Monday, June 4, 2012
CP Rail service returning to normal
CP Rail service returning to normal
June 4, 2012
Canadian Pacific Railway announced Sunday that it was successfully executing its start-up plan, following Federal legislation that ended a general strike.
In a notice to its customers the company said: "The primary focus in the first 48 hours after starting up the Canadian operations was to return to normal production levels and restore Network fluidity. After 2 full days of operations, all staged trains are moving, local service has been restored and scheduled trains are operating, safely, as per plan."
Over the next week, the Customer Service group will be working closely with you to manage supply chain imbalances, any backlog demand levels and heavy interchange traffic, as we continue to fully recover and restore your complete supply chain performance.
We are successfully executing the plan and on our way to achieving a balanced operation and return to the performance and service levels you experienced before the work stoppage."
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Monday, April 2, 2012
Canada-Japan free trade agreement negotiations have begun
The launch of negotiations towards a free trade agreement between Canada and Japan was announced during Prime Minister Harper's visit to Tokyo last weekend.
A joint study published at the beginning of this month concludes that an agreement would deliver substantial gains for both countries, including increased economic output, GDP growth and consumer welfare, along with strengthened bilateral trade opportunities for energy, other natural resources and food products.
Canada will notably seek the elimination of Japan's tariffs across a broad range of sectors, including on agriculture, fish and seafood, forestry and industrial goods.
Canada and Japan are also considering ways that an agreement should reflect their mutual commitment to environmental protection and labour practices.
Japan is an important market for Canada. In 2011, bilateral merchandise trade between Canada and Japan totalled $23.7 billion.
A joint study published at the beginning of this month concludes that an agreement would deliver substantial gains for both countries, including increased economic output, GDP growth and consumer welfare, along with strengthened bilateral trade opportunities for energy, other natural resources and food products.
Canada will notably seek the elimination of Japan's tariffs across a broad range of sectors, including on agriculture, fish and seafood, forestry and industrial goods.
Canada and Japan are also considering ways that an agreement should reflect their mutual commitment to environmental protection and labour practices.
Japan is an important market for Canada. In 2011, bilateral merchandise trade between Canada and Japan totalled $23.7 billion.
Friday, March 30, 2012
Canada-Japan free trade agreement negotiations have begun
The launch of negotiations towards a free trade agreement between Canada and Japan was announced during Prime Minister Harper's visit to Tokyo last weekend.
A joint study published at the beginning of this month concludes that an agreement would deliver substantial gains for both countries, including increased economic output, GDP growth and consumer welfare, along with strengthened bilateral trade opportunities for energy, other natural resources and food products.
Canada will notably seek the elimination of Japan's tariffs across a broad range of sectors, including on agriculture, fish and seafood, forestry and industrial goods.
Canada and Japan are also considering ways that an agreement should reflect their mutual commitment to environmental protection and labour practices.
Japan is an important market for Canada. In 2011, bilateral merchandise trade between Canada and Japan totalled $23.7 billion.
A joint study published at the beginning of this month concludes that an agreement would deliver substantial gains for both countries, including increased economic output, GDP growth and consumer welfare, along with strengthened bilateral trade opportunities for energy, other natural resources and food products.
Canada will notably seek the elimination of Japan's tariffs across a broad range of sectors, including on agriculture, fish and seafood, forestry and industrial goods.
Canada and Japan are also considering ways that an agreement should reflect their mutual commitment to environmental protection and labour practices.
Japan is an important market for Canada. In 2011, bilateral merchandise trade between Canada and Japan totalled $23.7 billion.
Container volume up 7% on Canadian railroads in January
Statistics Canada announced that Canadian railways carried 24.9 million tonnes of freight in January, up 7.3% from January 2011.
On the domestic front, non-intermodal and intermodal loadings saw their combined volume rise 5.2% to 21.9 million tonnes over the same 12-month period.
Non-intermodal cargo loadings, which are typically carried in bulk or loaded in box cars, advanced 4.9% to 19.6 million tonnes. The commodity groups with the largest increases in tonnage were coal, wheat and colza seeds.
Intermodal freight loadings of containers and trailers loaded onto flat cars also grew but the increase occurred solely on the strength of containerized cargo shipments as trailers loaded onto flat cars declined. Railways carried 264,872 TEUs in January this year, compared to 247,377 TEUs for the same month last year, an increase of 7%.
