Caribbean Trade Law and Development

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  • Caribbean Trade & Development News Digest – May 5-11, 2019

    Caribbean Trade & Development News Digest – May 5-11, 2019

    Welcome to the Caribbean Trade & Development News Digest for the week of May 5-11, 2019! We are happy to bring you the major trade and development headlines and analysis from across the Caribbean Region and the world from the past week.

    THIS WEEK’S HIGHLIGHTS

    This week, US-China trade talks came to an end without any agreement. The Trump Administration increased the level of tariffs from 10 percent to 25 percent on approximately $200 billion worth of Chinese imports. Read the statement by USTR Robert Lighthizer here.

    REGIONAL NEWS

    Cuba to increase rationing amid shortages

    BBC: Cuba has announced rationing of more products amid shortages it blames on the US trade embargo and hoarders. Read more 

    Fake skills certificates detected in the region

    The New Today: Grenada is among six CARICOM countries that have been on the receiving end of fake skills certificates from CARICOM nationals especially Jamaicans who are seeking employment. Read more 

    Seprod Drops Case For Evaporated Milk, But Ready For Condensed Market

    Jamaica Gleaner: Jamaica need only prove that it can supply three-quarters of the market for condensed and evaporated to gain protection for manufacturers, but a top dairy producer, Seprod Limited, says it already has the capacity to serve 100 per cent of the Caribbean market for one of those commodities. Read more 

    Better cocoa – T&T Ministry of Trade & Industry wants improved quality of beans

    The Guardian (T&T): Min­is­ter of Trade and In­dus­try, Paula Gopee-Scoon, has pre­sent­ed two new co­coa stan­dards to The Uni­ver­si­ty of the West In­dies (UWI) which were de­vel­oped by the Trinidad and To­ba­go Bu­reau of Stan­dards (TTBS), in­tend­ed to im­prove the qual­i­ty of lo­cal­ly pro­duced co­coa beans. Read more

    Exports ‘tun up’ but not enough – Seaga

    Jamaica Gleaner: Jamaica’s impressive export performance for 2018 when the country recorded a whopping 37.8 per cent increase over the previous year, the highest growth in 10 years, was dampened by the failure to stem in any substantial way the country’s heavy dependence on imported goods, according to Metry Seaga, president of the Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporteers’ Association (JMEA). Read more

    Former Barbados Central Bank Governor proposes regional switch to US currency

    Barbados Today: According to former Governor of the Central Bank of Barbados Dr DeLisle Worrell switching to the US currency would essentially eliminate the threat of domestic currency depreciation and with it, the resulting possible disruptions to economic stability. The economist said there was no time like the present to switch to US currency and he noted that the process is not as difficult as some people may imagine. Read more

    Dominica to get technical assistance from World Bank for international airport says Skerrit

    Dominica News Online: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has said that the government hopes to access technical assistance from the World Bank in its plans to construct an international airport in Dominica. Read more 

    INTERNATIONAL NEWS

    WTO meet next week: Appellate body, reforms in focus

    Economic Times: A WTO mini-ministerial meeting of 16 developing and six least-developed countries in Delhi next week will take up impasse over the appointment of appellate body members at the World Trade Organisation and reforms at the global trade body. Read more 

    The Panama Canal Could Become the Center of the U.S.-China Trade War

    Foreign Policy: Following outgoing president Juan Carlos Varela’s unexpected decision to end diplomatic relations with Taiwan in order to establish formal ties with Beijing in June 2017, a tidal wave of Chinese investment is in the works. Read more 

    Rick Scott wants the U.S. Navy to block Cuba and Venezuela’s oil trade

    Miami Herald: A week after Rick Scott called for the U.S. military to intervene in Venezuela amid Juan Guaidó’s attempt to oust Nicolás Maduro from power, the U.S. Senate’s biggest hawk on Venezuela is calling for more. Read more 

    Canada calls out on China at WTO council meeting, demands evidence to back canola ban

    Global News: Stephen de Boer, the Canadian ambassador to the world’s leading trade body in Geneva, told the WTO’s general council on Tuesday that Canada wants to meet in China in good faith to hear its science-based concerns that recent Canadian canola shipments were, in fact, tainted. Read more

    Time to say goodbye to NAFTA’s replacement?

    Toronto Star: Last week, White House acting chief of staff Mick Mulvaney was sanguine about the prospect of Congress rejecting NAFTA’s proposed replacement, the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). “You could stay status quo,” Mulvaney told a California business conference. “Your real Plan Bs are either NAFTA or withdraw from NAFTA.” Read more

    Trade war and Brexit pose mounting risk to EU economy, says EC

    The Guardian: The threat of a full-blown trade war between the US and China and Brexit uncertainty are posing mounting risks to the EU economy, the European commission has warned, after downgrading its growth outlook for 2019. Read more 

    Canada’s trade deficit shrank to $3.2 billion in March, StatsCan reports

    CBC: Statistics Canada says the country’s merchandise trade deficit shrank in March as exports — led by the energy sector — rose faster than imports. The agency says the deficit for March amounted to $3.2 billion compared with $3.4 billion in February. Read more

    A defence of the beleaguered WTO Appellate Body

    IELP blog: See blog post by Prof. Steve Charvonitz.  Read here.

