HAVANA – As part of the Obama Administration’s historic effort to normalize relations with Cuba, U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx today arrived in Cuba on the first scheduled flight to the island in over 50 years, a JetBlue Airways flight from Fort Lauderdale to Santa Clara.  In addition, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) today finalized its selection of eight U.S. airlines to begin scheduled flights to Havana as early as this fall.

“Today’s actions are the result of months of work by airlines, cities, the U.S. government, and many others toward delivering on President Obama’s promise to reengage with Cuba,” said Secretary Foxx.  “Transportation has a unique role in this historic initiative and we look forward to the benefits these new services will provide to those eligible for Cuba travel.”

Earlier this summer, DOT announced the approval of six U.S. passenger airlines and one all-cargo airline to serve cities in Cuba other than Havana.  The additional carriers are expected to begin flights to those cities shortly.

Airlines receiving the Havana awards include network, low-cost, and ultra low cost carriers – Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, and United Airlines.  The flights will provide service to Havana from Atlanta, Charlotte, Fort Lauderdale, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, Newark, New York City, Orlando, and Tampa.

The Department’s principal objective in making its selections was to maximize public benefits, including choosing airlines that offered and could maintain the best service between the U.S. and Havana.  DOT’s decision allocates nonstop Havana service to areas with substantial Cuban-American populations, as well as to several aviation hub cities. 

On February 16, 2016, Secretary Foxx signed an arrangement with the Cuban government opening the way for scheduled air service between the two countries to resume after more than 50 years. This new arrangement will facilitate visits for travelers that fall under one of 12 categories authorized by the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).  At the time of the signing, the administration announced that scheduled service would begin later in 2016.

Under the arrangement, each country’s airlines may operate up to 20 daily roundtrip flights between the U.S. and Havana.  The arrangement also provides each country’s airlines with the opportunity to operate up to 10 daily roundtrip flights between the U.S. and each of Cuba’s nine international airports, other than Havana, for a total of 90 daily roundtrips.  

DOT’s decision and other documents in the case are available online at regulations.gov, docket DOT-OST-2016-0021.

Fact Sheet (via transportation.gov)

​BDP International Message to US Operators on Exports and Zika

​​August 24, 2016 - With recent announcements regarding China's prevention of the spread of the zika virus, there have been many questions raised regarding anti-mosquito and fumigation treatments required for incoming containerized cargo to designated Chinese ports. As of August 18, the list has increased to 56 countries, including all of South America and the US. BDP would like to share some additional information with our customers about this new ruling.

It should be noted that the turn around time for Anti-Zika virus fumigation in China ports is estimated at 24-48 hours and there are two methods of utilization for the anti-mosquito treatment:
 
In method A, cargo can be collected within 24 hours of spraying outside portion of the container. In method B, cargo can be collected after 24 hours of smoke fumigation inside. For health hazard, CIQ shall set free responsibility since consigneee shall take precautions and self-reponsibility for it. 

No official announcement regarding the cost of fumigation has been relayed locally by Chinese ports. Based on BDP's knowledge and past experience, the possible fumigation fees are estimated below and are dependent upon the type of product and container size:

Method A - Spray disinfectant on outer portions of the container to avoid direct contact with the product within - BDP estimates cost to be $15USD per 20' container and $30USD per 40' container.

Method B - Smoke fumigation inside the container for products that are not sensitive -BDP estimates cost to be $30USD per 20' container and $60USD per 40' container.

This ruling applies to any shipments with an actual departure date of August 5, 2016 and after. 

Certain products are exempt from fumigation requirements. The below Chinese ports have issued official announcements, with others expected to follow suit:

Shanghai port: All dangerous goods, food additives, istotanks and food grade products do not require fumigation.

Nanjing port: All dangerous goods, consumable medical supplies, food additives, food grade related products and activated carbon and other strong absorption products do not require fumigation. Container types such as reefer containers, isotanks, flatrack containers, and open top containers do not require fumigation.

Ningo port: Food grade products do not require fumigation. Exemptions will only be granted to specific products (by HS code) and are subject to approval by authorities on a case by case basis.

Dalian port: Dangerous goods do not require fumigation, others are subject to approval on a case by case basis.

Qingdao port: Dangerous goods do not require fumigation. All US origin certificates will not be accepted, and the product must be fumigated at Qingdao port upon arrival by spraying the outside of the container. Local authorities can decide upon any exemptions on a case by case basis.

Should you have any questions regarding this regulation, please see BDP's Frequently Asked Questions document for further clarification.

Should you have any questions or concerns with shipments to China and the new fumigation ruling, please contact bdpcompliance@bdpint.com.

​
Sources: China AQSIQ and BDP China
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From Tradeology, the official blog of the International Trade Administration

News from The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia

More recognition is listed in the announcement from the Commonwealth’s Department of Community and Economic Development. The upshot? PA’s trade heart is healthy, with a strong beat towards growth in several sectors. This growth – a key driver of job creation state-wide – is exactly what international trade is meant to do. Americans should engage in, and learn about, the trade agreements that may be in jeopardy. Start here with the World Trade Center and join us at our next event to take part in the discussion.

Linda Mysliwy Conlin
President, World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia

Harrisburg, PA - On August 1, 2016, the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Dennis Davin announced that Pennsylvania received recognition for a series of accomplishments highlighting both economic success and growth statewide.

​Pennsylvania's economy rose from the 21st to the 19th largest in the world, excluding other U.S. states, making it comparable to that of Saudi Arabia. The economy is larger than Argentina and Switzerland.
​
Additionally, Pennsylvania claimed top spots in Entrepreneur Magazine, which named State College among ‘The 15 Best U.S. Cities for Entrepreneurs’ for its vision and committed support, and across five key categories in Business Facilities’ Annual Rankings Report.

The Business Facilities' Annual Rankings Report features the best of the best in several categories scrutinized by investors, site selectors, business owners, and other key economic development professionals.