Strike Continues at Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach – The International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) clerical workers are on strike at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. Seven terminals have been shut down at LA and six are closed at LB. Contract talks resumed Thursday evening in an effort to resolve the dispute.
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Potential Duty Refund for Damaged Goods – Imported merchandise that was damaged by Hurricane Sandy while in Customs’ custody or after release while stored in warehouses may qualify for duty refunds. Additionally, goods that were already released from Customs may qualify for a refund on duties under the drawback law.
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Japan and US Expand Trade – Effective December 3rd, trade programs between Japan and the US will be expanded to include Japan’s imports from the US. Up until now, the application of Japan’s Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program and the U.S. Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) only included Japan’s exports to the US.
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Fire at a Bangladesh Factory Causes Protests – A fire at a garment factory in Bangladesh has killed more than 100 people and three of the factory supervisors have been arrested on suspected arson charges. This event has put a spotlight on the workers’ low wages and they have been protesting as a result. Several high profile U.S. companies have used this supplier and become the target of scrutiny.
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