    UK, EU to agree free-trade deal, October 31 Brexit date in doubt – Reuters poll

    The Hill: Britain will eventually leave the European Union and agree a free-trade deal with the bloc, according to the vast majority of economists polled by Reuters who were, however, split on whether the two sides would divorce on Oct. 31. Read more

    As Europe grapples with Brexit, the African Union seeks a more United States of Africa

    CNN: While debates about the unpredictability of economic and political relationships between the EU and Britain continue to linger, thousands of miles away, the African Union (AU) is creating a close-knit relationship among its own 55 member nations. Read more

    US imposes sanctions on shipping firms, tankers tied to Venezuela

    The Hill: The Treasury Department on Friday said it is slapping new sanctions on companies involved in shipping oil from Venezuela to Cuba, marking the latest move by the U.S. to clamp down on embattled President Nicolás Maduro. Read more 

    New FinCEN Guidance on Virtual Currencies

    FinCEN: To provide regulatory certainty for businesses and individuals engaged in expanding fields of financial activity, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) today issued the following guidance, Application of FinCEN’s Regulations to Certain Business Models Involving Convertible Virtual Currencies (CVC). Read more 

    Why the New U.S.-EU Trade Talks May Be Doomed Before They Even Start

    Fortune: By the middle of last year, the U.S. had hit the European Union with steel and aluminum tariffs, the EU had responded with counter-tariffs on American goods, and some feared the situation could escalate into a full-blown trade war. Read more 

    EU commissioner says agriculture not on agenda for US talks

    Euractiv: The European Union intends to keep agriculture off the agenda in its trade talks with the United States and continues to support rules-based, open and predictable international commerce, the EU’s agriculture commissioner said on Friday (10 May). Read more 

    USMCA trade deal could cost Georgia produce growers nearly $900 million, report says

    CNBC: Unless the proposed U.S. Mexico Canada Agreement (USMCA) is changed, it could “cause extensive economic damage to Georgia” and its fresh produce industry, according to economists at the University of Georgia. Read more 

    China says ‘fed up’ with hearing U.S. complaints on Belt and Road

    Reuters: China is “fed up” with hearing complaints from the United States about its Belt and Road program to re-create the old Silk Road, the government said on Thursday, following stinging criticism from U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. Read more 

    Italy could become Belt and Road terminal in southern Europe: officials

    Xinhua: A conference entitled “Italy-China Partnership in the New Silk Road” was held Friday here, at which Italian government officials and experts voiced their support for the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), discussing the possibility of Italy becoming the BRI’s terminal in southern Europe. Read more 

    Trade facilitation reforms spur development, experts say

    UNCTAD: Effective implementation of reforms to trade facilitation in developing countries can catalyse progress towards meeting development goals, attendees at an UNCTAD expert meeting heard on 7 May. Read more 

    Canada reveals final trade safeguards for heavy plate, stainless steel wire

    CBC: The Canadian Border Services Agency announced Friday the final ‘safeguard’ surtaxes meant to shield the domestic steel industry from competition from cheaper foreign imports of heavy plate and stainless steel wire. Read more 

    WTO NEWS

    UN’s Guterres underscores importance of revitalizing multilateral trade cooperation

    A rules-based, non-discriminatory and equitable trading system is not only in the interest of all trading partners but is essential to preserving the interests of the poorest and most vulnerable economies, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres told WTO members on 10 May. Speaking at a special session of the WTO’s General Council, Secretary-General Guterres, alongside Director-General Roberto Azevêdo and General Council Chair Sunanta Kangvalkulkij, said members need to work to restore the spirit of international cooperation and “buttress this unique institution that has safeguarded international trading relationships over the past 70 years”. Read more

    WTO launches updated profiles on trade in value-added terms and global value chains

    The WTO released on 9 May an updated set of profiles for 64 WTO members, revealing the share of domestic and foreign components in the exports of these economies and their participation in global value chains (GVCs). The profiles also shed light on the contribution of the services sector to trade and the value of trade in intermediate products for each of the economies covered by the profiles. Read more 

    DG Azevêdo meets with participants of Geneva Week for non-resident members and observers

    Director-General Roberto Azevêdo met with participants in the Geneva Week for non-resident members and observers, taking place at the WTO from 6 to 10 May 2019. Participants had the opportunity to interact with the Director-General, who informed them about current issues in the WTO and the wider trading system. Read more 

    Trade Policy Review: Papua New Guinea

    The third review of the trade policies and practices of Papua New Guinea takes place on 8 May and 10 May 2019. The basis for the review is a report by the WTO Secretariat and a report by the Government of Papua New Guinea. Read more 

    Summary of WTO General Council Meeting

    A WTO General Council Meeting was held on May 7, 2019. The summary of the meeting is available here.

    Philippines submits request for observer status in WTO Committee on Government Procurement

    Ambassador Manuel A. J. Teehankee, Philippine Permanent Representative to the WTO, delivered to WTO Director-General Roberto Azevêdo on 6 May the request of the Philippine government to become an observer in the Committee on Government Procurement. Read more 

    Consumer groups express support for multilateral trade, stress priorities for e-commerce

    Senior representatives of consumer organizations meeting today (6 May 2019) at the WTO headquarters sent a strong message of support for the WTO and the multilateral trading system. They stressed the importance of ensuring consumers’ concerns are taken into account in trade negotiations and policy-making and presented their priorities for e-commerce along with recommendations on how these priorities should be addressed at the WTO. Read more 

    Applications open for WTO workshop on public health, global trade and intellectual property

    The WTO, in close collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), will hold its 6th annual Workshop on Trade and Public Health in Geneva from 11 to 15 November 2019. The deadline to submit applications is 14 June 2019. Read more 

    BLOG NEWS

    59967901_10156350648221687_2425942741625077760_o (2)This week I presented a paper at the 20th Annual SALISES Conference on “Rethinking Caribbean Futures: New Paradigms, Possibilities and Policies” held at the Hilton Hotel, Barbados, May 8-10, 2019.

