New government, new tariff increases?
New government, new tariff increases?

By Shawna Karajic, Export Solutions Inc. In all the years of my career, I don't think I've seen so many articles or news coverage about tariffs since Donald Trump won the election. Everyone is guessing what he will do and whether he will follow through on his promise to raise tariffs on China, Canada and Mexico. You'll probably get a better answer by consulting the Magic 8-Ball to learn about his plans. With the inauguration right around the corner, we have a chance to finally know what he plans to do on his first day in office, but for now let's look at some speculation, expert opinion and what you can do to help. What do we know? President Trump said he plans to increase tariffs on all products entering the United States from Mexico and Canada to 25% on day one, and to increase tariffs on China by 10% on top of existing tariffs. If he implements his plan,…

Should the government make the use of turn signal stalks and visual signals mandatory?
Should the government make the use of turn signal stalks and visual signals mandatory?

Electronic door locks are more common than ever in modern vehicles. In an emergency, it is often difficult to find the manual release. Intuitive manual versions, like those from Audi and Lexus, prove that simple solutions do exist. Today, some cars don't have turn signal stalks - no. Others have hidden manual door releases that require the patience of bomb disposal technicians. If you think this is exaggerated, just ask anyone who has tried to escape from the back seat of a Tesla in a pinch. Story after story highlights the safety concerns these confusing designs pose for drivers and passengers. So, here's the big question: Should the government step in to end this madness? var adpushup = window.adpushup = window.adpushup || {que:()}; adpushup.que.push(function() { if (adpushup.config.platform !== "DESKTOP"){ adpushup.triggerAd("0f7e3106 -c4d6-4db4-8135-c508879a76f8"); } else { adpushup.triggerAd("82503191-e1d1-435a-874f-9c78a2a54a2f"); Read the manual or play an escape room course One side of the argument is that people should know and understand the cars they ride…

global trade U.S
Government spending bill and U.S. stock futures rise

U.S. stock futures edged higher at the start of the week, buoyed by optimism surrounding a recent government spending bill that prevented a government shutdown and signs of cooling inflation. According to Reuters, the U.S. Congress passed the bill in time to avoid disruption to various departments, including law enforcement and national parks, ahead of the holiday season. Also read: U.S. core capital goods orders surge in November as economy recovers While Wall Street faced some challenges earlier this month after the Federal Reserve revised its forecast for 2025 interest rate cuts, recent inflation reports have eased concerns, allowing U.S. stock indexes to recover. The data also shows that the money market expects two interest rate cuts of approximately 25 basis points in 2025, and the benchmark interest rate may be adjusted to a range of 3.75% to 4.0%. As of Monday morning, trading activity reflected positive sentiment, with the Dow E-Mini rising 31 points, the S&P 500 E-Mini rising…

The clock is ticking: A possible government shutdown
The clock is ticking: A possible government shutdown

Without action by Congress, government funding will expire at midnight on Friday, December 20. A government shutdown is looking increasingly likely as some contentious issues such as the debt limit, disaster relief funding and lawmakers' pay raises remain.Here's a breakdown of how major institutions will be affected by the funding shortfall.U.S. Customs and Border ProtectionIn accordance with the Department of Homeland Security's contingency plan, cargo inspection capabilities at ports of entry will remain active during the closure. However, certain activities, such as training and auditing, do not need to occur during this period. Additionally, back-office support positions are unlikely to be deemed essential and will be furloughed. Refunds, audits, adjudication requests, etc. will be postponed until the shutdown is over.There remains uncertainty about which specific offices will be deemed essential. For example, forced labor communications may be furloughed, resulting in delays in reviewing Enforcement and Protection Act (EAPA) and Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) charges.U.S. Department of CommerceUnder the…

Donald Trump May Block US Government And Military From Buying More EVs
Donald Trump may block US government and military

