Although IBC Counsellors have been teleworking since mid-March 2020, our clients have been keeping us busy on a variety of issues. Below are just a few of the ones that we’ve worked on so far this year.
Trade Issues
Section 301 – Applications for the Extension of Product-Specific Exclusions from China Tariffs
GSP – Advised on the Renewal of the Duty-Free Tariff Preferences Beyond December 31, 2020 Expiration and Provided Client Strategic Advice on Adding a Product to the Duty-Free Program.
Airbus Tariffs – Prepared Product-Specific Comments and Petitions Regarding the Rotation of the U.S. Retaliation List in Airbus Subsidies WTO Dispute
U.S.-UK Trade Agreement — Prepared Resolution for Advisory Committee on U.S.-UK Trade Agreement Proposed Text.
Mexico – Advised on Response to Regulatory Developments Affecting Sales and U.S. Exports
MTBs – Tracked Petitions to Temporarily Suspend or Reduce U.S. Duties for Imports
WTO – Monitored the Campaign For a New Director-General and Debates Over WTO Reform, Including the Dispute Settlement Process and Non-Market Economy Status
Export Administration/Compliance
Country Reports – Analyzed and Reported on Changes to U.S. Export Control Regulations by Targeted Country
Sanctions – Advised on OFAC and State Department Sanctions Compliance
Emerging Technology Restrictions – Advised on Upcoming Regulations to Restrict the Export of Certain Technologies
COVID-19 Pandemic
Country Responses — Tracked the Economic Stimulus Plans Implemented by Clients’ Countries of Interest, Including the U.S.
Canada – Analyzed Federal and Provincial Regulations of Critical Industries and U.S.-Canada Customs Issues at the Border
Mexico – Reported on Customs Issues on the U,.S.-Mexico Border
Congress
Stimulus Packages – Analyzed Stimulus Package Sectoral Impacts and Advised on Methods to Apply for Loans Drawing on Analysis of Implementing Regulations
Trade Advocacy – Sought Support For Tariff Exclusions for Specific Products Relating to Section 301 and Airbus Tariffs and Advocated for Renewal of GSP and MTB
Sanctions – Analyzed Proposed Sanctions in Various Bills, Including in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)
Critical Minerals – Reported on Legislation to Promote Critical Mineral Development in the United States
Investment
CFIUS – Analyzed Developments Including Implementation of the Foreign Investment Risk Review Modernization Act of 2018 (FIRRMA)
Critical Minerals – Analyzed U.S. Federal Strategy and U.S.–Canada Cooperation on Investments To Enhance Joint Supply Chains
Risk – Monitored and analyzed political and operational risks in Countries and Regions of Interest to Multinational Investors
International Organizations (IOs)
International Financial Institutions (IFIs) — Analyzed and Reported On IMF and World Bank Programs To Support Countries During the COVID-19 Pandemic
OECD – Assessed Brazil’s Prospects For Becoming a Member
United Nations and Its Specialized Agencies – Tracked and Reported on UN Security Council, General Assembly and ECOSOC Actions and Schedules, Including the 2030 SDG Agenda, as well as Developments Impacting Business at the WHO, ILO, UNCTAD, WIPO and Other Agencies
Visas – Analyzed Pandemic-Related Travel Restrictions; Advocated for Clients on Specific Visa Issues
Virtual Meetings – Held on a regular basis to discuss international trade, political, security, energy and health issues.