    The topic of my paper was on rethinking the eligibility model for Special and Differential Treatment (S&DT) in the World Trade Organization (WTO).

    The Caribbean Trade & Development Digest is a weekly trade news digest published by the Caribbean Trade Law & Development Blog. Liked this issue? To read past issues, please visit here. To receive these mailings directly to your inbox, please follow our blog.

  • Caribbean Trade & Development Digest – April 21-27, 2019

    Caribbean Trade & Development Digest – April 21-27, 2019

    Welcome to the Caribbean Trade & Development Digest for the week of April 21-27, 2019! We are happy to bring you the major trade and development headlines and analysis from across the Caribbean Region and the world from the past week.

    THIS WEEK’S HIGHLIGHTS

    This week, Caribbean representatives were among 5,000 delegates from around the world who attended the Second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing April 25-27, 2019. The key note speech delivered by President Xi Xinping of China may be viewed here, while the Joint Communique of the Leaders’ Roundtable may be accessed here.

    REGIONAL NEWS

    Jamaica’s annual exports up by one-third

    Jamaica Gleaner: Jamaican exports grew by nearly 38 per cent last year, a pace that was nearly four times faster than the rise in imports. Read more 

    EU blacklisting causing irreparable harm to Caribbean says St Kitts-Nevis foreign minister

    Caribbean News Now: St Kitts and Nevis wasn’t blacklisted by the European Union in a revised blacklist for tax havens outside the EU last month; however, that hasn’t stopped foreign affairs minister Mark Brantley denouncing what he considers unfair targeting of Caribbean countries. Read more

    Closer EU-Caribbean ties mean greater prosperity for all

    EU Observer: This month ministers and officials from across the Caribbean assembled in Jamaica to discuss the future of our collective relationship with the European Union. This was the latest in a series of forums that have taken place in the past eighteen months, all with the aim of working toward a bolstered agreement that will further integrate our political and economic interests. Read more 

    Renewable energy is making its way into Guyana’s agriculture sector

    IICA: A pilot project by the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), the Organization of American States (OAS), and the state-owned company, Guyana Power & Light Inc., will promote the adoption of renewable energy in the Guyanese agriculture sector. The project will unfold in the final six months of 2019. Read more 

    China says Latin America and Caribbean will benefit significantly under BRI

    Jamaica Observer: China’s Ambassador to Dominica Lu Kun says his country’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) will bring tangible benefits to Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). Read more 

    Ghana and Suriname sign four agreements

    Government of Ghana: Ghana and Suriname on Tuesday signed four separate agreements as part of efforts to strengthen the bilateral relations between the two nations. Read more 

    ITFC signs 6 trade deals worth over $1.1bn, including with Suriname

    Trade Arabia: ITFC’s framework agreement with the Republic of Suriname will see it mobilize up to $75 million financing for SME’s, exports and lines of finance to local banks, in addition to a Murabaha agreement over three years to boost the import of essential goods. Read more 

    King Sugar takes a break as Belize exports fall sharply

    Breaking Belize News: Belize’s number one export is grinding into high gear for the end of the season in May and June. But in March it counted for just under three million of Belize’s almost $26 million in exports, representing a slash by more than half of March 2018’s total. Read more 

    China and the Caribbean’s future 

    CGTN: China’s highly anticipated second Belt and Road International Cooperation Forum (BRF) wrapped up on April 27. Initially not including Caribbean nations, the country’s signature policy has gained increasing momentum in the region since 2017. So far, several Caribbean countries, such as Barbados, Jamaica, Dominica and Grenada, etc., have signed up to the initiative, which provides a useful context for offering some reflections on the place of China in the future development of the independent states of the English-speaking Caribbean. Read more 

    COTED officials hold preparatory meeting

    CARICOM: Work in preparation for the Forty-Sixth Ministerial Meeting of the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) began on Thursday. Read more

    CARICOM leaders to meet in Trinidad next week

    CARICOM: Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders will meet in Trinidad and Tobago early next month to discuss security issues within the 15-member regional integration movement. Read more 

    Future EU-Caribbean Relations in New ACP-EU Partnership

    ACP: As the EU is working to modernise its relations with 79 countries in Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific (ACP), the two groups’ chief negotiators Neven Mimica and Robert Dussey met with ACP Caribbean leaders for a dedicated dialogue on the regional EU-Caribbean pillar in the framework of the post Cotonou ACP-EU partnership. Read more 

    INTERNATIONAL NEWS

    Eswatini walking tightrope to become Africa’s trade hub

    Yeni Safak: The Kingdom of Eswatini in Southern Africa is walking a tightrope in its bid to become Africa’s trade hub and is competing against some of the continent’s biggest economies to win hosting rights for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat. Read more 

    AfDB signs $50m agreement with Natixis to boost trade finance in Africa

    Ghanaweb: The African Development Bank (AfDB) has signed a $50 million risk participation agreement (APR) with investment and corporate bank Natixis. Read more 

    EU and Japan in delicate trade talks

    EU Observer: Top EU officials will meet Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe on Thursday (25 April) in Brussels as world leaders prepare for their G20 meeting in June in Osaka, Japan. Read more 

    USTR Releases Annual Special 301 Report on Intellectual Property Protection and Review of Notorious Markets for Piracy and Counterfeiting