The incoming president is expected to undo many of his predecessor's electrification and emissions policies go through Brad Anderson 20 hours ago Military vehicle manufacturers have already invested in electric vehicles. The incoming president may repeal the mandate that government fleets consist only of electric vehicles by 2027. Donald Trump is set to return to the Oval Office next month, and his transition team is already planning a number of changes that will broadly impact the entire auto industry. As we recently revealed, fuel efficiency standards could be significantly lowered, EV incentives could be eliminated, and the federal government and the U.S. military could be blocked from buying more electric vehicles. As things stand, the U.S. government must buy more electric vehicles while replacing older gas-guzzling ones. Additionally, the government's light-duty fleet must be entirely zero-emission vehicles by 2027. However, Trump is expected to rescind the directive. Additionally, he is expected to end Department of Defense (DOD) programs aimed at…

Ford And SK On Get $9.6 Billion Loan From US Government For Local Battery Plants
Ford and SK receive $9.6 billion in loans from the U.S. government

The three plants will be operated by Blue Oval SK, a joint venture between Ford and SK On go through Brad Anderson 16 hours ago The three plants will produce 120 GWh worth of electric vehicle batteries annually. The loan has been in the works for more than 18 months and has just been approved. The U.S. Department of Energy also recently made loan commitments to Rivian and Stellantis. Ford and South Korean battery maker SK On secured a massive $9.63 billion loan from the U.S. Department of Energy to build three electric vehicle battery manufacturing plants in Tennessee and Kentucky. In June 2023, it was initially reported that Ford and SK On would receive a $9.2 billion loan to help build three factories. It's unclear why the loan amount increased, but it is the largest loan offered by the U.S. government's Advanced Technology Automotive Manufacturing Program. The program is designed to help U.S. companies catch up with industry-leading Chinese…

Australian government cracks down on exploitation of foreign drivers
Australian government cracks down on exploitation of foreign drivers

Motorists with overseas licenses are the target of a joint effort by the NSW Government and the Australian Border Force to stamp out questionable demerit point reduction practices. Currently, there is a loophole that allows foreign drivers in Australia to nominate another overseas driver if they are charged with a driving offence. According to reports, between May 2022 and January 2024, the New South Wales Tax Office issued 125,000 penalties and 256,000 demerit points to designated "international drivers". It is claimed that the details of up to 40,000 designated drivers were obtained from the dark web. One person deemed to be in an extreme case was deducted more than 1,500 points, and the other two were deducted more than 500 points each. Hundreds of new car deals available via car expert Now. Get the experts on your side and get big rewards. Browse now. To stamp out this practice, Transport for NSW, NSW Police and Revenue NSW have established a…

UK Goverment Ready To Soften Unrealistic EV Mandate
UK government prepares to soften unrealistic electric car mandate

The business secretary agreed to consult with carmakers on electric vehicle quotas, which they believe cannot be met due to current public demand for electric vehicles go through Chris Chilton 23 hours ago The UK government says it will reconsider its electric car mandate, which carmakers say is completely unworkable. Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds told car industry bosses he would consult them about the changes. This week, Stellantis said it would close its 119-year-old Vauxhall factory in Luton, having previously warned that the electric vehicle directive could lead to the closure of the plant. Carmakers have responded to an underperforming EV market by revising their electrification plans, and finally the UK government appears ready to make some changes of its own. The UK business secretary last night told car industry executives he would consult them on changes to the electric vehicle mandate, which carmakers claim is completely unworkable. As part of the country's gradual drive to phase out…

Stellantis Pauses Work At Two Italian Plants As Government Sets Deadline For Investment Plan
Stellantis suspends work at two Italian factories as government

Despite production pause, Stellantis says there won't be any large-scale layoffs go through Brad Anderson November 21, 2024 07:49 Production at one of the company's engine plants will be suspended for a week. Stellantis recently pledged that it would not permanently close its local factory. The Italian government has asked for a "convincing and sustainable investment plan" to be developed by December 16. Stellantis is suspending production at two of its factories in Italy, which will force its employees to furlough. The move comes amid rising tensions between carmakers and Italian authorities. The company recently confirmed to local unions that work at the Termoli engine plant will cease from December 16 to 22, while production at the Cassino plant will cease on November 29. Stellantis acknowledged that it faces "a challenging path that requires hard choices and no easy choices." solution. ” It added that it was keen to “ensure the continuity of its Italian operations”. Read: Italian government warns…

