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Category: Trade

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cornyn Discusses Trade Reciprocity with USTR Greer

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn
    WASHINGTON – Today in the Senate Finance Committee, U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) discussed the Trump administration’s efforts to achieve fair and balanced trade with United States Trade Representative (USTR) Jamieson Greer. Excerpts of Sen. Cornyn’s remarks are below, and video can be found here.  
    CORNYN: “Our friends in Australia basically have put up barriers to the export of beef from the United States. My state, Texas, happens to produce a lot of beef cattle, and Australia basically denies access to its huge market, but not as a result of tariffs so much as non-tariff barriers to trade. Could you speak to that?”
    GREER: “It’s always surprising because we have a free trade agreement with Australia, and we would expect that we would have fair, reciprocal trade. Last year, I think we imported about $3 billion worth of Australian beef, and we exported zero dollars of American beef to Australia—and it’s not just beef.”
    “It’s incredible that they do this. We have zero exports of the fresh and frozen U.S. pork to Australia.”
    CORNYN: “I find it interesting that people express surprise at President Trump’s policies, when he’s been talking about these policies for—best I can tell—for decades and how unfair trading arrangements are between various countries.”
    “Indeed, some of these unfair trading practices have resulted in the deindustrialization of America. We’ve exported manufacturing to Asia, particularly China, and other countries that now appear to be willing to hold us hostage to those supply chains.”
    “Would you speak to the vulnerabilities that exist as a result of China basically processing 90 percent of the critical minerals in the world that are essential for our daily lives?”
    GREER: “That figure is always one that gives me great concern.”
    “That’s a very dangerous situation to be in. I mean, this is part of the urgency of what we’re talking about, and I think as the Trump administration certainly takes action on trade, but also takes action on the environmental side and permitting and regulation. That’s an area we can actually have more of that activity here in the United States or we can work with our trading partners to try to incentivize production there as well.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Acting Chairman Pham Lauds DOJ Policy Ending Regulation by Prosecution of Digital Assets Industry and Directs CFTC Staff to Comply with Executive Orders

    Source: US Commodity Futures Trading Commission

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Commodity Futures Trading Commission Acting Chairman Caroline D. Pham today praised a recently-announced Justice Department policy ending the practice of regulation by prosecution that has targeted the digital asset industry in recent years, and directed CFTC staff to comply with the President’s executive orders and Administration policy, consistent with DOJ’s digital assets enforcement priorities and charging considerations. The DOJ policy comes as Acting Chairman Pham has similarly refocused the CFTC’s enforcement resources on cases involving fraud and manipulation. 
    “For far too long, lawfare from multiple federal agencies against innovators in the digital asset space has created unfairness and uncertainty that has undermined trust in the regulatory process and impeded American competitiveness,” Acting Chairman Pham said. “I welcome the Justice Department’s policy to focus on holding bad actors accountable while allowing regulators to set clear rules that foster responsible innovation. The CFTC is committed to complying with the President’s executive orders at the heart of this policy and has already taken important steps to end regulation by enforcement and direct limited resources toward fighting fraud and helping victims.
    “Today, pursuant to my sole authority as Acting Chairman to exercise the executive and administrative functions of the Commission, I direct the CFTC staff and the Director of Enforcement to comply with Executive Order 14219 on the use of the agency’s enforcement discretion to ensure lawful governance. 
    “In accordance with the President’s executive orders and Administration policy, I direct the CFTC staff and the Director of Enforcement to adhere to the Justice Department’s policy on digital assets enforcement priorities and digital assets charging considerations set forth in the Deputy Attorney General’s memorandum, Ending Regulation by Prosecution, dated April 7, 2025, with respect to ongoing investigations, litigation including the agency’s litigating position and arguments, and other enforcement matters. 
    “In order to finally end the CFTC’s regulation by enforcement over the past several years, I direct the CFTC staff and the Director of Enforcement, consistent with DOJ policy, to not seek to ‘charge regulatory violations in cases involving digital assets,’ in particular ‘violations of registration requirements under the Commodity Exchange Act,’ unless ‘there is evidence that the defendant knew of the licensing or registration requirement at issue and violated such a requirement willfully,’ as set forth in DOJ’s Ending Regulation by Prosecution.
    “Under Executive Order 14219, agency heads are required to ‘direct the termination of all such enforcement proceedings that do not comply with the Constitution, laws, or Administration policy.’ For ongoing CFTC litigation matters in U.S. federal court, pursuant to administrative law and precedent, the CFTC cannot dismiss a case or enter into a settlement consent order to terminate the enforcement proceeding, without agency action by the Commission requiring a majority vote. Currently, no party holds a majority on the Commission.
    “Therefore, I direct the CFTC staff and the Director of Enforcement, pursuant to Executive Order 14219, with respect to ongoing CFTC litigation matters in U.S. federal court, to ‘preserve [the CFTC’s] limited enforcement resources’ by ‘de-prioritizing actions’ involving violations of registration requirements under the Commodity Exchange Act unless there is evidence that the defendant knew of the licensing or registration requirement at issue and violated such a requirement willfully, consistent with DOJ policy. I direct the CFTC staff and the Director of Enforcement to not take any litigating position or arguments that do not comply with the President’s executive orders, Administration policy, or DOJ policy on digital assets enforcement priorities and digital assets charging considerations.”
    At Acting Chairman Pham’s direction, the CFTC has taken decisive action to ensure lawful governance and enforcement. Shortly after becoming Acting Chairman, Pham realigned the CFTC Division of Enforcement task forces to end regulation by enforcement and refocus on fighting fraud and helping victims. Under her leadership, the Division of Enforcement has also issued a new advisory on the CFTC’s new policy going forward to promote self-reporting, cooperation, and remediation. 
    Pham also launched an initiative aimed at expeditiously resolving a backlog of noncompliance matters that do not involve customer harm or market abuse. The initiative provides the opportunity to bring closure and clarity to firms in a timely manner while freeing up agency resources to focus on catching fraudsters and scammers and helping victims. Thus far, nearly two dozen firms have reached out to participate.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reinvigorating America’s Beautiful Clean Coal Industry and Amending Executive Order 14241

