Japan suspends beef imports from US plant Oct 11, 2009
Washington has repeatedly criticized Japan for its tough import restrictions, which authorities say have no scientific basis. Under the bilateral trade agreement, US exporters must remove spinal columns, brain tissue and other parts considered linked to mad cow disease. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
Mad cow fear: Japan suspends U.S. plant's beef Oct 10, 2009
Washington has repeatedly criticized Japan for its tough import restrictions, which authorities say have no scientific basis. U.S. officials have urged Japan to allow imports of beef from cattle aged up to 30 months, a widely used safety standard elsewhere. (San Francisco Chronicle)
Answer Desk: There are no winners in trade wars Oct 5, 2009
The deepening global recession has raised political pressure in all countries to try to protect their domestic industries, and import restrictions have been rising. (The Buy American provisions of the economic stimulus package are but one example. (MSNBC -- Business)
Panel talks of issues confronting G-20 here Sep 23, 2009
"No country ever rose or sustained economic prominence by imposing import restrictions," she said. But Post-Gazette Associate Editor Dan Simpson, himself a former ambassador and diplomat in Africa, the Middle East and Europe, disagreed with Ms. Schwab's contention. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Our authors still need protection Sep 23, 2009
The Productivity Commission wants parallel import restrictions (PIRs) repealed so that Australians can pay less for books. The industry is to be given three years' notice of this change, financial assistance for Australian writing, and publishing is to be reviewed and the ongoing impact monitored. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Opinion)
Too Many Bars In Rural America Linked To High Suicide Rates Instead Of Idyllic Life Sep 22, 2009
Sri Lanka's import restrictions on. (Apr. (Science Daily)
South Dakota lifts Montana cattle restrictions Sep 18, 2009
Several states imposed import restrictions when Montana's second case of the livestock disease was diagnosed near Yellowstone National Park in May 2008. Federal officials this past July declared Montana once again free of the disease and lifted export restrictions. (Madison Daily Leader, SD)
Strategies for an Overextended Market Sep 17, 2009
Their hope is that this petition might convince U.S. government officials to ease import restrictions that have been in place to protect American farmers from global competition. The result of these import quotas has been that U.S. food companies pay higher prices for sugar, as seen in the graph below. (Human Events Online)
Labor divided on books Sep 16, 2009
The caucus will next month debate a resolution proposed yesterday to dismiss the Productivity Commission's recommendation that the Government remove parallel import restrictions on books ... That report, commissioned by the ALP's national conference, argued that the commission did not establish that book prices would fall if import restrictions were removed ... In cabinet, the economics ministers Chris Bowen and Craig Emerson are said to support removing import restrictions. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Cremer, Ecopetrol, Ledesma, Rossi, Telecom Argentina: Latin Equity Preview Sep 15, 2009
Fabricato, which said its sales fell after Ecuador applied import restrictions, closed unchanged at 20. 3 pesos. (Bloomberg -- Latin America)
Appetizer or meal, antipasto is a platter of possibilities Sep 9, 2009
Because of import restrictions, about half of the salumi that Martignetti carries in his store is produced in the United States. Martignetti, whose father, Erminio, started the business in 1962, carries cured meats from two San Francisco producers and one based in St. Louis. (Boston Globe)
Labor MPs endorse book import petition Sep 8, 2009
Three federal Labor MPs have endorsed a petition calling on the government to keep book import restrictions ... Authors Kate Grenville and Sheryl Gwyther joined Labor and Greens MPs as they endorsed 10,000 signatures on a petition calling for parallel book import restrictions to stay. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Rudd told to shelve publishing reforms Sep 8, 2009
Speaking at a book launch at Parliament House, Ms Adler, chief executive of Melbourne University Press, told the Prime Minister that quality books would not compete with ''teenage vampire novels'' on department store shelves if import restrictions were taken away ... The ALP's national conference established a special working group to assess the findings of a Productivity Commission report that advocated the removal of import restrictions. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Injury sidelines Victory star for a year Sep 4, 2009
Cole said the new transfer rules which allowed Asian clubs to recruit one player from another Asian country without import restrictions had sparked overseas interest in some Victory players. "We want to set up an iconic club in Australia. We want to be the biggest, we want to be the best, we want to be the most successful, so we want to develop players and use them," Cole said. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
China trade ruling helps US, but piracy a problem Aug 18, 2009
The Chinese import restrictions have been blamed for making fewer legal goods available and thus helping pirates profit and proliferate. "Consumers buy pirate copies maybe because it's very slow for legitimate copies to enter the Chinese market," said Xiao Wei, manager of the FAB music and movie store in Beijing. (Yahoo News -- Technology)