UK: DMCC - Consumer Protection - Spotlight
UK: Government launches consultations

in short Following the publication of the Employment Rights Bill on 10 October 2024, the Government has launched a consultation on strengthening statutory sick pay. As part of amendments to the Employment Rights Act, the consultation seeks views on the amount of statutory sick pay that employees earning below the current eligibility threshold should receive. Main points The Employment Rights Act provides for a new general right to statutory sick pay from the first day an employee becomes ill. Currently, eligible employees are entitled to statutory sick pay (SSP) of £116.75 per week for up to 28 weeks, but SSP usually only starts on the fourth consecutive day of illness. These changes eliminate this four-day "waiting period," meaning SSP entitlement will begin on day one. More employees will also be eligible for the SSP as the bill removes the current eligibility threshold (ie the floor under which employees must earn at least £123 a week), although the bill states that…

Australia: The government is entering the final countdown to launch new policies
Australia: The government is entering the final countdown to launch new policies

in short On October 10, 2024, the federal government launched Treasury Laws Amendment (Mergers and Acquisitions Reform) Bill 2024 ("bill") to Parliament. The bill would amend Competition and Consumer Act 2010 ("CCA") Implement a mandatory and moratorium merger control regime to replace the previous voluntary regime. The Bill, which follows extensive public consultation, makes a number of important changes to proposals put forward in an earlier exposure draft. In this newsletter, we step through the key elements of the bill and the changes made to the previous exposure draft. On 4 November 2024, Baker McKenzie and MLex will host a workshop with special guest Marcus Bezzi (Lead Counsel, Competition Law Working Group) and a panel of experts to discuss these reforms and their implications. For more information and to register for this event, click here. As we move towards the implementation of these major reforms, please contact us if you have any questions or if we can assist you in…

US Govt Investigating Tesla’s Full-Self Driving After Four Crashes, One Fatal
U.S. government investigates Tesla’s fully autonomous driving after 4 o’clock

NHTSA is aware of four accidents involving Tesla vehicles using FSD in poor visibility conditions The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched an investigation into the performance of Tesla's Full Self-Driving technology in conditions of reduced visibility. The government is aware of at least four separate crashes, one of which resulted in the death of a pedestrian. Investigators will study the system's ability to "detect and respond appropriately to conditions of reduced road visibility." Since Sunday, Tesla has been under investigation in six ways, and at this point, Tesla may also be an alien abductee. Today is no exception, as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) launches another investigation, this time involving crashes involving Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) system "under conditions of reduced road visibility." . According to government reports, officials have flagged four separate incidents in which a Tesla crashed after entering an area of ​​low visibility on the road during FSD intervention. Specific conditions vary,…

WorldECR | ECJU "LITE": New online service for export
World ECR | UK Government launches new streamlined service

Home > information > UK Government launches new streamlined export licensing service The UK government has launched an updated service to streamline the application process for businesses seeking a Standard Individual Export License (“SIEL”), “to export strategic goods, software or technology”, and manage their applications and licenses online. The new LITE system allows applicants to: Edit or review applications and view existing SIELs; apply for temporary SIELs for multiple end users; apply for transfer SIELs; and apply for SIELs related to Class 0 Goods, Software and Technology. The government said it is also allowing applications to export goods and provide related services to sanctioned countries including Belarus, Iran, Iraq, Venezuela, Myanmar, North Korea and Russia. Companies that provide independent services, such as professional or business-related services, to these sanctioned countries must apply for a license to provide “sanctioned trade services.” To use the new system, businesses must ensure they have user accounts associated with their organization. For organizations with existing…

Supply Chain Mastery: Navigating a Globalized World
NEMA calls on government to take urgent action over port strike…

