AAEI Calls on Congress to Act to Avert Freight Rail Strike
AAEI sent a letter to Congressional leaders today, calling on federal lawmakers to intervene in the U.S. freight rail contract negotiations and prevent a work stoppage this week. Despite recommendations from the Presidential Emergency Board (PEB), which was convened in July, and tentatively accepted by three unions, an impasse remains over work conditions. AAEI’s letter says now is the “time for Congress to ensure that a freight rail shutdown does not occur. Congress can implement the PEB’s recommendations in whole, which we would encourage happens quickly after the cooling off period ends.” Read AAEI’s letter to Congress..
AAEI Files Comments on Port Congestion, Information Sharing
AAEI filed comments this week with the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) on whether the agency should issue an emergency order requiring common carriers and marine terminal operators to share key information with shippers to help relieve port congestion in the U.S. AAEI says, “The lack of adequate information sharing has created an emergency that is adversely affecting the efficient movement of freight.” Read AAEI’s comments.
AAEI Meets with OFAC on Sanctions, Emerging Technology
AAEI leaders met last week with Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) Director Andrea Gacki to discuss some of the Association’s top export-related issues. The discussions included Russian Sanctions, OFAC’s current priorities, and emerging technology policy.
USTR Outlines Objectives of IPEF Negotiations
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) announced the objectives of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) negotiations last week following a meeting with the other 13-countries in the group. Two of the four negotiating “pillars” involve trade and supply chain transparency and sustainability. The IPEF countries represent 40 percent of global GDP and 28 percent of global goods and services trade. Read the USTR’s statement.
