Trade ministers from 49 countries and the European Union said they will start World Trade Organization negotiations on electronic commerce, and U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer lauded the news on Jan. 25. "The United States is pleased that the initial exploratory work on digital trade issues at the WTO in 2018 was productive. The digital economy is a powerful force for global economic growth. The United States is committed to seeking a high-standard agreement that creates strong, market-based rules in this area and reduces the barriers around the world that threaten to undermine the growth of the digital economy, including restrictions on cross-border data flows and data localization requirements," he said.
BDO is launching a new customs and international trade practice following its acquisition of Global Trade Strategies (GTS), it said in a Jan. 9 press release. The new practice “will help multinational companies navigate the complex rules governing the cross-border movement of goods and services, with the goal of minimizing duty, VAT and excise tax payments, while maximizing corporate customs and trade compliance,” the professional services firm said. Damon Pike, the customs lawyer that founded GTS, will join BDO as a principal and lead the practice. GTS employees have also joined BDO and will be based in its South Florida offices.
Express shippers are troubled by a footnote that suggests the U.S. could lower its de minimis rate for NAFTA partners (see 1811060010) and ask that it be removed, said Michael Mullen, executive director of the Express Association of America, during a Nov. 15 U.S. International Trade Commission hearing. Mullen also said the fact that the taxes and duties levels are separate means the $40 Canadian and $50 for Mexico will be the operative de minimis amounts. That Canadian level "is among the lowest in the world," Mullen said, adding that Mexico already offers simplified duties and taxes above $50 and $117, so the administration needs to make sure the pact does not make things worse.