    USTR: The Office of the United States Trade Representative today released its annual Special 301 Report on the adequacy and effectiveness of trading partners’ protection of intellectual property rights and the findings of its Notorious Markets List, which highlights online and physical markets that reportedly engage in and facilitate substantial copyright piracy and trademark counterfeiting. Read more 

    Turkey-Africa trade volume totals $179 billion in last decade

    Daily Sabah: Turkey’s improving relations with African countries have also been reflected in the growing trade volume. Between 2009 and 2018, bilateral trade volume between Turkey and the African continent stood at $179 billion. Read more 

    P&O sues over £33m Eurotunnel payout in Brexit ferry fiasco

    The Guardian: P&O Ferries is suing the government over its £33m settlement with Eurotunnel, in the latest controversy over the Department for Transport’s fraught no-deal Brexit preparations. Read more 

    Amid Brexit uncertainty and allegations, UK lawmakers consider Mueller-like inquiry

    ABC News: The parallels between Russian meddling in the U.S. presidential election and the Brexit referendum in Britain are striking. In fact, calls among lawmakers have been growing for a public inquiry, according to The Guardian, into Prime Minister Theresa May’s Brexit strategy. Read more 

    ‘Running OUT OF TIME’ – EU expert issues DAMNING statement on May’s latest extension

    Express: Although Mrs May has managed to buy some valuable time to get her Brexit deal through, the UK is only just coming to the end of the beginning of the whole process. Dr Simon Usherwood, deputy chair at The UK in Changing Europe think tank, has argued that with every extension, the UK is cutting into the crucial transition stage of the Brexit negotiations. Read more 

    U.S. organized labor opposes USMCA in current form, says official

    Japan Times: The head of the largest U.S. labor union said Tuesday he opposes ratification of the new North American free trade pact, because he doubts Mexico will enforce labor reforms required by the deal. Read more 

    U.S. considers concessions on drug protections in China talks: Sources

    BNN Bloomberg: The Trump administration may concede to a Chinese proposal that would give less protection for U.S. pharmaceutical products than they receive at home, according to people familiar with the matter, a move that could draw opposition from the American drug industry. Read more 

    U.S. and Japan Push for a Trade Deal Following Failed Pacific Partnership

    New York Times: President Trump said on Friday that trade talks between the United States and Japan were “moving along very nicely” and suggested a deal might be reached by late May as he met with Shinzo Abe, the Japanese prime minister, at the White House. Read more 

    Donald Trump pulls US out of UN Arms Treaty

    Euronews: Donald Trump has said he is pulling the United States out of an international arms treaty designed to prevent weapons being sold to those who abuse human rights. Read more 

    Qatar withdraws measures established against UAE at WTO

    Al Arabiya: Qatar has decided to withdraw its measures against the UAE in a significant concession aimed at averting the consequences of the UAE’s case in WTO against an illegal Qatari ban on UAE goods and services. Read more 

    U.S. says WTO national security ruling ‘seriously flawed’

    Reuters: The United States said on Friday a World Trade Organization ruling on national security was “seriously flawed”, a warning not to use it as a precedent to judge U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs on imported steel and cars. Read more 

    Japan seeks to join WTO dispute consultations over India’s import duties on ICT products

    Business Today: Japan has expressed interest to join consultations in a dispute case filed by the EU in the WTO against India’s import duties on some information and communications technology products, including mobile phones, according to a communication of the World Trade Organization. Read more

    Wine, beef imports rise after free trade pacts

    NHK: Japan’s Finance Ministry says wine and cheese imports from Europe, and beef imports from Canada and New Zealand, increased considerably up to March after two free trade deals came into effect. Read more

    WTO NEWS

    WTO Forum looks at addressing food safety concerns through trade and cooperation

    WTO rules on food safety play an important part in enabling governments to protect their citizens while ensuring trade can play its critical part in maintaining timely supplies of safe and affordable food, said Director-General Roberto Azevêdo in opening the International Forum on Food Safety and Trade taking place at the WTO on 23-24 April. Read more 

    DDG Wolff suggests members look at accessions as source of inspiration for WTO reform

    Is there scope for members to look at the experience of WTO accessions for additional inspiration in the ongoing WTO reform debate, asked Deputy Director-General Alan Wolff at a meeting of the Informal Group of Acceding Governments on 25 April. Read more

    DDG Wolff welcomes timely and substantive discussions on trends in food safety and trade

    Speaking at the pre-event session of the International Forum on Food Safety and Trade on 23 April at the WTO, Deputy Director-General Alan Wolff stressed the importance of interlinkages between trade and food safety standards, as recognized by WTO members in the Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures Agreement. Read more 

    International Forum on Food Safety and Trade

    Remarks by WTO Director General Roberto Azevedo. Read more

    The Caribbean Trade & Development Digest is a weekly trade news digest published by the Caribbean Trade Law & Development Blog. Liked this issue? To read past issues, please visit here. To receive these mailings directly to your inbox, please follow our blog.

     

  • Caribbean Trade & Development Digest – March 3-9, 2019

    Caribbean Trade & Development Digest – March 3-9, 2019

    Welcome to the Caribbean Trade & Development Digest for the week of March 3-9, 2019! We are happy to bring you the major trade and development headlines and analysis from across the Caribbean Region and the world from the past week.