Debra Phillips, president and CEO of the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), has issued an urgent appeal to the Biden administration for immediate intervention to resolve the ongoing U.S. port strikes. Phillips emphasized the critical role the electronics industry plays in the U.S. economy, highlighting the strike's impact on the industry's complex supply chain. "The electronics industry is one of the largest manufacturing industries in the United States, and this strike further exacerbates our already challenged supply chains, causing additional disruptions and delays," Phillips said. NEMA joins more than 270 other organizations in formally requesting the Biden administration to intervene and mediate the ongoing dispute between the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Union (USMX). Phillips pointed out that the strike has halted the transportation of more than $195 million worth of electronics industry products every day, and 30% of the country's electronics industry imports are now stranded on ships waiting to be unloaded. She stressed that…

EVgo Nears $1 Billion Govt Loan To Take On Tesla’s Charging Empire
EVgo secures nearly $1 billion in government loan to take over Tesla charging business

The funding will be used to build approximately 7,500 new fast charging stations across the United States EVgo has received a conditional commitment from the Department of Energy for a $1.05 billion loan. The low-cost financing will allow the company to build approximately 7,500 new charging stations across the country. Many of them will be located in rural and low-income communities and “marginal areas overburdened by environmental impacts.” Tesla seems destined to solidify its status as the charging king as the automaker adopts North American charging standards and enters the Supercharger network. However, EVgo is fighting back with assistance from the U.S. Department of Energy. EVgo said the charging company had secured "a conditional commitment of loan guarantees of up to $1.05 billion (£800/€952m) of debt financing... to accelerate the expansion of its fast-charging network in community locations across the United States". The cost financing will allow them to build approximately 7,500 new fast charging stations across the country. More:…

World ECR | UK government terminates license
World ECR | UK government terminates license

Home > information > UK government ends license to provide in-house services to Russia The UK government has announced changes to the Russian sanctions regime relating to the licensing of in-house services. "The government has decided to withdraw licensing consideration in relation to the provision of such services by a UK parent company and its UK subsidiary to its Russian subsidiary," it said. This means that UK companies will no longer be able to apply for licenses to provide intra-company services to their Russian subsidiaries. A notice to exporters ("NTEs") states that from 31 October 2024, the provision of in-house services will no longer be listed in statutory guidance as a licensing consideration that may meet the objectives of the sanctions regime. On 30 September, the Export Control Joint Unit (“ECJU”) and the Department of Business and Trade (“DBT”). It said the decision was taken "following a review of sanctions on professional and business services under Article 54C of the…

Tata Tiago Charger
The Delhi government will

The Delhi government has approved the replacement of the existing Gramin Sewa vehicles with electric vehicles to promote greener mobility. The current CNG-powered Gramin Seva vehicles are nearing the end of their 15-year lifespan and are deteriorating. In view of this, the government has decided to switch to electric vehicles. Sharing his views on this move, Delhi Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot said that replacing the old Gramin Sewa vehicles with electric vehicles is an important step in reducing air pollution. It aims to improve the transport experience of passengers and their overall quality of life through comfort and efficiency. Also read: Delhi govt to waive 50% of traffic fines, but with one condition Gramin Seva: A Brief Introduction The Gramin Seva vehicles were launched in 2011 and can accommodate seven persons, including the driver. They run on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and are mainly operated in rural areas, JJ clusters and unauthorised and resettled colonies. Currently, Delhi has around 2,000…

WorldECR | UK government suspends 30 arms export licenses
WorldECR | UK government suspends 30 arms export licenses

Home > information > UK suspends 30 arms export licences to Israel The British government said that "following a review of Israel's compliance with international humanitarian law, the United Kingdom has decided to suspend the issuance of arms export licenses to Israel for military operations in Gaza." The statement said, "The UK's strict export licensing criteria stipulate that the government will not issue export licenses if these items could be used to commit or assist serious violations of international humanitarian law. The suspension of exports will not change the UK's firm support for Israel's security, and the UK will continue to review this decision." British Foreign Secretary David Lammy said: "In the face of conflicts like this, it is the UK government's statutory obligation to review export licences." “I regret to inform Parliament that I have received assessments showing that there is a clear risk that certain weapons exported by the UK to Israel could be used to commit or…

