International Trade & Customs Committee
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Overview
The International Trade & Customs Committee is made up of trade, customs, and compliance experts from the largest and most innovative retail companies. The Committee serves as a forum for executives from RILA’s member companies to network, benchmark and exchange ideas on the most pressing trade-related issues facing the retail industry.
Against a dynamic trade landscape, RILA encourages the administration and Congress to pursue trade policies that position leading retailers for long-term success at home and give them a competitive edge abroad. RILA will continue to work with lawmakers and policymakers to advance policies that reduce trade barriers and promote open markets, develop new sourcing opportunities, strategically realign the section 301 tariffs, renew trade preference programs, and work with key trading partners to address our shared concerns with unfair trade practices.
In order to provide input, feedback, and leadership on key trade issues, the Committee works routinely with various U.S. government agencies carrying out U.S. trade policy, trade facilitation, and trade enforcement, including the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, the Department of Commerce, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection, as well as with lawmakers and the committees of jurisdiction overseeing trade issues in Congress.
The Committee also inform RILA’s work on various coalitions that aim to create new opportunities for open markets and lower trade barriers while facilitating the efficient movement of goods and services across our borders and through America’s ports of entry.
The Committee has a monthly conference call on the first Tuesday of every month and ad hoc calls based on member interest and fast-developing issues, and cross-functional calls with other RILA communities covering issues of shared interest. The Committee also aims to hold two in-person meetings each year that includes updates from congressional staff, administration officials, and thought leaders on trade policy.
For more information on the International Trade and Customs Committee, please reach out to Blake Harden, Vice President of International Trade.
Committee Materials
2020 Election Update from Akin Gump
Josh Teitelbaum and Casey Higgins from Akin Gump gave our members a rundown of how the 2020 election results could impact trade.
USTR Should Abandon Unsuccessful & Harmful Tariff Policy
RILA filed comments with USTR, sharing the retail industry’s perspective on the impact of section 301 tariffs.
An Update on China from CSIS
Jude Blanchette and Scott Livingston with CSIS provided our members with an update on pressing issues related to China.
CBP Section 301 Processing and AD/CVD Enforcement Briefing
Director of the AD/CVD Policy and Programs Division at CBP, provided our membership with an update on AD/CVD and Section 301 processing
China 301 Tariff Costs Joint Association Study
Impacts of Section 301 Tariffs on Imports from China: Case Studies of Apparel, Footwear, Travel Goods and Furniture
Comments to State Department on Combating Deforestation
RILA Responds to State Department Request for Input on Options for Combating International Deforestation Associated with Commodities
CPSC Office of Import Surveillance Presentation
Presentation by John Blachere, International Trade Specialist, US CPSC
CPSC Office of Import Surveillance Webinar
CPSC Webinar on 1USG Notification System presented by Sabrina Keller and John Blachere
CTPAT Update with Director Manny Garza
RILA was joined by the director of CBP’s CTPAT Program Manny Garza to provide updates for membership.
EU Trade Perspective with Peter Young from the EU Delegation
Peter Young, Deputy Head of the Trade and Agriculture Section, provided our membership with an update on U.S./EU trade relations.
Forced Labor Enforcement Actions with Arnold & Porter
A team of experts from Arnold & Porter provided an update on forced labor enforcement actions for our membership.
Forced Labor Global Insights with CSIS, ILO, OECD
Experts from CSIS, ILO and the OECD led a conversation about forced labor prevention, identification, and remediation.
Retail Supply Chain Impacts of Coronavirus Webinar
Webinar on risk mitigation strategies for the current outbreak, and latest on-the-ground updates from China (Members-only. Please log-in to access).
Review of Actions Taken in the Section 301 Investigation
RILA Comments in Four-Year Review of Actions Taken in the Section 301 Investigation
RILA Comments on USTR China 301 Tariff Review
RILA filed written comments with USTR as part of its four-year statutory review of the China 301 tariffs.
Statement on USITC Investigation into Economic Impact
Section 301 tariffs on Chinese imports have caused disproportionate economic harm to American businesses, consumers, and workers
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Join TodayLatest on International Trade
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Retailers Support HOPE/HELP Trade Preference Program
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- 07/25/2023
Court of International Trade Erred in China 301 Tariff Case
- By [Kathleen McGuigan]
- 07/25/2023
Wall St Uses Bogus Rewards Argument in Credit Card Debate
- By [Austen Jensen]
- 07/24/2023
Reducing Emissions a Focus for Retailers in Ocean Shipping
- By [Jess Dankert, Erin Hiatt]
- 07/20/2023
Retailers Urge Quick Resolution to Avoid UPS Strike
- By [Jess Dankert, Sarah Gilmore]
- 07/19/2023
Fed: It’s Time for Big Banks to Play by the Rules
- By [Austen Jensen]
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