    REGIONAL

    Saint Vincent and the Grenadines increases export of livestock in 2019

    OECS: SVG is known internationally for it’s beautiful chain of islands, but is also taking the Caricom region by storm, as the island witnesses significant increases in fish and livestock exports. Read more 

    Renewed Calls To Do More To Protect Conch

    Tribune242: There are renewed calls for conch protection measures from environmentalists, including banning the exportation of conch meat and ramping up efforts to tackle the “scourge” of poaching. Read more 

    US to allow lawsuits against Cuban firms, foreign businesses excluded for now

    CNN: US citizens and companies with claims to Cuban property will soon be allowed to sue Cuban entities, according to a senior State Department official. But foreign businesses operating on the island will be excluded from any lawsuits under the decision to partially suspend Title III of the Libertad Act. Read more

    Guadeloupe to accede to associate membership of OECS at Opening Ceremony for Special Meeting of OECS Authority on March 14, 2019

    OECS: The OECS Authority is scheduled to meet in special session in Guadeloupe on 14-15 March 2019 at which time Guadeloupe will be admitted as an associate member of the Organisation. Read more 

    National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce among entities pushing for passage of North American trade agreement.

    Caribbean Business: The Pass USMCA Coalition, an alliance advocating for the passage of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, welcomed the National Association of Manufacturers, Domino’s Pizza, Dow, and the National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce as its newest members. Read more 

    Export development workshop held today in Corozal

    Breaking Belize News: The Ministry of Investment, Trade, and Commerce announced that as part of a major deliverable under this consultancy, it is hosting a Validation Workshop of a “Draft Regional Economic Development Master Plan for Corozal” that looks at two main components under the consultancy: I. Free Zone review and repurposing and II. The preparation of an Economic Development Master Plan for the Corozal Region. Read more 

    Barbados dismisses claims that island could suffer as a result of CSME requirement

    TV6: Barbados has dismissed as “propaganda”, claims that the island could suffer a social fallout as a result of the implementation of the Protocol of Contingent Rights that allows for spouses, young children and dependent parents of skilled Caribbean Community (CARICOM) nationals to reside here. Read more 

    All CSME Member States Sign on to Contingent Rights Protocol

    Caribbean360: Member States that are participating in the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) have all signed on to the Protocol on Contingent Rights and most of them are prepared to immediately begin provisional application of the Protocol. Read more

    Caricom grants deferral to two member countries on freedom of movement

    Jamaica Observer: Two Caribbean Community (Caricom) countries have been granted a five-year deferral on the freedom of movement of Caribbean nationals under the Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME) that allows for the free movement of goods, skills, labour and services across the 15-member grouping, Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley has said. Read more 

    PROCOMER Will Promote Export Competencies in Businessmen of the Caribbean Region

    Costa Rica News: With the objective of developing export capacities for entrepreneurs in the agricultural, food, and logistics services sectors, the Office of the Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promotor (PROCOMER) in the Huetar Caribe region prepares the 5th edition of the Caribbean Business Meeting. It will take place on March 20th and 21st, 2019, starting at 8:00 am, at the EARTH University of Guácimo. Read more 

    Oil import bill on the increase 

    Barbados Advocate: AFTER declines in recent years, Barbados’ oil import bill is back up in the air.This increasingly high bill of more than $700 million last year was one of the challenges which continued to confront the Barbados economy in 2018. Read more 

    INTERNATIONAL

    The Kiwi leading the fight to fix the WTO

    Newsroom: With a critical component of the international trading system at risk of collapse, a New Zealander has been tasked with helping to avert crisis. Sam Sachdeva speaks to David Walker about the task ahead of him. Read more

    Malaysia says EU palm oil curbs lack scientific proof, breach WTO rules

    Reuters: A European Union proposal to limit the use of palm oil lacks comprehensive scientific evidence and breaches global trade rules, Malaysia’s marketing agency for the edible oil said on Friday. Read more 

    Kenya negotiating AGOA extension despite low exports

    The Star: The government is negotiating for a post Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) initiative to grow exports to US. AGOA was enacted in May 2000 and now has seven years to 2025 after its renewal, under which the country is to export duty-free products. Read more 

    Americans will need a visa to visit 22 countries in Europe starting in 2021

    Insider: In two years, Americans will need to apply for something called ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) in order to enter the continent. The European Commission says the new visas will be enforced as an effort to upgrade international security, effective January 1, 2021. Read more 

    Liam Fox: I fear Brexit may never happen

    BBC: A cabinet Brexiteer has voiced fears that Remain supporters in parliament will seek to overturn the referendum result over the next week. Liam Fox told BBC Newsnight that a large number of MPs want to keep the UK “locked in the EU”, adding there needs to be an end to the “self-induced pessimism” which is denying the opportunities offered by Brexit. Read more 

    UK and South Africa to co-lead initiative on digital trade, aiming to boost Commonwealth trade to $2tn

    UK Government: The Commonwealth initiative will seek to increase prosperity in least developed and developing countries through digital trade. Read more 

    Malmström calls for renewed transatlantic cooperation on trade

    EU: EU Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmström appealed to the US not to stray from the international trade order and instead work with Europe to face the challenges of the modern global economy, including China. Updating the World Trade Organisation (WTO) should be at the heart of this rejuvenated reform effort, she argued. Read more 

    Trade agreement between the EU and the Republic of Korea shown to have increased EU exports by 76%

    EU: A European Commission evaluation shows that the trade agreement between the EU and Korea has been effective in making trade and investment easier, simpler and less costly. This in turn increased trade in both goods and services between the two sides, contributing to jobs, growth and more consumer choice. Read more 

    Foreign Investment Screening: new European framework to enter into force in April 2019

