be related to international business. Due to limited space, we will offer up to three job announcements per issue on a first-come, first-served basis, and we will run announcements for a maximum of two issues.
Please note this is service is for members only. All listings must be 25 words or less and include your contact information and company website. Please send your job openings to Zeynep Turk at turk@mitc.com if you would like to advertise in the Trade Bulletin.
*** As a reminder, MITC membership includes unlimited trade assistance. We look forward to answering your questions and providing you with market research and statistics. For more information, please contact Trade Assistance Manager Anne Hurst at hurst@mitc.com or 541-7418. ***
For more information about the Maine International Trade Center, please visit our website or contact us today.
Website: www.mitc.com
Bangor Office: 207-990-3161
Lewiston Office: 207-753-0574
Portland Office: 207-541-7400