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered:
    Section 1. Purpose. In order to secure America’s economic prosperity and national security, lower the cost of living, and provide for increases in electrical demand from emerging technologies, we must increase domestic energy production, including coal. Coal is abundant and cost effective, and can be used in any weather condition. Moreover, the industry has historically employed hundreds of thousands of Americans. America’s coal resources are vast, with a current estimated value in the trillions of dollars, and are more than capable of substantially contributing to American energy independence with excess to export to support allies and our economic competitiveness. Our Nation’s beautiful clean coal resources will be critical to meeting the rise in electricity demand due to the resurgence of domestic manufacturing and the construction of artificial intelligence data processing centers. We must encourage and support our Nation’s coal industry to increase our energy supply, lower electricity costs, stabilize our grid, create high-paying jobs, support burgeoning industries, and assist our allies.
    Sec. 2. Policy. It is the policy of the United States that coal is essential to our national and economic security. It is a national priority to support the domestic coal industry by removing Federal regulatory barriers that undermine coal production, encouraging the utilization of coal to meet growing domestic energy demands, increasing American coal exports, and ensuring that Federal policy does not discriminate against coal production or coal-fired electricity generation.
    Sec. 3. Strengthening Our National Energy Security. The Chair of the National Energy Dominance Council (NEDC) shall designate coal as a “mineral” as defined in section 2 of Executive Order 14241 of March 20, 2025 (Immediate Measures to Increase American Mineral Production), thereby entitling coal to all the benefits of a “mineral” under that order. Further, Executive Order 14241 is hereby amended by deleting the reference to “4332(d)(1)(B)” in section 6(d) of that order and replacing it with a reference to “4532(d)(1)(B)”.
    Sec. 4. Assessing Coal Resources and Accessibility on Federal Lands. (a) Within 60 days of the date of this order, the Secretary of the Interior, the Secretary of Agriculture, and the Secretary of Energy shall submit a consolidated report to the President through the Assistant to the President for Economic Policy that identifies coal resources and reserves on Federal lands, assesses impediments to mining such coal resources, and proposes policies to address such impediments and ultimately enable the mining of such coal resources by either private or public actors.
    (b) The Secretary of Energy shall include in the report described in subsection (a) of this section an analysis of the impact that the availability of the coal resources identified could have on electricity costs and grid reliability.
    Sec. 5. Lifting Barriers to Coal Mining on Federal Lands. (a) The Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture shall prioritize coal leasing and related activities, consistent with applicable law, as the primary land use for the public lands with coal resources identified in the report described in section 4(a) of this order and expedite coal leasing in these areas, including by utilizing such emergency authorities as are available to them and identifying opportunities to provide for expedited environmental reviews, consistent with applicable law.
    (b) The Secretary of the Interior, pursuant to the authorities in the Mineral Leasing Act of 1920, as amended and supplemented (30 U.S.C. 181 et seq.), the Mineral Leasing Act for Acquired Lands of 1947, as amended (30 U.S.C. 351-359), and the Multiple Mineral Development Act of 1954 (30 U.S.C. 521-531 et seq.), shall acknowledge the end of the Jewell Moratorium by ordering the publication of a notice in the Federal Register terminating the “Environmental Impact Statement Analyzing the Potential Environmental Effects from Maintaining Secretary Jewell’s Coal Leasing Moratorium”, and process royalty rate reduction applications from Federal coal lessees in as expeditious a manner as permitted by applicable law.
    Sec. 6. Supporting American Coal as an Energy Source. (a) Within 30 days of the date of this order, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, the Secretary of Transportation, the Secretary of the Interior, the Secretary of Energy, the Secretary of Labor, and the Secretary of the Treasury shall identify any guidance, regulations, programs, and policies within their respective executive department or agency that seek to transition the Nation away from coal production and electricity generation.
    (b) Within 60 days of the date of this order, the heads of all relevant executive departments and agencies (agencies) shall consider revising or rescinding Federal actions identified in subsection (a) of this section consistent with applicable law.
