Lars Jensen’s Post

USTR (the US Trade Representative) issued 3 different calls for comments during this week. All 3 have overlap with the issues seen in shipping, hence US importers and exporters might want to have a look and see if they want to let their thoughts weigh in. The link is in the comments. For brevity: They seek public comment on foreign barriers to U.S. exports of goods and services and U.S. foreign direct investment for inclusion in the 2026 National Trade Estimate Report. They will have a public hearing on November 17th in relation to the review of the USMCA agreement – i.e., the US, Canada, Mexico trade agreement. Comments need to be submitted 45 days prior to this date. The seek input on whether any of the exclusions in effect in the Section 301 Investigation of China’s Acts, Policies, and Practices Related to Technology Transfer, Intellectual Property, and Innovation warrant further extension. There are presently 178 exclusions which are due to expire on November 29th. Today is day 668 of the Red Sea crisis. The Houthi leader warned Saudi Arabia against “protecting” Israeli shipping in the Red Sea.