Current TONS News
Click to View Past Newsletters|
Update Regarding ILA Contract Negotiations On January 9, 2012, the Journal of Commerce published an article noting that local talks between the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) and the New York Shipping Association were broken off, less than two weeks after the contract extension between the ILA and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) at the end of December, 2012. It is uncertain what effect the negotiation breakdown between the ILA and the New York Shipping Association will have on the negotiations between the ILA and the USMX, which are scheduled for next week. The contract was originally extended from September 30 to December 29, 2012, and then to February 6, 2013. Ton’s is monitoring the situation closely, and will provide more information as it becomes available. The JOC article is available online at:
Chinese Lunar New Year’s Holiday In observance of the upcoming Chinese Lunar New Year, most factories and offices in mainland China will be closed from February 9 to February 15, 2013, and in Hong Kong from February 10 to February 13, 2013. As an overall increase of ocean export bookings in Asia is anticipated a few weeks prior to the holiday closures, ton’s customers are encouraged to book shipments with Ton’s Asia offices as early as possible to avoid shipping delays. Ton’s customers are also encouraged to remain in close contact with local representatives regarding any urgent shipments. For further information regarding the above announcement, please contact local Ton’s representatives.
On a Federal Register notice published on January 8, 2013, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) published a solicitation of public comments in regards to the possible withdrawal, suspension or limitation of Generalized Preferential Treatment (GSP) with respect to Bangladesh. The notice explains that this action is being taken allegedly because "Bangladesh is not taking steps to afford to workers in Bangladesh internationally recognized worker rights, specifically the right of association and the right to organize and bargain collectively." The GSP Subcommittee of the Trade Policy Staff Committee (TPSC) is asking for comments from the public in regards to the effect of these possible changes to the GSP benefits on products being imported into the U.S. from Bangladesh. The notice lists tobacco products, sports equipment, china kitchenware and plastic articles as the top imports being brought from Bangladesh under GSP benefits in 2011. Comments are due on January 31, 2013. The Federal Register notice is available online at:
Tons News, for current and past issues of Tons News by E-mail request from tonsnews@tonslogistics.com or call (310) 338-0337. ________________________________________ Tons News is compiled from a number of public sources that, to the best of Tons knowledge, are true and correct. It is our intent to present only accurate information. However, in the event any information contained herein is erroneous, Tons accepts no liability or responsibility. |