Internationally, total rail freight traffic received from the United States experienced a 25.4% gain to 3.0 million tonnes.
On the domestic front, non-intermodal and intermodal loadings saw their combined volume rise 5.2% to 21.9 million tonnes over the same 12-month period.
Non-intermodal cargo loadings, which are typically carried in bulk or loaded in box cars, advanced 4.9% to 19.6 million tonnes. The commodity groups with the largest increases in tonnage were coal, wheat and colza seeds.
Intermodal freight loadings of containers and trailers loaded onto flat cars also grew but the increase occurred solely on the strength of containerized cargo shipments as trailers loaded onto flat cars declined. Railways carried 264,872 TEUs in January this year, compared to 247,377 TEUs for the same month last year, an increase of 7%.
Internationally, total rail freight traffic received from the United States experienced a 25.4% gain to 3.0 million tonnes.
Tribunal to review expiry of anti-dumping duties on bicycles from China and Taiwan
The Canadian International Trade Tribunal announced that it initiated an expiry review of its order concerning the dumping of certain bicycles from Taiwan and China.
In early February the Tribunal had informed interested persons and governments of the impending expiry of the order and solicited information on whether the order should be left to expire, or if a review for its continuation was warranted. On the basis of the information filed, the Tribunal is of the opinion that an expiry review of the order is warranted.
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) will now determine, by July 26, 2012, if there is a likelihood of resumed or continued dumping.
If the CBSA determines that the expiry of the order in respect of any goods is likely to result in the continuation or resumption of dumping, the Tribunal will conduct an expiry review to determine if the continued or resumed dumping is likely to result in injury or retardation to Canadian industry. The Tribunal will issue its order no later than December 7, 2012, and its statement of reasons no later than December 21, 2012.
The original decision by the Trade Tribunal goes back to 1992 and has been amended and prolonged several times, the last time on December 10, 2007.
Link: http://www.citt.gc.ca/dumping/reviews/notices/rr2l002_e.asp
In early February the Tribunal had informed interested persons and governments of the impending expiry of the order and solicited information on whether the order should be left to expire, or if a review for its continuation was warranted. On the basis of the information filed, the Tribunal is of the opinion that an expiry review of the order is warranted.
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) will now determine, by July 26, 2012, if there is a likelihood of resumed or continued dumping.
If the CBSA determines that the expiry of the order in respect of any goods is likely to result in the continuation or resumption of dumping, the Tribunal will conduct an expiry review to determine if the continued or resumed dumping is likely to result in injury or retardation to Canadian industry. The Tribunal will issue its order no later than December 7, 2012, and its statement of reasons no later than December 21, 2012.
The original decision by the Trade Tribunal goes back to 1992 and has been amended and prolonged several times, the last time on December 10, 2007.
Link: http://www.citt.gc.ca/dumping/reviews/notices/rr2l002_e.asp
Exploratory talks to begin on a Canada-Thailand free trade agreement
Canada and Thailand announced that they will pursue exploratory talks to examine the potential economic benefits of a free trade agreement. The announcement was made on March 23rd, during Prime Minister Harper's official visit to Thailand.
The exploratory talks will examine the potential economic benefits of a free trade agreement and how such an agreement would enhance the existing relationship between the two countries.
Thailand is Canada's largest bilateral merchandise trading partner within the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
It has a population of almost 66 million and an economy that experienced significant economic growth in 2010, expanding by 7.8 percent. Thailand's geographic position at the centre of ASEAN, its strong transport infrastructure, and its focus on foreign investment have made it a regional manufacturing hub and home to a significant petrochemical industry.
In 2011, the year that marked 50 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries, Canada's bilateral merchandise trade with Thailand totalled nearly $3.5 billion, an increase of 14.8 percent over 2010.
The exploratory talks will examine the potential economic benefits of a free trade agreement and how such an agreement would enhance the existing relationship between the two countries.
Thailand is Canada's largest bilateral merchandise trading partner within the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
It has a population of almost 66 million and an economy that experienced significant economic growth in 2010, expanding by 7.8 percent. Thailand's geographic position at the centre of ASEAN, its strong transport infrastructure, and its focus on foreign investment have made it a regional manufacturing hub and home to a significant petrochemical industry.
In 2011, the year that marked 50 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries, Canada's bilateral merchandise trade with Thailand totalled nearly $3.5 billion, an increase of 14.8 percent over 2010.