    (c) Agencies that are empowered to make loans, loan guarantees, grants, equity investments, or to conclude offtake agreements, both domestically and abroad, shall, to the extent permitted by law, take steps to rescind any policies or regulations seeking to or that actually discourage investment in coal production and coal-fired electricity generation, such as the 2021 U.S. Treasury Fossil Fuel Energy Guidance for Multilateral Development Banks rescinded by the Department of the Treasury and similar policies or regulations.
    (d) Within 30 days of the date of this order, the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Agriculture, the Secretary of Commerce, the Secretary of Energy, the Chief Executive Officer of the International Development Finance Corporation, the President of the Export-Import Bank of the United States, and the heads of all other agencies that have discretionary programs that provide, facilitate, or advocate for financing of energy projects shall review their charters, regulations, guidance, policies, international agreements, analytical models and internal bureaucratic processes to ensure that such materials do not discourage the agency from financing coal mining projects and electricity generation projects. Consistent with law, and subject to the applicable agency head’s discretion, where appropriate, any identified preferences against coal use shall immediately be eliminated except as explicitly provided for in statute.
    Sec. 7. Supporting American Coal Exports. The Secretary of Commerce, in consultation with the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Energy, the United States Trade Representative, the Assistant to the President for National Security, and the heads of other relevant agencies, shall take all necessary and appropriate actions to promote and identify export opportunities for coal and coal technologies and facilitate international offtake agreements for United States coal.
    Sec. 8. Expanding Use of Categorical Exclusions for Coal Under the National Environmental Policy Act. Within 30 days of the date of this order, each agency shall identify to the Council on Environmental Quality any existing and potential categorical exclusions pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act, increased reliance on and adoption of which by other agencies pursuant to 42 U.S.C. 4336c could further the production and export of coal.
    Sec. 9. Steel Dominance. (a) The Secretary of Energy, pursuant to the authority under the Energy Act of 2020 (the “Act”), shall determine whether coal used in the production of steel meets the definition of a “critical material” under the Act and, if so, shall take steps to place it on the Department of Energy Critical Materials List.
    (b) The Secretary of the Interior, pursuant to the authority under the Act, shall determine whether metallurgical coal used in the production of steel meets the criteria to be designated as a “critical mineral” under the Act and, if so, shall take steps to place coal on the Department of the Interior Critical Minerals List.
    Sec. 10. Powering Artificial Intelligence Data Centers. (a) For the purposes of this order, “artificial intelligence” or “AI” has the meaning set forth in 15 U.S.C. 9401(3).
    (b) Within 60 days of the date of this order, the Secretary of the Interior, Secretary of Commerce, and the Secretary of Energy shall identify regions where coal-powered infrastructure is available and suitable for supporting AI data centers; assess the market, legal, and technological potential for expanding coal-based infrastructure to power data centers to meet the electricity needs of AI and high-performance computing operations; and submit a consolidated summary report with their findings and proposals to the Chair of the NEDC, the Assistant to the President for Science and Technology and the Special Advisor for AI and Crypto.
    Sec. 11. Acceleration of Coal Technology. (a) The Secretary of Energy shall take all necessary actions, consistent with applicable law, to accelerate the development, deployment, and commercialization of coal technologies including, but not limited to, utilizing all available funding mechanisms to support the expansion of coal technology, including technologies that utilize coal and coal byproducts such as building materials, battery materials, carbon fiber, synthetic graphite, and printing materials, as well as updating coal feedstock for power generation and steelmaking.
    (b) Within 90 days of the date of this order, the Secretary of Energy shall submit a detailed action plan to the President through the Chair of the NEDC outlining the funding mechanisms, programs, and policy actions taken to accelerate coal technology deployment.
    Sec. 12. General Provisions. (a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:
    (i) the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or
    (ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.
    (b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.
    (c) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.
    DONALD J. TRUMP