Pork Plummeting 30% Signaled in Futures as Swine Flu Cuts Chinese Imports Aug 17, 2009
U.S. exports plunged 20 percent in the first half and are heading for the first annual decline since 1990 after the H1N1 virus outbreak in April led to import restrictions in China and Russia ... Overseas sales may lift prices as import restrictions ease. (Bloomberg -- UK)
China may appeal WTO ruling on media controls Aug 14, 2009
Beijing - China defended its controls on imported films and books yesterday when it said it might appeal a World Trade Organisation (WTO) ruling against its import restrictions. On Wednesday the WTO panel said China's import and distribution regime for books and films broke international trade rules, as well as the terms of China's entry to the WTO in 2001, and should be revised. (Business Report, South Africa)
Minister writes off book imports Aug 6, 2009
In what could be a blow to the push by Dymocks, Coles and Woolworths, the Industry Minister, Kim Carr, said there was little evidence the price of books would fall if import restrictions were removed ... The Industry Minister, known to advocate policies that help local manufacturing, said the commission did not assert that prices would fall significantly if parallel import restrictions were lifted ... The Productivity Commission has recommended removing parallel import restrictions after three... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
States lift cattle restrictions Jul 24, 2009
The U.S. Department of Agriculture recommended lifting import restrictions. Montana state veterinarian Marty Zaluski says cattle producers and associated industries worked hard on a plan to reduce the risk of brucellosis and restore confidence in Montana cattle. (Minnesota Farm Guide, MN)
Barnaby Joyce Jul 18, 2009
Xavier La Canna and Andrea Hayward12. An Australian executive from mining giant Rio Tinto has been arrested in China on suspicion of spying. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Cut-price books light up the eyes of shelf-ish club members Jul 18, 2009
Ms Naidu, 53, thought lifting import restrictions would be good because cheaper books were more accessible books. "You hear of so many people who say, 'It was great in London - I bought all these books'. And really, I think some are very expensive. "I'd like to buy books as gifts for people and I'd like to receive them as well, so you do want a good deal. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Author subsidies may not be worth reading about Jul 17, 2009
EVEN if the Government increases subsidies to writers in exchange for scrapping import restrictions on books, as advocated by its economic adviser, any extra support could well be marginal ... But it said the Government could help promote the cultural value of Australian authors through direct subsidies, rather than by general import restrictions ... This is because, according to the commission, current import restrictions provide little support for Australian writers. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Entertainment)
Judge a book by distance it covers Jul 16, 2009
EVEN if the Government increases subsidies to writers in exchange for scrapping import restrictions on books, as advocated by its economic adviser, any extra support could well be marginal. Latest National News Video. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Nationals query imported book move Jul 16, 2009
Lifting import restrictions on books could put authors at the mercy of big corporations and undermine Australian culture, Nationals' Senate leader Barnaby Joyce says ... It says the "parallel import restrictions" favour multinational publishers and big-name writers at the expense of competition. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Restrictions on imported books hang in balance Jul 15, 2009
Import restrictions, common to all advanced economies except New Zealand, are used to protect local publishers and authors ... The Productivity Commission hardened its position from a draft report released in March that proposed maintaining import restrictions in the year after a book was published ... The commission said import restrictions were a poor way of protecting the "cultural externality" of Australian literature, pushing up all book prices, including textbooks and those written by... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Your sayUndercover: Productivity Commission recommends end to territorial copyright Jul 15, 2009
Whereas the Commission's draft report had proposed a partial liberalisation of the import restrictions, following further evidence, the final report recommends their repeal, with the industry having a period of three years to adjust before the changes take effect. The report recommends that the current range of grants and other financial assistance be refined to better target the local writing and publishing that adds cultural value to Australian society. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Entertainment)
Inquiry bodes ill for writers Jul 14, 2009
But in a draft paper in March the commission said removing all import restrictions would damage the industry ... The Herald understands the final report tomorrow is likely to go further and suggest the eventual removal of all import restrictions. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Entertainment)
Thorpe moves to scuttle doping claims Jul 14, 2009
July 14, 2009 06:49pm AEST. IAN Thorpe has provided the country's drug testing agency with medical evidence in an attempt to clear his name of doping. (Yahoo News -- Swimming)