U.S. appeals WTO decision that declared its meat labelling rules illegal
The United States Government notified the World Trade Organization's (WTO) Dispute Settlement Body of its decision to appeal the November 2011 panel reports which determined that the U.S. country of origin labeling rules (COOL) for meat violate global trade rules.
The WTO dispute settlement panel had been established in November 2009 to hear Canada and Mexico's challenge to the U.S. legislation imposing mandatory country-of-origin labelling for beef, pork, lamb, chicken and goat meat, and certain perishable commodities sold at retail outlets in the U.S.
According to the U.S. rules, in order for meat to be labelled as a product of the U.S., all production activities (birth, rearing and slaughtering) have to occur in the U.S. For meat derived from animals of different national origins, the label must indicate the country or countries involved at each step, from the animal's birth to the final retail wrapping of meat cuts.
In contesting the U.S. rules Canada claimed that, in the context of the integrated North American beef and pork supply chains, U.S. COOL has resulted in additional and unnecessary costs being imposed on Canadian cattle and hog exports. Under the rules U.S. processors, for instance, have to segregate Canadian animals and the meat from these animals at their facilities, which generates additional costs. Because of these additional costs, some processors no longer buy Canadian animals, buy them only on certain days, or buy them at a discounted price. Thirteen WTO country members have joined as third parties in the dispute.
"The WTO panel decision recognized the integrated nature of the North American supply chain and marked a clear win for our industry," Canadian Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz said in a statement expressing disappointment with the U.S. appeal.
Parties to a WTO dispute can appeal a panel's ruling. Appeals have to be based on points of law, such as legal interpretation - they cannot re-open factual findings made by the panel. Each appeal is heard by three members of a permanent seven-member Appellate Body comprising persons of recognized authority and unaffiliated with any government.
Generally, the Appellate Body has up to 3 months to conclude its report.
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The WTO dispute settlement panel had been established in November 2009 to hear Canada and Mexico's challenge to the U.S. legislation imposing mandatory country-of-origin labelling for beef, pork, lamb, chicken and goat meat, and certain perishable commodities sold at retail outlets in the U.S.
According to the U.S. rules, in order for meat to be labelled as a product of the U.S., all production activities (birth, rearing and slaughtering) have to occur in the U.S. For meat derived from animals of different national origins, the label must indicate the country or countries involved at each step, from the animal's birth to the final retail wrapping of meat cuts.
In contesting the U.S. rules Canada claimed that, in the context of the integrated North American beef and pork supply chains, U.S. COOL has resulted in additional and unnecessary costs being imposed on Canadian cattle and hog exports. Under the rules U.S. processors, for instance, have to segregate Canadian animals and the meat from these animals at their facilities, which generates additional costs. Because of these additional costs, some processors no longer buy Canadian animals, buy them only on certain days, or buy them at a discounted price. Thirteen WTO country members have joined as third parties in the dispute.
"The WTO panel decision recognized the integrated nature of the North American supply chain and marked a clear win for our industry," Canadian Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz said in a statement expressing disappointment with the U.S. appeal.
Parties to a WTO dispute can appeal a panel's ruling. Appeals have to be based on points of law, such as legal interpretation - they cannot re-open factual findings made by the panel. Each appeal is heard by three members of a permanent seven-member Appellate Body comprising persons of recognized authority and unaffiliated with any government.
Generally, the Appellate Body has up to 3 months to conclude its report.
««« Current NewsArchives »»»
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Northern Europe to Far East ocean freight bookings put on hold by largest carrier
Maersk, the world's largest shipping line, ceased to accept cargo bookings on sailings from North Europe to the Far East last week.
Eastbound shippers in Europe will have a hard time finding alternatives as Maersk is the largest carrier in the North Europe-Asia trade, with a current market share of 27% according to Alphaliner estimates.
Maersk said that the complete halt in bookings was due to the "large number of consecutive vessel cancellations following Chinese New Year" on westbound sailings in late January, which have resulted in void sailings from North Europe in March. This has led to a significant cargo build-up in North Europe. The company indicated that bookings could be suspended for six weeks, with the container backlog expected to be cleared only in early May.
According to Alphaliner the decision to stop all bookings, as well as the duration of the booking suspension, is highly unusual as eastbound cargo volumes from Europe usually represent less than half of westbound volumes. While most carriers are reporting strong booking positions until April, none of Maersk's competitors have ceased to take bookings on such a scale. Some carriers have turned away selective bookings to face the sudden space shortage on the eastbound market.