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Marshall Questions USDA Deputy Secretary and General Counsel Nominees During Agriculture Committee Hearing

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall

    Washington – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) participated in the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry confirmation hearing today for President Donald Trump’s Deputy Secretary of Agriculture nominee Stephen Vaden and General Counsel of the Department of Agriculture nominee Tyler Clarkson. 
    Stephen Vaden comes from a farming family and is currently a judge of the United States Court of International Trade which possesses exclusive jurisdiction over most of the United States’ trade matters. He served nearly the entirety of the first Trump Administration in the Office of General Counsel and clerked for two of our nation’s federal judges. Tyler Clarkson served as USDA’s deputy general counsel in the first Trump Administration and previously worked in President Trump’s first Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs.
    During the hearing, Senator Marshall questioned Mr. Vaden and Mr. Clarkson on conservation efforts, precision agriculture, Proposition 12, the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC), and the United States’ international trade deficit.
    Senator Marshall is a fifth-generation farm kid and Chairman of the Subcommittee on Conservation, Forestry, Natural Resources, and Biotechnology.

    [embedded content]

    Click HERE or on the image above to watch Senator Marshall’s full line of questioning.
    Highlights from the hearing include: 
    On the United States’ international trade deficit:
    Senator Marshall: “Judge Vaden, I’ll close with my question for you, dealing with our trade deficit, $1.2 trillion trade deficit. For the first time in my lifetime, an agriculture deficit. We’re importing more food than we’re exporting… In your new role, what can you do to decrease the international trade deficit, and how will you be promoting strengthening domestic demand for agriculture products?”
    Stephen Vaden, Deputy Secretary of Agriculture nominee: “Senator, I think you hit on it in the verbs you used in your questions, we’ve got to promote, and that involves a salesmanship activity. I know the Secretary has committed to visiting six countries this year in terms of promoting more ag exports. That’s important. No one else is going to sell our stuff. We’ve got to sell it.
    “Secondly, we’ve got to keep track of foreign trade barriers, whether they be tariff or non-tariff-related, and we’ve got to remind the trade team that as they’re out there looking for new trade deals, as they’re standing up for other American industries, they need to stand up for American agriculture too and oppose these efforts that are trying to keep our wonderful farmers’ products out of the international market.” 
    On conservation efforts and precision agriculture:
    Senator Marshall: “Judge, my [family’s farm] goes back 100 years. I think yours were even 100 years older than my family’s. And I’d like to think that my great grandfather, your great, great, great were the original conservationists – that they wanted to leave this world cleaner, healthier, and safer than we found it, just like you and I want to leave it – for our future generations – cleaner, healthier and safer than we found it.
    “I’ll also note, though, that my farmers and ranchers depend upon certain pesticides and fertilizers, and there [are] great opportunities… for precision agriculture, we’re growing more with less every day. In your office, if confirmed, how can you help defend the crop protection and precision ag tools that our farmers rely upon?”
    Mr. Vaden: “Well, Senator, I thank you for the question, and I really appreciate how you have linked, because I think the linkage is proper, conservation with the scientific advancements and chemicals that make that possible. 
    “No-till agriculture was kind of launched in West Tennessee. I grew up going with my father to the Milan No-Till Festival, which still goes on and was kind of an initial effort at evangelizing this notion that you do not have to plow the field every year, which, as you know, is bad for soil health.
    “But that only becomes possible if you have in your toolkit as a farmer the amazing chemicals that are provided in order to clear the land so that you can plant. If you take those chemicals away, what you are doing is you are taking a tool out of the toolkit of the farmer and requiring him to revert, in my view, to the somewhat antiquated plow. That’s bad for soil health, and quite frankly, it threatens a lot of the work done by the old Soil Conservation Service, and now the Natural Resources Conservation Service, to instill best practices in farms. Because, as you know, if you’re destroying the soil, it’s the equivalent of eating into your principal to pay living expenses.”
    On the Commodity Credit Corporation:
    Senator Marshall: “Let’s talk about the [Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC)] for a second. It’s been used for different purposes and I was concerned with the last administration that the Secretary of Agriculture used it to promote Green New Deal type of initiatives, which I think feels like to me, was outside of the intention of the CCC.
    “Do you think that the use of the CCC by the previous administration was legal, and how do we ensure that the CCC is used for its intended use of supporting farmers and not backing special interest?”
    Tyler Clarkson, General Counsel of the Department of Agriculture nominee: “I do think that the prior administration’s use of CCC required quite a bit, quite a bit of legal creativity that strained the statutory text and practice in a manner that I don’t think I anticipate continuing were I confirmed as general counsel.”
    On California’s Proposition 12:
    Senator Marshall: “Proposition 12 dictates, in my humble opinion, tries to tell Kansas farmers how to grow pigs, and it’s really hard for that small producer. If Kansas, or if… California has a way they want us to grow them. If Texas has a way we want to grow them. If Ohio has a way they want to grow pigs. It’s really hard for my small producers. Is there anything that USDA could do to administratively ensure that certain states are not able to dictate production standards for livestock producers nationwide?”
    Mr. Vaden: “I’m well aware of the challenge that such state propositions provide to farmers who have to operate in a national market. As you know, when I was General Counsel, we were very active in supporting the efforts of those who challenged the proposition, and I’m happy to say those efforts ended up to be bipartisan, because, though it’s not frequently noted, both the first Trump Administration and the Biden Administration both opposed, in the federal courts, Proposition 12 on the grounds of our and their belief that it violated the Dormant Commerce Clause. 
    “The Supreme Court, unfortunately, came to a different conclusion, and in the opinion written by the Supreme Court, they basically put it in Congress’s hands and said that Congress has the power under the Commerce Clause to stop this if it wants. And so, when it comes to any administrative authorities that USDA might have, if any are in existence, they would have to be given [to] us by Congress.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: World News in Brief: Nobody wins trade wars Guterres warns, WFP alert over US funding cuts, ‘modern slavery’ must be eradicated says Yang