Italian Government Puts Stellantis On Notice: Build Battery Plant Or Lose Funding
Italian government issues notice to Stellantis: battery production

Stellantis' battery joint venture initially plans to build three Gigafactories in Europe, including one in Termoli, Italy. go through Brad Anderson 23 hours ago A battery joint venture involving Stellantis has delayed plans to build factories in Italy and Germany. Without a firm commitment, the automotive group risks losing €370 million in public funds. Falling demand for electric vehicles has forced Stellantis to focus on hybrid powertrain components. The Italian government has issued a stern warning to Stellantis that public funds will be diverted elsewhere if it does not make a firm commitment to build a battery production plant locally. Stellantis had pledged to build a battery factory in Italy through its largest investor, the ACC Battery joint venture, as well as two other battery gigafactories in Europe. However, construction of the Italian and German factories was put on hold earlier this year. Read: Stellantis hires Rivian manufacturing chief to lead electric vehicle business At a recent conference in Italy,…

Tesla Sued Over Texas Giga Factory Contractor Fatality; Feds Begin Investigation
Tesla sued by federal government over Texas Gigafactory contractor death

OSHA has begun investigating an incident involving a high-voltage switchboard A contract worker at Tesla's Texas Gigafactory has died in an electrical panel accident. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is investigating the matter. The family of the deceased worker is suing Tesla for $1 million in damages. Accidents happen, but when they occur at a job site and result in death, it often raises questions about safety. Victor Gomez Saint reportedly died at Tesla’s Giga Texas factory on August 1. Gomez was a journeyman electrician who was working on electrical systems at the site as an employee of Belcan. He allegedly died after coming into contact with a live electrical panel. Gomez, a licensed electrician, was inspecting an electrical panel when the accident occurred. Austin-Travis County EMS responded to Giga Texas Hospital and rushed him to Dell Seton Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead. Now, his family is suing Tesla and Belcan. More: GM lawyers awarded $15 million…

Feds Launch Probe Into Allegedly Faulty Ford Bronco Fuel Pumps
Federal government launches investigation into Ford Bronco fuel issues

Ford has not yet specified how many other vehicles have the same low-pressure fuel pump. go through Brad Anderson August 1, 2024 14:25 The low-pressure fuel pump under investigation is used by many other Ford and Lincoln models. The initial assessment of the ODIs affected nearly 46,000 Broncos players. No recall notice has been issued yet. Ford's decision to revive and modernize the iconic Bronco was a brilliant move. Not only does the Bronco provide much-needed competition to the Jeep Wrangler, it also gives consumers more options when it comes to rugged off-road vehicles, which is always a good thing. Unfortunately, Ford has had its fair share of quality issues with the Bronco, leading to multiple recalls, and it may have to be recalled again. In late July, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) launched an investigation into alleged low-pressure fuel pump failures in 2021 Ford Bronco vehicles. Read: We're driving the Ford Bronco Everglades,…

South African Power Show Appreciated by Government, Receives Strong Support
South African Power Show Appreciated by Government, Receives Strong Support

South African Power Show Appreciated by Government, Receives Strong Support The annual South African Power Show will this year be organised by South African Professional Exhibitions Limited, part of the UK-based Montgomery Exhibition Group.07-15has07-17existThe exhibition hall area is80000squareCape Town International Convention Centre, South Africataken. The exposure lasts 3A few days ago, the customer traffic of the last show reached35000people the number of exhibitors is690Home. South Africa's electricity industry is relatively developed, with electricity generation accounting for 60% of Africa's total. In recent years, South Africa's demand for electricity has been increasing. At this point, the electricity generation capacity of existing power plants across the country will be lower than actual demand. Therefore, South Africa will invest heavily to increase the country's electricity generation capacity in order to continue to meet the growing demand for electricity. In addition to this plan, South Africa will reinvest over the next five years30billion dollar construction3A new power plant. The South African Power Show is…

Brazilian Electricity Fair: Brazilian government to encourage private companies to invest in electricity
Brazilian Electricity Fair: Brazilian government to encourage private companies to invest in electricity