Treasury taps into the top 21st century conundrum Jul 8, 2009
Latest news from the World Trade Organisation is that it has scaled back its forecast for merchandise trade in the face of increasing efforts by various governments to protect their industries through the introduction of import restrictions. The biggest challenge on this front comes from the "buy American" measures contained in the $787 billion (R6. (Business Report, South Africa)
Making sense of liberalisation Jul 6, 2009
Factors that can impede the drive for efficiency or increase the cost of production include excessive taxes, import restrictions, poorly-trained workforce, bureaucratic delays, licensing or restrictive licensing requirements. Owners of resources or factors of production, usually seek the best place to employ their resources to achieve maximum gain. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
* Activists protest opening up to US beef Jul 2, 2009
FED UP: Protesters from a number of civic groups said the short-term benefits of easing import restrictions did not justify the risk of contracting mad cow disease STAFF WRITER, WITH CNA Thursday, Jul 02, 2009, Page 4. Scores of activists protested in front of the Department of Health yesterday to show their opposition to an anticipated full opening of Taiwans market to US beef. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Taiwan)
• Read more about the ICRC report Jun 30, 2009
Tragically, a number of them are not allowed to leave the Strip in time to seek health care elsewhere," it said. Some 100-150 people who lost limbs in the military operation are waiting to be fitted with artificial limbs, according to the ICRC which runs a physical rehabilitation centre in Gaza. "The fact that water and sanitation services could collapse at any moment raises the spectre of a major public health crisis," the ICRC added. Each day, 69 million litres of partially treated or... (ITV news, UK -- News)
* US-trained commandos keen for action Jun 29, 2009
Recruits in the northern West Bank town of Jenin complain that they are restricted to islands of limited authority in the Israeli-controlled territory, cant make a move without Israels permission, are outgunned by Hamas and lack riot and protective gear because of Israeli import restrictions. Distrust runs both ways. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Sports)
Activists sail to Gaza with aid, defying Israel Jun 29, 2009
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) on Monday said stringent import restrictions imposed by Israel were crippling reconstruction efforts by donors who have pledged $4. 5 billion. (AlertNet)
Gaza civilians mired in poverty after war - ICRC Jun 29, 2009
Says Israel's import restrictions crippling reconstruction ... Stringent import restrictions imposed by Israel are crippling reconstruction efforts by donors who have pledged $4. (AlertNet)
U.S.-trained Palestinian force is keen for action (AP) Jun 28, 2009
The Associated Press, granted rare access to the recruits in the northern West Bank town of Jenin, heard complaints that they are restricted to islands of limited authority in the Israeli-controlled territory, can't make a move without Israel's permission, are outgunned by Hamas, and lack riot and protective gear because of Israeli import restrictions. Distrust runs both ways. (Yahoo News -- Press Releases)
Abolition of import curbs a boost for steel industry Jun 18, 2009
PETALING JAYA: The Governments decision to abolish certain import restrictions within the steel industry will allow finished steel product makers to competitively source their raw material needs. The latest move by the Government, viewed as a step towards full liberalisation of the industry, was designed to enhance competitiveness of the local steel players. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
Dakotas restrict livestock imports from Texas Jun 17, 2009
South Dakota, which neighbors Wyoming, imposed import restrictions that year ... Carlson said North Dakota put import restrictions in place both of those years and did not have a documented case of the disease. (Minnesota Farm Guide, MN)
FDA wrinkles its nose at electric cigs Jun 16, 2009
One of the biggest American e-cigarette importers recently sued the FDA in an attempt to loosen the import restrictions. For smokers only. (News & Observer)
Zim shops full - for rich Jun 16, 2009
"You can get everything you want here," Josephine Marucchi, a housewife from the posh suburb of Mount Pleasant, said pausing to choose from the various brands of cheese before completing the sentence: "as long as you have money. "It's completely different from last year when people had money and the shops were empty," she added. The centre of the shop looked like a gym, stocked with modern exercise gadgets, where an assistant explained to a customer how to operate a treadmill. Last year... (iAfrica.com)
US pork industry baffled by bans in China, Russia Jun 5, 2009
U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk has sent a letter to countries with import restrictions, seeking an end to the ban. On Wednesday, Kirk was headed for Russia, where the pork ban would be among the topics discussed, said his spokeswoman, Nefeterius McPherson. (Roanoke Rapids Daily Herald, NC)
Gold investment turns negative for first time May 22, 2009
SINGAPORE: Investors in India, the world's largest gold consumer, sold 17 tonnes of bullion in the first quarter of 2009, marking its first disinvestment ever, while investment demand plunged more than 70 per cent in Vietnam on import restrictions, industry data showed on Thursday. China, the world's second-largest consumer, saw demand for investment falling to 16. (India Times)