    Source: United Nations 2

    Economic Development

    The UN Secretary-General on Tuesday warned that when it comes to trade wars, “nobody wins” and “everybody tends to lose.”

    António Guterres was responding to a journalist at the stakeout in UN Headquarters in New York, who asked him for reaction to the recent decision by United States President Donald Trump to impose a minimum ten per cent tariff on nearly every country in the world.

    Tariffs are a tax on imports coming into a country which are usually charged to the exporting nation as a percentage of value.

    Concern for vulnerable developing economies

    “Trade wars are extremely negative,” the UN chief said, adding that he was “particularly worried” at the impact rising tariffs could have on vulnerable developing countries, warning that it could be “devastating”.

    “I sincerely hope that we will have no recession, because a recession will have dramatic consequences, especially for the poorest people in the world,” the UN chief added.

    Soundcloud

    US funding cuts spell ‘death sentence’ for millions, food agency warns

    The World Food Programme (WFP) has voiced deep concern over news that the United States has ended funding for life-saving emergency food assistance in 14 countries.

    “If implemented, this could amount to a death sentence for millions of people facing extreme hunger and starvation,” the UN agency said in a post on the social media platform X on Monday.

    WFP Executive Director Cindy McCain warned in a separate post that continued cuts to its programmes “will deepen hunger, fuel instability, and make the world far less safe.”

    She urged world leaders “to weigh the consequences,” noting that “with conflicts and extreme hunger surging, pulling support doesn’t just cost lives – it undermines global stability.”

    WFP are in contact with Washington to seek clarification and to urge continued support for the programmes.

    Refugees at risk

    Among the millions who will be affected are refugees living in Uganda, who total some 1.8 million.

     On average, between 10,000 to 12,000 refugees have entered the country every month over the past three years, according to the UN refugee agency, UNHCR.

    The situation is putting a strain on resources amid shortfalls in funding, which have forced the agency to make cuts in areas such as health, childcare and shelter services.

    “The budget that has been set aside to spend for the entire year is being used up now because of the influx,” Matthew Crentsil, UNHCR Representative in Uganda, told journalists in Geneva on Tuesday.

    “I don’t want to even mention the shortage that WFP is experiencing in providing food,” he said, speaking from the capital, Kampala.

    “There is no assurance of funding for WFP to provide food for refugees in Uganda beyond June of this year, so this is all exacerbating the already precarious situation that we have here in Uganda.”

    ‘Urgent need to eradicate modern slavery and human trafficking’: Assembly President

    An estimated 50 million people currently live in modern slavery, while a third of human trafficking victims are now children, said President of the UN General Assembly Philemon Yang on Tuesday.

    Welcoming the publication of the latest Global Commission on Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking report, Mr. Yang urged Member States to “strengthen measures that combat modern slavery and trafficking in persons.”

    “Modern slavery and human trafficking are violations of fundamental human rights,” Mr. Yang said, adding that the “Universal Declaration of Human Rights was clear in prohibiting slavery and the slave trade in all their forms.”

    Plan of action

    In order to put an end to these violations he said it was important to tackle the root causes the make people vulnerable to being trafficked or enslaved in the first place.

    The implementation of a UN Global Plan of Action, adopted by the General Assembly in 2010 to complement the UN Trafficking Protocol, is set to be reviewed by Member States later this year. New goals to combat trafficking in persons will be set during the review.

    Mr. Yang encouraged Member States to enact “policies that are trauma-informed and survivor centred,” and added that such policies should “promote inclusive growth and provide [survivors with] equal access to healthcare, education, skills training and job.”

    There is an urgent need to eradicate modern slavery and human trafficking, he warned.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch Demands Answers from Trade Representative on Trump’s Trade War: “This is utter chaos, arbitrary and willful on the part of the President.” 

