Commentary: Trade Remains Economic Bright Spot
As we approach the end of May, the nationally observed World Trade Week, it is clear that international trade is a continuing bright spot in the economic landscape, with export markets providing advantages for both California and the United States. CalChamber, May 13, 2008
Death toll reaches 12,000 in China
The death toll from Monday's devastating earthquake in China rose to more than 12,000 as rescue workers slogged their way through mud and landslides to reach the remote epicenter in mountainous Sichuan Province. Los Angeles Times, May 13, 2008
U.N. Leader Tells Myanmar to Hurry on Aid
BANGKOK — The authorities in Myanmar allowed a United States military aircraft to land with relief supplies Monday, crossing a barrier that has prevented the delivery of large-scale aid to more than a million victims of the May 3 cyclone, even as the country’s state media reported that the death toll had risen to just under 32,000. New York Times, May 12, 2008
Dollar, Economy Bring Down Trade Deficit
The U.S. trade deficit narrowed more than expected in March as American consumers, stung by the economic downturn and higher prices for foreign-made goods, drove down import demand sharply. Exports dipped, too, suggesting a softening of the global economy as well. Washington Post, May 12, 2008
U.S.-Colombian Trade
Promotion Agreement
A bilateral TPA that will
lower tariffs and foster increased trade between both
countries. This agreement is a critical element of a possible
U.S.-Andean Free Trade Agreement and of the U.S. strategy to
liberalize trade through bilateral, regional and multilateral
initiatives.
CalChamber position: Support
Status:
Pending Congressional Action Act now! Click here to send
a letter to your representative
U.S.-Panama
Free Trade Agreement
A bilateral FTA that will
lower tariffs and foster increased trade between both
countries. A U.S.-Panama Free Trade Agreement is a critical
element of the U.S. strategy to liberalize trade through
multilateral, regional and bilateral initiatives. The
agreement will also increase momentum toward lowering trade
barriers and set a positive example for other small economies
in the Western Hemisphere.
CalChamber position: Support
Status: Pending Congressional Action Click here for additional
information
U.S.-Korea Free Trade
Agreement
A bilateral FTA which will lower tariffs
and foster increased trade between both countries and is a
critical element of the U.S. strategy to liberalize trade
through multilateral, regional and bilateral initiatives.
CalChamber position: Support
Status: Pending
Congressional Action Click here for additional
information
California
Legislation
AB 1394 (Krekorian) Counterfeit:
Trademarks
Improves protections of trademark owner rights and consumer health and safety by strengthening California laws against trafficking of fake products such as auto parts, prescription drugs, and children’s toys.
SB 974 (Lowenthal) Tax on Freight
Movement
This bill would require the Ports of
Los Angeles, Long Beach, and Oakland to collect a user fee on
the owner of container cargo moving through the Port of Los
Angeles, the Port of Long Beach, or the Port of Oakland at a
rate of $30 per twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEU).
SB 1649 (Steinberg) Human
Trafficking
This bill would require retail
sellers and manufacturers doing business in the state to
develop, maintain, and implement policies related to their
compliance with federal law regarding the eradication of
slavery and human trafficking.
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