The latest on Russia sanctions from the International Trade and Supply Chain Team
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On December 10, 2019, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi stated in a press conference that Democrats had reached an agreement with the Trump Administration on the new U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (“USMCA”) intended as a NAFTA update, clearing the way for Congress to vote on the trade agreement.  Speaker Pelosi called the agreement “a victory for America’s workers” and “infinitely better” than the USMCA agreement previously negotiated.

The announcement arrived following a period of negotiations between the Administration and Democrats in the House of Representatives and signals that Democrats are now largely satisfied with the USMCA’s labor, environmental, enforcement and pharmaceutical provisions. According to Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, Mexico’s Senators have informally agreed to the Democrat’s new labor provisions, paving the way for ratification by Mexico. The other major components of the USMCA, such as the new rules of origin for auto manufacturing and new wage requirements, remain essentially unchanged.

Before being ratified and implemented, the USMCA needs to first be submitted to and pass the House Ways and Means Committee and Senate Finance Committee, after which it will be sent to their respective floors for a final majority vote. In total, Congress has up to 90 session days to vote on USMCA. Once USMCA is approved by the Senate, the bill will be sent to the president, signed into public law, and thereafter implemented via a presidential proclamation. Mexico and Canada also have to ratify the USMCA in their respective legislative bodies and thereafter take appropriate implementing actions.

We are monitoring this situation closely and will provide future updates as additional details become available.  If you have any questions regarding USMCA, please contact Husch Blackwell’s International Trade and Supply Chain team.

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Photo of Cortney Morgan Cortney Morgan

An experienced attorney in the area of international trade and supply chain issues, Cortney advises foreign and domestic clients on all aspects of international trade regulation, planning and compliance, including import (customs), export controls, economic sanctions, embargoes, international trade agreements and preference programs.

Photo of Robert Stang Robert Stang

Bob focuses his practice on customs and international trade law. He brings 30 years of experience to a wide range of issues that affect inbound and outbound goods, including tariff classification, valuation, country of origin marking matters, free trade agreements, and special trade…

Bob focuses his practice on customs and international trade law. He brings 30 years of experience to a wide range of issues that affect inbound and outbound goods, including tariff classification, valuation, country of origin marking matters, free trade agreements, and special trade programs. He also has extensive customs compliance experience and regularly assists importers facing U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) audits, penalties, seizures, redelivery notices and other agency enforcement activities. Bob works with importers and exporters proactively to achieve cost savings and structure programs that meet CBP “reasonable care” requirements. He also handles supply chain security issues, including Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) enrollment, verification and annual reviews.

Photo of Turner Kim Turner Kim

A trade analyst, Turner conducts industry research and analyzes trade data to assist attorneys with client proceedings at the U.S. International Trade Commission, U.S. Department of Commerce and U.S. Court of International Trade. He also actively monitors U.S. government and global trade developments…

A trade analyst, Turner conducts industry research and analyzes trade data to assist attorneys with client proceedings at the U.S. International Trade Commission, U.S. Department of Commerce and U.S. Court of International Trade. He also actively monitors U.S. government and global trade developments for issues relating to client’s most critical trade matters.

Photo of Camron Greer Camron Greer

A trade analyst, Camron researches transitions in global trade policy and their impact on client business matters. Camron assists clients, attorneys and legal teams when trade, business and the law intersect.