    EU: The Council of the EU today approved a new framework to screen foreign direct investments coming into the European Union, thus concluding the legislative process on this proposal. Read more 

    China’s foreign investment law to usher in new chapter of opening up

    ECNS: With a new draft foreign investment law submitted to national lawmakers for a third reading, China is a big step closer to adopting a unified “fundamental law” that will better protect foreign investors and start a new chapter for its opening up. Read more 

    Mercosur hopes to become main food supplier of ASEAN

    Saigon Online: The South American trade bloc Mercosur hopes to become a main food supplier of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in the next 50 years, according to President of the Mercosur-ASEAN Chamber of Commerce Rodolfo Caffaro. Read more 

    Trade barriers stall Asean integration, say experts

    The Nation: ASEAN integration is “not going anywhere” if trade regulations between Asean countries are not reformed, a recent forum heard. Read more 

    In Blow to Trump, America’s Trade Deficit in Goods Hits Record $891 Billion

    New York Times: America’s trade deficit in goods with the rest of the world rose to its highest level in history last year as the United States imported a record number of products, including from China, widening the deficit to $891.3 billion and delivering a setback to President Trump’s goal of narrowing that gap. Read more

    Europe Trade Czar Warns of ‘Tariffs on Day 1’ After Hard Brexit

    Bloomberg: The European Union’s top trade official warned that the U.K.’s impending exit from the bloc risks being “chaotic’’ with some of the EU’s other member states still not prepared for the practical realities of a no-deal Brexit that may be just three weeks away. Read more 

    Kenya bank to open office in China to facilitate Sino-Africa trade

    Business Report: Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB), a regional financial institution, plans to open a representative office in China in order to lower cost of Sino-Africa trade, officials said Wednesday. Read more 

    Brexit: Will it affect the Kenyan flower trade?

    BBC: As Britain prepares to leave the European Union, workers in Kenya’s flower industry are closely monitoring developments. Read more

    EU trade chief says no support in Europe for US trade deal that includes agriculture

    Independent (Ireland): The European Union will not support a comprehensive trade deal with the United States that includes agriculture, the EU’s top trade negotiator said on Thursday, so she is working toward a narrower deal focused on industrial goods and automobiles. Read more 

    A key measure of global trade just had its biggest tumble since 2015

    Business Insider: Air freight has been weakening since mid-2018 due to “protectionist measures and trade tensions,” according to the International Air Transport Association director general and CEO. Read more 

    Venezuelan Diaspora May Number 8 Million by Next Year, Group Says

    Bloomberg: More than 3.4 million Venezuelans have already fled in the most severe migration crisis in the world after Syria, the study found. This diaspora will swell to 5.4 million by the end of this year, and to 7.5 million to 8.2 million by the end of 2020, according to the OAS. Read more 

    Ports That Boomed on China May Never Be the Same as Trade Shifts

    Bloomberg: An industry that saw dramatic growth in the decade before Donald Trump took office is now concerned his administration’s trade tussle with China, and the lack of a deal with Japan, will cut future growth short. Read more 

    Big Brexit vote: What do I need to know?

    BBC: On Tuesday MPs will pass their verdict on Prime Minister Theresa May’s plan to take Britain out of the European Union on 29 March. Here is what you need to know about the vote. Read more 

    China Export Slump Adds to Concerns Over Weakening Global Growth

    Bloomberg: China’s exports slumped in February as seasonal factory shutdowns and continued uncertainty from the trade war combined to drag on shipments, adding to concerns over a weakening global economy. Read more

    US to Suspend India’s Preferential Tariff Status

    Times of India: The US decision to withdraw GSP benefits from India will not have a significant impact on Indian exports to US, says top official. Read more 

    India, Australia locked in sugar trade dispute at WTO

    Livemint: India has to enter into consultations and answer all the specific issues within 30 days after Australia told the World Trade Organization (WTO) that the minimum support prices (MSP) and export subsidies provided to sugarcane and sugar producers by the Narendra Modi government and several state governments violate global trade rules. Read more

    US-Mexico-Canada trade deal is ‘crucial’ for future negotiations and needs to get approved: GOP congressman

    CNBC: The trade deal between the United States, Canada and Mexico is crucial for future trade agreements and needs to be “put on the books,” Rep. Tom Reed, R-N.Y., told CNBC on Thursday. Read more 

    Peru Moves to Ratify Asia-Pacific Trade Agreement in March

    Bloomberg Tax: Peru expects to ratify an 11-nation Asia-Pacific trade agreement in March, slightly more than a year after it was signed. Read more

    WTO NEWS

    Trade and gender training, new research and EIF initiative announced on Women’s Day at WTO

    Director-General Roberto Azevêdo announced new efforts for women’s economic empowerment through trade, including a training module and new research on trade, gender and the environment, at an event at the WTO celebrating International Women’s Day on 8 March 2019. Read more 

    “Gender issues are central to who we are,” says DG Azevêdo on Women’s Day

    At an event at the WTO celebrating International Women’s Day on 8 March 2019, Director-General Roberto Azevêdo reviewed the organization’s current work in trade and gender, and talked about future work and initiatives. “Gender issues are central to who we are as an organization,” he said in opening the event. Read more

    Brazil, Australia initiate WTO dispute complaints against Indian sugar subsidies

    Brazil and Australia have requested WTO dispute consultations with India regarding domestic support measures and alleged export subsidies provided by India to producers of sugarcane and sugar. The requests were circulated to WTO members on 5 and 7 March. Read more 

