China’s Growing Influence in Latin America: Infrastructure Investments and Implications for the Panama Canal
China has significantly expanded its economic and geopolitical footprint in Latin America, particularly through the acquisition and development of critical infrastructure such as ports, airfields, and railways. This strategic move has raised questions about the long-term implications for regional sovereignty, global trade routes, and the future of the Panama Canal, a linchpin of international maritime commerce.
Beyond the Tariff: Proactive Strategies to Mitigate Trade Remedy Impacts
In today’s complex global marketplace, businesses are increasingly confronted with the challenges of supply chain disruptions, rising costs, and fierce competition—all exacerbated by trade remedy tariffs. While many of these tariffs are already in play, President-elect Trump has promised to impose new tariffs and increase old ones.
Mercosur-EU – A New Potential Powerhouse in Trade Blocs if Ratified
After 25 years of negotiations, the European Union and the Southern Common Market, commonly known as Mercosur, comprised of Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay, signed a free trade agreement. I think this, among many more regional deals to come was suddenly expedited due to the anticipated land mines with the upcoming Trump 2.0 administration and trade policy regarding tariffs for all.
Tariffs, and the Temptation to Use Them as Geopolitical Leverage
The United States has a long history of using tariffs. The first significant tariff legislation was the Tariff Act of 1789, signed by President George Washington. Tariffs have been used for various purposes over the years, including protecting domestic industries, generating government revenue, and negotiating trade agreements. The use of tariffs however has evolved, with significant changes during different historical periods, such as the high tariffs of the 19th century and the shift towards free trade in the mid-20th century, as well as the current U.S. trade war with China, and possibly soon to be with Mexico and Canada.
Presidential Authority to Unilaterally Raise Tariffs
This article examines the constitutional authorities and various statutes that reserve tariff authorities for Congress and some legal authorities in which Congress has delegated tariff authorities to the President. The U.S. is a party to numerous multilateral and regional trade agreements that have binding tariff commitments that will be impacted as well.
Tariffs, Trade & Trump
Historically, trade agreements have focused on reducing barriers to trade—such as tariffs and quotas—while encouraging economic integration and growth. Environmental protection was often considered a separate issue, addressed primarily through national regulations or multilateral environmental agreements like the Paris Agreement. However, recent developments suggest that trade and environmental concerns are converging, with many new trade agreements incorporating specific environmental provisions.
Hot Topics in International Trade The Election with Kerry Wang
Bob Brewer, VP Marketing and New Business Development, Braumiller Law Group & Braumiller Consulting Group discusses trade and the 2024 election with BLG Senior Associate Attorney Kerry Wang
Once Upon a Time
Once upon a time there was a country that found a way to circumvent the import tariffs on steel and aluminum by smelting the metal at home, and then sending the ingots to another country to be finished and then exported into the 3rd country taking full advantage of the free trade agreement in place to which they were not a member. And then U.S. Customs stepped in and slapped a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminum that wasn’t smelted within the free trade agreement countries. The moral of the story: Circumventing Customs regulations is like poking the bear. Reality can really bite.
Deep Thoughts on IMMEX by Bob
Is your company manufacturing in China and importing to U.S. and do you need a break from Section 301 tariffs, forced labor regulations, WRO detention, anti-dumping, etc.? If your U.S. market share warrants it, you might consider an IMMEX (Manufacturing, Maquiladora and Export Services Industry) in Mexico that BLG can help with our legal experts.
BRICS–A Focus on De-Dollarization and Global Expansion
The new world order apparently has some merit as more than 30 nations have reportedly submitted applications to join the BRICS alliance wanting to reduce reliance on the US dollar. This wave of applications is a testament to the trust in the BRICS alliance as a viable option to a traditional economic structure. The BRICS alliance has broad shoulders and is representative of considerable economic growth.