Brazilian Electric Power Fair: Brazilian government to encourage private companies to invest in electricity The biennial Brazil Power Show will be held over three days in late August. The international exhibition is organized by.Reed Exhibitions UKHosted by, the exhibition venue is located atAnnenbee Exhibition Center in São PauloIt will attract more than 60,000 professional visitors and around 650 exhibitors. Brazil is located in the eastern part of South America. It is the largest country in Latin America and the fifth largest in the world. Brazil will adopt a new energy management model, open the electricity market, and establish an independent energy regulatory agency to create a free competition environment for the Brazilian electricity industry. The Pakistani government will no longer invest in building new electricity companies in the future and will encourage private companies to invest; it will establish an electricity market, sell electricity freely, and adjust electricity prices through the market itself to attract more private investors. invest in…

Brazilian Electricity Fair: Brazilian government to encourage private companies to invest in electricity
Brazilian Electricity Fair: Brazilian government to encourage private companies to invest in electricity

Brazilian Electricity Fair: Brazilian government to encourage private companies to invest in electricity The biennial Brazil Power Show will be held over three days in late August. The international exhibition is organized by.Reed Exhibitions UKOrganized and exhibited atAnnenbee Exhibition Center in São PauloIt will attract more than 60,000 professional visitors and around 650 exhibitors. Brazil is located in the eastern part of South America. It is the largest country in Latin America and the fifth largest in the world. Brazil will adopt a new energy management model, open the electricity market, and establish an independent energy regulatory agency to create a free competition environment for the Brazilian electricity industry. The Pakistani government will no longer invest in building new electricity companies in the future and will encourage private companies to invest; it will establish an electricity market, sell electricity freely, and adjust electricity prices through the market itself to attract more private investors. invest in the energy sector. Electricity Fair…

U.S. government steps up efforts to help laid-off Tesla employees
U.S. government steps up efforts to help laid-off Tesla employees

The United States is stepping up efforts to help workers affected by layoffs at Tesla's Austin Gigafactory. The Department of Labor has awarded more than $1 million to Texas to provide employment and retraining services to affected workers. The layoffs affected 2,688 people, according to the WARN notice. The U.S. Department of Labor has awarded more than $1 million to the state of Texas to help employees affected by the massive layoffs at Tesla's Austin Gigafactory, following a WARN notice the department issued in April disclosing that the automaker would cut 2,688 jobs. var adpushup = window.adpushup = window.adpushup || {que:()}; adpushup.que.push(function() { if (adpushup.config.platform !== "DESKTOP"){ adpushup.triggerAd("4d84e4c9 -9937-4f84-82c0-c94544ee6f2a"); } else{ adpushup.triggerAd("6a782b01-facb-45f3-a88f-ddf1b1f97657"); } }); The government said the funds will be used to provide employment and training services to affected workers. The Department of Labor also noted that the funds "enable the state to provide retraining and skills development to displaced workers in Bastrop, Blanco, Burnet, Caldwell, Fayette, Hays, Lee,…

The South African Water Treatment Exhibition shows that the South African government attaches great importance to environmental protection.
The South African Water Treatment Exhibition shows that the South African government attaches great importance to environmental protection.

The South African Water Treatment Exhibition shows that the South African government attaches great importance to environmental protection. The South African Water Treatment Exhibition organized by EMS Australia Ltd. will be held over 3 days around mid-May. The international exhibition is held once a year and the exhibition hall is located at.Gallagher Convention CenterThe 20,000-square-meter exhibition site will attract more than 20,000 professional visitors and more than 300 exhibitors. South Africa's water resources are affected by environmental damage. Due to improper hillside development, approximately 733.3 million tonnes of sediment enter South African rivers each year, seriously affecting water quality and the life of reservoirs and forming siltation at the sea mouth. In addition to the sediment problem, salinization of water quality in South Africa's reservoirs will also reduce the number of water reuses. When water with excessive salt content is used for irrigation, the dissolved salt will also evaporate and remain in the soil. the soil is gradually salinized, making…