Press Release: IMF Completes First Review Under Stand-By Arrangement with Ukraine and Approves US$2.8 Billion Disbursement May 9, 2009
The Board also granted waivers of nonobservance of performance criteria pertaining to the cash deficit of the central government, the passage of the budget, exchange rate restrictions, multiple currency practices, and the imposition of import restrictions, which the authorities have agreed to remove fully in the near future. The SBA with Ukraine was approved on November 5, 2008 in an amount equivalent to SDR 11 billion (about US$16. (IMF News)
Southern Africa Remains Silent on Interim European Trade Deal Apr 7, 2009
Infant-industry protection will no longer be time-bound, while quantitative import restrictions will be in line with WTO rules with an extra provision for safeguard measures against imports for food security reasons. EC products will not pay import duty twice when circulating through SACU and the EU will assist in the flow of goods and simplification of customs procedures between the signatory states. (allAfrica.com)
The world needs a grand bargain Mar 27, 2009
Consider this possibility: Europe rejects the United States call for more fiscal stimulus and resists further monetary easing, and Congress further tightens import restrictions to ensure the economic rescue package only creates jobs at home and doesnt leak to other countries. Rich nations that have spent hundreds of billions of dollars bailing out their banks instruct them to focus on lending at home. (International Herald Tribune -- Ed/Op)
Goods reappear in Zimbabwe shops Mar 26, 2009
The government has loosened price controls and eased import restrictions, making it easier for retailers to buy and sell goods. In the past Mugabe had rigidly enforced price controls. (Yahoo! Asia News)
Book import limits stay, for now Mar 20, 2009
AFTER hearing 270 submissions on whether to lift import restrictions on the book industry - an overwhelming majority of them opposing an open market - the Productivity Commission will issue a compromise discussion paper today that leaves the status quo essentially intact. Some retailers have argued for an open market, whereas most publishers and authors and some booksellers lobbied for the maintenance of the restrictions. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Earmark-laden bill OKd by Senate, goes to Obama Mar 11, 2009
In an important policy shift, the bill includes a loosening of Cuba travel and import restrictions imposed by the Bush administration. The Food and Drug Administration will receive nearly $335 million more than it did in fiscal 2008. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Politics)
China urges Argentina to lift import restrictions on Chinese goods Mar 9, 2009
The Chinese government, which attaches great importance to the growth of China-Argentina bilateral trade, has never imposed any import restrictions on Argentine goods, the diplomat said. The Chinese government always adopts an open and constructive attitude towards trade dispute settlement, and it hopes to reduce trade disputes through dialogue and consultation, Yang added. (Xinhuanet, China)
Correa curbs imports as crisis looms Mar 3, 2009
In what may be the world's most protectionist response to the global economic crisis, Ecuador's leftist government has imposed import restrictions on everything from Peruvian shampoo to Chilean grapes and U.S.-made running shoes ... "We can't continue to throw away the money from our oil, the money of our migrants, to buy imported perfumes and imported liquors," Mr. Correa said as he explained the import restrictions. (Insight on the News)
Meltdown Response: Ecuador Erects Trade Barriers Mar 2, 2009
In what appears to be the world's most protectionist response to the global economic crisis, Ecuador's government has imposed import restrictions on everything from Peruvian shampoo to Chilean grapes and U.S.-made running shoes ... In what may be the world's most protectionist response to the global economic crisis, Ecuador's leftist government has imposed import restrictions on everything from Peruvian shampoo to Chilean grapes and U.S.-made running shoes ... "We can't continue to throw away... (ABC News -- Wire)
Have successive trade policies failed to build a competitive advantage for Indian exports? Feb 27, 2009
It removed import restrictions on worked corals, allowed authorised persons of gem lery units in 100% export-oriented units to carry up to 10 kg of gold, and added star trading houses (in the gems llery sector), the Gem lery Export Promotion Council and Diamond India among others to import precious metals. Recognising the delay in payments from foreign buyers due to the financial crisis, the government decided to issue duty credit scrips (authorization for duty free imports) under the duty... (India Times)
Government sets Rp 90 trillion to promote local products Feb 27, 2009
After the issuance of a presidential instruction favoring local products, a set of implementing regulations will soon be introduced mandating state institutions and ministries to use locally made products to boost the domestic market, already being buoyed by recent import restrictions ... Associations representing the textile, shoe and electronics industries have confirmed that orders are now on the rise following the import restrictions, with shoe producers predicting full-year orders to... (Jakarta Post, Indonesia)