Eastbound shippers in Europe will have a hard time finding alternatives as Maersk is the largest carrier in the North Europe-Asia trade, with a current market share of 27% according to Alphaliner estimates.
Maersk said that the complete halt in bookings was due to the "large number of consecutive vessel cancellations following Chinese New Year" on westbound sailings in late January, which have resulted in void sailings from North Europe in March. This has led to a significant cargo build-up in North Europe. The company indicated that bookings could be suspended for six weeks, with the container backlog expected to be cleared only in early May.
According to Alphaliner the decision to stop all bookings, as well as the duration of the booking suspension, is highly unusual as eastbound cargo volumes from Europe usually represent less than half of westbound volumes. While most carriers are reporting strong booking positions until April, none of Maersk's competitors have ceased to take bookings on such a scale. Some carriers have turned away selective bookings to face the sudden space shortage on the eastbound market.
General Strike in Spain 29th March 2012
General Strike in Spain 29th March 2012 The General Strike in Spain called for the 29th of March is to protest against the new labour reforms and austerity measures being pushed through by the new PP government. The labour market reforms, which were passed last month will make it cheaper and easier to fire employees. This strike will seriously affect the air traffic all day, and for sure the coming day with overbookings and delays in departures. Also all land traffic and ports will be stopped. Please make bookings in advance as many carriers will cancell calls & flights these week.
Friday, March 23, 2012
North-American trade value set a new record in 2011
According to the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), surface transportation trade between the United States and its North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) partners Canada and Mexico in 2011 reached the highest yearly amount since NAFTA went into effect in 1994.
Total value increased by 14.3 percent in 2011 compared to 2010, for a total of $904 billion in 2011. The 14.3 percent increase in trade was the third largest year-to-year increase for the years covered by these data. The $904 billion in U.S.-NAFTA trade was
U.S. - Canada surface transportation trade totaled $537.0 billion in 2011, an increase of 14.0 percent compared to 2010. Michigan led all states in surface trade with Canada in 2011 with $68.4 billion. Automotive vehicles accounted for $41.3 billion, 60.3 percent of total Michigan - Canada surface trade. Of the top 10 states for U.S.-Canada surface trade in 2011, Minnesota had the highest percentage change over 2010, a 41.6 percent increase.
The top commodity category transported between the U.S. and Canada by surface modes of transportation in 2011 was vehicles and vehicle parts (other than railway vehicles and parts) with $96.1 billion in trade. This U.S.-Canada trade in vehicle and vehicle parts was roughly split evenly between exports and imports, reflecting the interdependency of automotive plants on both sides of the border.
U.S. - Mexico surface transportation trade totaled $367.1 billion in 2011, an increase of 14.6 percent compared to 2010. Texas led all states in surface trade with Mexico in 2011 with $129.0 billion.
The top commodity transported between the U.S. and Mexico by surface modes of transportation in 2011 was electrical machinery with $80.5 billion in trade.
Total value increased by 14.3 percent in 2011 compared to 2010, for a total of $904 billion in 2011. The 14.3 percent increase in trade was the third largest year-to-year increase for the years covered by these data. The $904 billion in U.S.-NAFTA trade was
U.S. - Canada surface transportation trade totaled $537.0 billion in 2011, an increase of 14.0 percent compared to 2010. Michigan led all states in surface trade with Canada in 2011 with $68.4 billion. Automotive vehicles accounted for $41.3 billion, 60.3 percent of total Michigan - Canada surface trade. Of the top 10 states for U.S.-Canada surface trade in 2011, Minnesota had the highest percentage change over 2010, a 41.6 percent increase.
The top commodity category transported between the U.S. and Canada by surface modes of transportation in 2011 was vehicles and vehicle parts (other than railway vehicles and parts) with $96.1 billion in trade. This U.S.-Canada trade in vehicle and vehicle parts was roughly split evenly between exports and imports, reflecting the interdependency of automotive plants on both sides of the border.
U.S. - Mexico surface transportation trade totaled $367.1 billion in 2011, an increase of 14.6 percent compared to 2010. Texas led all states in surface trade with Mexico in 2011 with $129.0 billion.
The top commodity transported between the U.S. and Mexico by surface modes of transportation in 2011 was electrical machinery with $80.5 billion in trade.
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