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – In a contentious Finance Committee hearing today, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) demanded answers from U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Jamieson Greer on how President Trump’s destructive trade war has created global economic chaos and harmed Vermont businesses, farms, and families. Senator Welch pressed Ambassador Greer on how the Trump Administration’s reckless across-the-board tariffs are undercutting fair competition and creating an ‘access economy’ in which success is determined based on personal relationships with officials in President Trump’s inner circle. 
    “What is being rolled out and the way this is being done is so destructive, and so reckless, and so irresponsible, that it’s creating nothing but economic chaos, uncertainty, and suffering for a lot of people. These are really disastrous for Vermont…” said Senator Welch. “Let me tell you the frustration I have. There is a place for targeted tariffs to help us and also to push back on unfair trade practices. I support that. That’s not what this is. This is utter chaos, arbitrary and willful on the part of the President that is setting up a dynamic where he picks winners and losers rather than companies compete to do the best they can and have the benefit of good work and a good product.” 
    Watch the exchange between Senator Welch and Ambassador Greer: 
    Read excerpts of their exchange below: 
    Welch: The issue of these tariffs—now the phone is ringing off the hook at the White House from countries wanting to get a break, right? 
    Greer: They want to talk about how to have reciprocal trade with us and how to get that deficit down. 
    Welch: That’s right. So, here’s the structural issue that is really alarming to me, and I hope to all of us. We are using these tariffs—or the President is using these tariffs—from going from an economy that’s based on competition to one that’s based on access. You know, in a competitive economy, your product, your service, determines the outcome and how well you do. In an access economy, it’s who’s got Donald Trump’s number, who’s got your number, who’s got [Commerce Secretary] Lutnick’s number. You call up and you get a break. That’s an access economy. Is this going to be the arbitrary authority of the President to decide: ‘Yes, we’ll cut the Vietnam tariff,’ and ‘No, we’ll sustain the tariff on Lesotho’? 
    Greer: The way this works, Senator, is we have long-standing relationships with trade officials in these foreign countries and they work with our staff, our career staff, and they develop—if someone comes to us with an offer, we review it, we analyze it, and we present it to the President… 
    Welch: They’re calling the President. I mean, you’ve got Donald Trump, as President, basically picking and choosing winners and losers—and who knows on what basis. That’s not a trade regime that anybody can count on. That’s something they can gain if they know you, they know Lutnick, they know Donald Trump…We’ve got farmers on the border with Canada, they get their grain—it’s going to be 25% hit. We’ve got consumers whose electricity bills are going up because of retaliation from Canada. Can they make a call to you, to Howard Lutnick, to the President, and ask for relief? 
    Greer: Well, we certainly talk to all kinds of constituents—we talk to labor unions, we talk to civil society, we talk to business. I would say with Canada and Mexico, they receive duty-free treatment for things that follow the rules of USMCA. If they bring in Chinese content and send it down, they won’t get a break. 
    Welch: Well, let me tell you the frustration I have. There is a place for targeted tariffs to help us and also to push back on unfair trade practices. I support that. That’s not what this is. This is utter chaos, arbitrary and willful on the part of the President that is setting up a dynamic where he picks winners and losers rather than companies compete to do the best they can and have the benefit of good work and a good product.
    During Greer’s nomination hearing before the Senate Finance Committee, Senator Welch demanded answers on the impact of the trade war on American businesses and consumers and outlined the cost of Trump’s new tariffs for Vermont industries.  
    Senator Welch has been outspoken in opposing President Trump’s destructive trade war. On Tuesday, Senator Welch joined bipartisan colleagues in releasing a resolution to repeal Donald Trump’s chaotic global tariffs. The Senators’ resolution would terminate the emergency that Trump declared in order to slap tariffs of up to 49% on products Americans buy from other countries. Senator Welch has also supported legislation pushing back against Trump’s tariffs, including: 
    The Trade Review Act, bipartisan legislation to reaffirm Congress’ key role in setting and approving U.S. trade policy and reestablish limits on the President’s ability to impose unilateral tariffs without the approval of Congress. 
    The Tariff Transparency Act of 2025, legislation to require the United States International Trade Commission to conduct an investigation and submit a report on the impact on businesses in the United States of duties, and the threat of duties, on imports from Mexico and Canada. 
    A Joint Resolution of Disapproval terminating national emergency related to Canadian energy tariffs, passed by the Senate last week on a bipartisan basis. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: New Tour Guide Uniforms for United Nations Headquarters in New York: Young Talent from Sweden Paving Way for Sustainable Fashion

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI b

    The United Nations and the Swedish School of Textiles are pioneering a groundbreaking collaboration to redefine the future of sustainable fashion.  The School, part of the University of Borås, has become the first higher education institution to design and develop a new collection of Tour Guide uniforms for the UN Headquarters in New York.