    Trade Policy Review: Ecuador

    The third review of the trade policies and practices of Ecuador takes place on 5 and 7 March 2019. The basis for the review is a report by the WTO Secretariat and a report by the Government of Ecuador. Read more 

    South Africa launches safeguard investigation on threaded fasteners of iron or steel

    On 4 March 2019, South Africa notified the WTO’s Committee on Safeguards that it initiated on 1 March 2019 a safeguard investigation on threaded fasteners of iron or steel. Read more 

    DG Azevêdo urges open and inclusive discussions on investment facilitation

    Speaking at a meeting of the Structured Discussions On Investment Facilitation for Development on 4 March, WTO Director-General Roberto Azevêdo welcomed the progress made in the talks. He said participants have proceeded in an open and transparent manner and urged them to keep working to inform and interact with the full membership. Read more 

    NEW ON THE CTLD BLOG

    In commemoration of International Women’s Day 2019, I co-authored an article with Dr. Jan Yves Remy, Deputy Director of the University of the West Indies’ Shridath Ramphal Centre for International Trade Law, Policy & Services, discussing the importance of accelerating gender mainstreaming in CARICOM trade policies in order to foster inclusive development. Have a read here: Accelerating Gender Mainstreaming in CARICOM Trade Policy

    Also feel free to take a look at my other commentary this week: CARICOM Protocol on Contingent Rights: An important Step to CSME Consolidation

    The Caribbean Trade & Development Digest is a weekly trade news digest published by the Caribbean Trade Law & Development Blog. Liked this issue? To read past issues, please visit here. To receive these mailings directly to your inbox, please follow our blog.

  • Caribbean Trade & Development Digest – January 27 – February 2, 2019

    Caribbean Trade & Development Digest – January 27 – February 2, 2019

    Welcome to the Caribbean Trade & Development Digest for the week of January 27 – February 2, 2019! We are happy to bring you the major trade and development headlines and analysis from across the Caribbean Region and the world from the past week.

    THIS WEEK’S HIGHLIGHTS

    On the Brexit front, UK Prime Minister Theresa May won support from British MPs for a renegotiation of the Draft Withdrawal Agreement, in particular the removal of the ‘Irish Backstop’, the controversial ‘insurance policy’ to avoid a hard border between the Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland in the event that the UK and EU are unable to reach a trade deal within the transition period.

    However, the EU, including the Republic of Ireland, remains adamant that the current draft Withdrawal Agreement is not up for renegotiation and that the backstop cannot be removed. The UK is due to leave the EU on March 29, 2019.

    Another major trade policy development is that the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement has come into force. Additionally, the latest round of trade talks between the US and China have been hailed as a success.

    Regionally, some CARICOM leaders initiated a visit to the United Nations (UN) on the situation in Venezuela.

    REGIONAL

    $10m Investor: We Can Defeat WTO ‘Concerns’

    The Bahamas Tribune: A $10m poultry farming investor yesterday expressed confidence that The Bahamas could follow Jamaica’s self-sufficiency lead despite its “concerns” over WTO’s potential impact. Read more 

    JMEA head cites one-sided trading conditions affecting Jamaica

    LoopJamaica: President of the Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters’ A’ssociation (JMEA), Metry Seaga, has described the favourable trade conditions that Jamaica extends to its overseas trading partners as being one-sided, saying that too often the same treatment is not returned to the country’s manufacturers and exporters. Read more 

    Port Operator KFTL Boasts Record Container Moves In A Day

    Jamaica Gleaner: Kingston Freeport Terminal Limited, KFTL, a subsidiary of the French-based shipping company CMA CGM, said that on January 24 it recorded the best performance ever in the history of the port of Kingston in terms of container moves. Read more 

    Statistical Institute of Belize: Belizeans paid an average of 30 cents more for goods and services in 2018

    Breaking Belize News: For the year 2018, Belizeans paid an average of 30 cents more for goods and services, while for the month of December specifically, consumer prices were about 10 cents less when compared to the year before. Read more 

    Statement on second day of visit to the UN by Delegation of CARICOM Member States

    CARICOM: On Tuesday, 30 January 2019, the delegation of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) comprising Dr the Hon. Timothy Harris, Prime Minister of S.Kitts and Nevis (Chairman of CARICOM) and Dr the Hon. Keith Rowley, Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, the Hon. Peter David, Foreign Minister of Grenada, H.E. Irwin LaRocque, CARICOM Secretary-General, as well as the Permanent Representatives of these countries continued its engagements at the United Nations and at the Trinidad and Tobago Permanent Mission in New York on the situation in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and its implications for the Community. Read more 

    Belize exports first shipment of crude soybean oil to Jamaica

    LoveFM: Belize has made its first shipment of crude soybean oil to Jamaica. The five containers were exported last week and were supplied by Bel-Car Exports and Imports located in Spanish Lookout, Cayo District and Northern Grains Cooperative located in Blue Creek, Orange Walk District. Read more 

    CARICOM Leaders To Meet With UN Secretary General On Venezuela

    Jamaica Gleaner: Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders are to meet with the United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres on Monday to discuss the ongoing political situation in Venezuela where the government of President Nicolas Maduro is under international pressure to step down. Read more 

    Barbados hosting EU funded meetings

    TV6: Barbados is hosting a two-day consultation aimed at continuing the development of a framework for an effective platform for structured and continuous dialogue between the Caribbean Forum (CARIFORUM) and French Caribbean Outermost Regions (FCORs) and British and Dutch Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs). Read moreRead more

