The Hidden Trade Barrier: Sinosure’s Export Credit Insurance Blacklist China’s Sinosure, a major (virtually the only) provider of export credit insurance to China’s factories, plays an instrumental role in facilitating trade between Chinese suppliers and international buyers. However, there’s an under-discussed aspect of their operations that is detrimental for certain countries: the so-called “country blacklist”.
The international lawyers at my law firm have been increasingly fielding inquiries from companies looking to diversify their supply chains away from China. Many of these companies are looking to move their China manufacturing to Southeast Asia. To help our clients moving to or already in Southeast Asia, I recently went to Vietnam, Indonesia, and
About a decade ago, I gave a speech on software outsourcing at a major software event. Last week, I found my outline for that speech and this post is based on that outline, revised and updated. It is largely based on my experiences and what I have learned from talking with clients and other businesses
I recently returned from a World Trade Center Utah delegation to Singapore, where I attended a briefing with Singapore’s first ambassador, Tommy Koh. Koh is a legendary diplomat and international law professor who humbly describes himself as a “founding servant” of Singapore. His list of accolades and professional accomplishments is significant, as well as his
On July 12, 2023, PURIS Proteins filed antidumping (AD) and countervailing duty (CVD) petitions against Pea Protein from China. Pea Protein is usually sold in powder form and is a food ingredient for foods sold to individuals who are allergic to glutens (e.g., snack bars, plant-based meat products, other gluten-free foods). The U.S. Department of
As the China-US geopolitical environment continues be problematic, our clients and prospective clients have pivoted from joint venture relationships to distribution and similar licensing-type relationships. This is not a one-sided trend. We are seeing an increase in these distributor relationships going both into China and out of China. From the questions we receive, we see
Are you currently sourcing products from China or Southeast Asia? Though these regions have long been popular choices for businesses seeking cost-effective manufacturing, it’s time to consider Mexico as an alternative. Mexico has emerged as a top destination for global trade, attracting companies with its favorable business practices, vibrant culture, and strategic location. In this
Polysilicon is a pure form of silicon and an essential element in the supply chain of solar photovoltaics, which harness solar power. Roughly 80 percent of the world’s polysilicon comes from China. The United States Geological Survey describes rare earths as follows: The rare earths are a relatively abundant group of 17 elements composed of scandium,
The UFLPA, the Question of Legislative Intent, and Its Impact on SMEs Since the launch of the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) in the summer of 2022, there has been an undercurrent of discussion in the trade community regarding the law’s real intent. Is the law intended to weed out products made with Xinjiang
Paying lawyers can seem expensive, even if they are only mediocre lawyers. But good lawyers can often save you money because they can save you from your own mistakes. They do that by having both the experience and gravitas to teach you from others’ mistakes. I wrote in a previous post about the PPE nightmare