    Approximately 20 design students are working together to create a collection that embodies sustainability, high fashion standards, and innovation.  The new uniforms, set to debut on 22 April, will be showcased at a fashion show at UN Headquarters before being officially adopted by UN Tour Guides.

    “As a key partner to the UN, Sweden is proud to contribute to the SDG agenda in this unique and tangible way.  The uniforms are a fantastic showcase of Swedish innovation, sustainability, and our tradition of cutting-edge design.  The Swedish School of Textiles and the students have excelled, and I am proud of their outstanding work,” said Benjamin Dousa, Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade, sharing his thoughts on the collaboration.

    United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed highlighted the significance of the project:  “The UN Tour Guides are the first faces millions of visitors see when they come to the United Nations, bringing to life our work for a better future for all.  Their new sustainably made uniforms designed by young people are more than just fabric — they embody our commitment to sustainability and the power of youth to drive change.”

    Beyond aesthetics, the new uniforms are designed to serve as a storytelling medium for sustainability.  Each year, over 200,000 visitors will have the opportunity to learn from Tour Guides about the sustainable practices embedded in the collection, reinforcing how individual lifestyle choices can contribute to global sustainability goals.

    In Sweden, the goal of responsible development is well established.  A strong set of fashion brands and initiatives with a clear sustainability agenda positions Sweden at the forefront of this movement.

    Mats Tinnsten, Vice Chancellor of the University of Borås, emphasized the role of the Swedish School of Textiles in the global fashion landscape:  “This collection confirms that the Swedish School of Textiles is one of the best fashion schools in the world.  I am incredibly proud of the students and the project team who have worked so hard.  Through this project and our expertise, we can show the world that it is possible to create sustainable fashion.  This collection is fully in line with the university’s values:  togetherness, sustainability, and innovation.”

    About the Project

    This initiative was enabled by the UN Department of Global Communications and the UN Office for Partnerships, in collaboration with Sofia Hedström de Leo, an advisory board member of the UN’s Fashion and Lifestyle Network and former Head of Sustainability at the Swedish Consulate in New York.  The project is supported by the Swedish Government and funded by the University of Borås and the Paul Frankenius Foundation for the Swedish University of Fashion & Textiles.

    About the Swedish School of Textiles

    The Swedish School of Textiles is one of the world’s top-ranked fashion schools and plays an important role in making Sweden a leader in sustainable fashion and a key player in shaping future textiles.

    Media contacts

    United Nations:  Vincenzo Pugliese, Chief, Visitors Services, Outreach Division, Department of Global Communications, email pugliesev@un.org

    United States Press:  Sofia Hedstrom de Leo, Project Manager Marketing United States, tel. 917 392 7906, email info@sofiaheadstrong.com

    Swedish School of Textiles:  Anna Kjellson, tel. +46 734612001 email: anna.kjellsson@hb.se

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cantwell Questions Trump Trade Head on Tariffs That Have ‘Wreaked Havoc on the Economy’

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell

    04.08.25

    Cantwell Questions Trump Trade Head on Tariffs That Have ‘Wreaked Havoc on the Economy’

    In committee hearing, USTR Jamieson Greer said Trump not backing off tariffs that caused global markets to plummet; Last Thursday, Cantwell introduced a bipartisan bill that would reassert Congress’ role in setting & overseeing U.S. trade policy; In less than a week, her legislation has picked up 12 new cosponsors, half Ds and half Rs, & received endorsement from world’s largest retail trade org

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), senior member of the Senate Finance Committee and ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, pressed United States Trade Representative Jamieson Greer on the administration’s slapdash implementation of sweeping tariffs without sufficient input or accountability to Congress.

    Prior to President Trump’s implementation of the tariffs, there was no formal bipartisan briefing of Congress detailing how the tariff rates were set, analyzing on how they might impact the American economy, or even communicating what the White House was aiming to accomplish.

    “What did the Trump administration do to prepare [Congress], to communicate with us, to tell us about findings as it relates to these emergency orders by the President?” Sen. Cantwell asked during a hearing today in the Senate Finance Committee.

    “Our staff, the USTR staff, in the in the past two months that we’ve been in office, have had over 200 formal engagements with staff on the Hill,” Greer responded. “We also had the President issue very publicly his America First trade policy memorandum, which specifically said that he was going to look into the trade deficit and the possibilities of tariffs.”

    Cantwell responded: “So, we’ve wreaked havoc on the economy by having one of the largest drops of the market. We have people’s 401(k)s, in panic. We have retail organizations, like the retail industry, National Retail Federation, American Apparel Industry, Outdoor Association, Consumer Technology, Computer and Communications Industry, Main Street Alliance, Small Business Majority, all anxious, asking us to do something. And you’re saying, ‘Well, some people have passed some notes to staff.’”