    WTO lacks clout on dispute rulings

    Bahamas Tribune: The failure to enforce its rulings on trade disputes is among the “biggest criticisms” that can be levelled against the World Trade Organisation (WTO), a Bahamian arbitrator has charged. Read more 

    INTERNATIONAL

    1-in-3 UK firms have relocation plans due to Brexit

    Euractiv: Brexit has prompted almost a third of British companies to move some operations abroad or at least consider it, a survey from an employers group showed on Friday (1 February). Read more 

    UAE initiates WTO proceedings against Qatar

    Gulf News: The UAE Government announced on Tuesday that it has initiated World Trade Organisation, WTO, dispute-settlement proceedings against Qatar following its ban of the sale of UAE products in Qatari markets. Read more 

    China, U.S. make important progress in trade talks, paving way for further consultations

    Xinhua: Negotiators from China and the United States have made important progress in the latest round of high-level talks to resolve their economic and trade frictions, laying foundation for further consultations, according to the visiting Chinese delegation. Read more 

    Is WTO Article 24 the antidote to a No Deal Brexit? Euronews Answers

    Euronews: Nigel Farage, one of the UK’s leading proponents of a ‘hard Brexit’ told Euronews yesterday that the negative impacts of Britain leaving the EU without a deal could be eliminated by the use of “Article 24 of the World Trade Organisation (WTO)”. Read more 

    Trump sends Congress list of planned USMCA trade policy changes

    Washington Examiner: The Trump administration formally gave Congress a list of its proposed changes to trade policy, requests that will put the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement on trade into effect. Read more 

    WTO chief is in denial over climate impact of trade 

    Climate Change News: When the head of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) says trade does not impact the environment, we should all be worried. Read more 

    US, China may cross swords on e-commerce at WTO

    VoA: China has given up its long-held resistance to the World Trade Organization’s push for global standards for the $27 trillion e-commerce market. Some analysts say this is a direct result of the trade war with the United States, which is forcing China to seek wider cooperation with trading countries. Read more

    Sturgeon to visit US and Canada for talks on trade links

    BBC: First Minister Nicola Sturgeon is to visit the US and Canada next week. The trip is planned in a bid to build stronger trade links between Scotland and North America. Read more

    Japan-EU free trade deal takes effect

    NHK: A comprehensive free trade deal between Japan and the European Union has come into force. The pact will eventually remove tariffs on more than 90 percent of imports from both sides and liberalize rules in a broad spectrum of fields. Read more

    Brexit: MPs back May’s bid to change deal

    BBC: MPs have backed seeking “alternative arrangements” to replace the Irish backstop in Theresa May’s Brexit plan. Read more 

    Safeguards in free trade agreements: Council adopts horizontal framework for bilateral measures

    EU: The EU will soon have in place an overall framework for ensuring consistency of safeguard measures included in free trade agreements. The Council today adopted a regulation streamlining the inclusion of safeguard measures in trade agreements so that they are applied effectively and consistently across the board.  Read more

    Iraq, Jordan sign free trade agreement

    Middle East Monitor: Jordan has reached a new agreement on free trade with Iraq, the country’s Deputy Prime Minister, Rajai Muasher, said yesterday. Read more 

    UK cannot simply trade on WTO terms after no-deal Brexit, say experts

    The Guardian: The UK will be unable to have frictionless, tariff-free trade under World Trade Organization rules for up to seven years in the event of a no-deal Brexit, according to two leading European Union law specialists. Read more 

    WTO Launches Investigation Into Trump’s China Tariffs, Official Says

    Bloomberg: The World Trade Organization launched an investigation into President Donald Trump’s tariffs on $250 billion of Chinese goods, ratcheting up tensions as the two nations are set to begin a new round of trade talks, according to an official with knowledge of the probe. Read more 

    EU to fight US tariffs on Spanish olives at WTO

    Deutsche Welle: The European Comission will back Spain’s fight to defend its olive exporters, who were hit by Donald Trump’s tariffs in June 2018. Madrid considers the punitive measure to be “an evident prejudice” on olive producers. Read more 

    China accuses US of a ‘blatant breach’ of trade policy in WTO meeting

    CNBC: Chinese representatives met with the World Trade Organization on Monday to begin the process of legally challenging United States tariffs on China’s exports, Reuters reported, citing a transcript of the meeting’s discussion. Read more 

    WTO NEWS

    United Arab Emirates requests consultations with Qatar on goods restrictions

    WTO: The United Arab Emirates has requested WTO dispute consultations with Qatar regarding certain measures restricting the import, distribution and sale of goods in Qatar from the UAE (DS576). The request was circulated to WTO members on 31 January. Read more

    European Union initiates WTO dispute proceedings against US olive duties

    WTO: The European Union has requested WTO dispute consultations with the United States concerning US anti-dumping and countervailing duties imposed on imported ripe olives from Spain. The request was circulated to WTO members on 31 January. Read more 

    Panels established to rule on US, Turkish tariff measures

    WTO: At a meeting of the Dispute Settlement Body (DSB) on 28 January, WTO members agreed to establish a dispute panel to rule on additional duties imposed by the United States on certain imports from China. Members also agreed to establish a panel to rule on additional duties levied by Turkey on certain imports from the United States. Read more 

    The Caribbean Trade & Development Digest is a weekly trade news digest published by the Caribbean Trade Law & Development Blog. Liked this issue? To read past issues, please visit here. To receive these mailings directly to your inbox, please follow our blog.