Washington, D.C.--

Senator Bill Cassidy introduced the ‘‘Foreign Pollution Fee Act of 2023’’ imposing fees on GHG for certain imports. The fee covers the following commodities: aluminum, batteries, biofuels, cement, crude, glass, hydrogen, iron/steel, minerals, natural gas, petrochemicals, plastics, pulp/paper, refined petroleum products, solar cells, and wind turbines.

The fee would be assessed by 6-digit HTS as an ad valorem fee (ranging from 10%-200% as a variable rate based on "pollution intensity"). These imports will require a bond and places enforcement with CBP. According to the Fact Sheet, the bill maintains existing drawback laws and provides exemption for FTA countries. See FAQ document.

Geneva--

On October 25th, the United States announced at the World Trade Organization that it was withdrawing support for digital trade proposals seeking free cross-border data flows, restrictions on data localization and barriers to reviewing source code. These proposals were put forward by the United States in 2019 as these principles were included in the USMCA which garnered bipartisan Congressional support.

The USTR's reason for withdrawing the free trade policy is to create "policy space" to reconsider its approach to regulating digital trade has been met with skepticism and outrage. Senate Finance Committee Chair Wyden and Ranking Member Crapo are not happy with the change in policy, nor is Chairman Smith of the House of Ways and Means Committee.

These digital trade policies will have a big impact on how e-commerce cross-border trade is conducted because the internet is global by its very nature so restrictions on data flows will increase costs.  EMTC is working with other trade associations to express our concern to policymakers about this policy reversal.

2023-09-21_Concerns Raised Over Pace, Drafters of COAC De Minimis Recommendations.pdf

EMTC is quoted in International Trade Today 

UPS, FedEx, USPS cut rates ahead of holidays as customers push back (msn.com)

UPS and FedEx customers regain upper hand in delivery price battle (msn.com)

Washington, D.C.--

EMTC joins 40 trade associations urging U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to keep legitimate trade flowing in the event that Congress does not pass legislation to fund the federal government for the new fiscal year, which commences October 1, 2023.

The associations signing the Joint Trade Industry Statement requests the following:

These recommendations are based on EMTC's past experience during government shutdowns when PGAs (EPA, FDA, USDA, etc.) do not issue permits, license and certificates causing collateral damage to exports and imports.  Read the full Joint Trade Industry Statement.

January 2024 Price Change Release Overview | PostalPro (usps.com)

For reference 

Shipping Rate Changes | FedEx

For reference 

Shipping Costs and Rates | UPS - United States

For reference 

Trademark, patent, or copyright | USPTO

IPR is regulated by the US Patent and Trademark Office.