The Miscellaneous Tariff Bill (MTB) process provides importers relief from duties on an item-by-item basis, up to $500,000 annually. On April 16, 2015, Senators Rob Portman (R-OH), Claire McCaskill (D-MO) and Pat Toomey (R-PA) introduced bipartisan legislation proposing to reform the MTB process. Many companies consider the new legislation a much overdue step that assists
April 2015
Congress Focuses on Building Trade Relationships
On April 16, several pieces of key legislation were introduced that set the stage for a Bipartisan, Bicameral International Trade Package. Senators Orrin Hatch (R-UT) and Ron Wyden (D-OR) along with Congressman Paul Ryan (R-WI) introduced long-awaited trade legislation to reauthorize Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) and renew several trade preference and liberalization programs. TPA expired in 2007 and is necessary for the Obama Administration to move forward and conclude the Trans-Pacific Partnership and Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership negotiations.
Cuban Immigration Policy Changes Announced as Part of Regularizing Relations with Cuba
By Toni Blackwood on
Posted in International Trade & Supply Chain
As part of the proposed warming of relations with Cuba, USCIS has announced changes to Cuban family-based immigration policy. U.S. immigration policy toward Cuba differs from policy applicable to other countries. Under the Cuban Adjustment Act, Cubans who enter the United States have a special track to permanent residency. Further, under the Cuban Family Reunification…
Move Quickly to Register Trademarks in Cuba
By Albert Carrion on
President Obama’s announcement to normalize U.S. relations with Cuba has created a flood of momentum for U.S. companies hoping to open new business markets there; however, business owners should spend the time now to learn the legal and regulatory framework they will encounter in Cuba, and the steps they can take immediately to be ready when opportunities arise.