    She continued: “We should be building alliances as a way to counter China, but the alliance building process now will become harder, and people are going to wonder, well, is the United States going to pull another fast one again and just wreak havoc?”

    Greer said the United States has seen “many times in past decades when we have had real robust trade disputes with our partners.”

    Sen. Cantwell responded: “I’m for trade. I represent trade. I represent a trade economy. I represent the success of what innovation and trade gets you. But you’re coming here this morning with this, not only tanking of the market and 401(k)s, now you’re coming here telling me that tariff is the tool. And I’m telling you — innovation is the tool!”

    The bill has since picked up 12 additional cosponsors – an equal mix of Republicans and Democrats – and been endorsed by multiple major U.S. business organizations, including the National Retail Federation, which is the largest retail trade association in the world.

    In addition, a bipartisan group has introduced a companion version of Sen. Cantwell’s legislation in the House of Representatives, also cosponsored by equal numbers of Republicans and Democrats.

    The bill restores Congress’ authority and responsibility over tariffs as outlined in Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution by placing the following limits on the president’s power to impose tariffs:

    • To enact a new tariff, the president must notify Congress of the imposition of (or increase in) the tariff within 48 hours.
      • The Congressional notification must include an explanation of the president’s reasoning for imposing or raising the tariff, and
      • Provide analysis of potential impact on American businesses and consumers.
    • Within 60 days, Congress must pass a joint resolution of approval on the new tariff, otherwise all new tariffs on imports expire after that deadline.
    • Under the bill, Congress has the ability to end tariffs at any time by passing a resolution of disapproval.
    • Anti-dumping and countervailing duties are excluded.

    The full bill text is available HERE.

    For the past three months, President Trump has been sowing economic chaos across the country with unpredictable and ever-changing tariff announcements. His back-and-forth announcements and actions, which have whipsawed American businesses and consumers, as well as close neighbors and allies, include:

    • On January 31 –  citing punishment for failing to crack down on fentanyl trafficking — the Trump administration announced plans to impose a 25% tax on many goods imported into the U.S. from Canada and Mexico and a 10% tax on goods imported from China, then abruptly postponed those tariffs.
    • In February, he doubled down, announcing an additional 25% tax on all steel and aluminum imports.
    • At 12:01 a.m. ET on March 4, President Trump’s long-promised 25% tariffs on goods from Mexico and Canada and 10% tariff increase on goods from China took effect, causing stock prices in the United States to plummet.
    • Then, on March 5, he announced that automobiles from Canada and Mexico would be exempt from his tariffs for one month.
    • The morning of March 6, he announced that he would suspend the tariffs for some products from Mexico. Then, later that same afternoon, he announced he was suspending most new tariffs on products from both Mexico and Canada until April 2.
    • On March 11, Trump threatened to double tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum – increasing them to 50% –  before reversing himself later the same day.
    • On March 13, he threatened 200% tariffs on alcoholic products from the European Union, including all wine and Champagne.
    • On March 27, he announced plans to impose a 25% tax on all imported sedans, SUVs, crossovers, minivans, cargo vans, and light trucks, as well as some auto parts, beginning on April 2.
    • On March 29, President Trump said, “I couldn’t care less,” if automakers raise the price of cars in response to his tariffs.
    • On April 2, he announced a “National Economic Emergency,” and signed an executive order declaring a 10% minimum baseline tariff on all countries as well as additional tariffs on nearly 60 countries.
    • On April 7, he threatened to impose an additional 50% tariff on China.

    Video of Sen. Cantwell’s Q&A with Greer today is available HERE; audio is HERE; and a transcript is HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Bringing manufacturing back from overseas isn’t an easy solution to Trump’s trade war

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Susan Stone, Credit Union SA Chair of Economics, University of South Australia

    Shutterstock

    The past week has seen the United States single-handedly rewrite the underlying paradigm for global trade. And while it is fair to say that the methods are extreme, the underlying goal of the policy is not unique to the US.

    Indeed, the push to support, and expand, domestic manufacturing through policy intervention is experiencing a resurgence not seen since the 1970s.

    Many people believe the COVID pandemic exposed weaknesses in global supply chains. In reality, the pandemic simply accelerated an existing trend of slowing of integration.

    Growing concerns around trade wars and risks from climate shock existed prior to COVID with both policymakers and firms rethinking globalisation strategies.

    Countries were also becoming concerned about the manufacturing dominance of China and the potential weaponisation of economic activity.

    The risks of rising concentration

    The expansion of international trade has led to massive efficiencies in production.

    But it has also led to concentration of certain sectors in certain regions. Examples include software development in Silicon Valley, semiconductor manufacturing in Taiwan and critical minerals processing in China.

    The Apple campus in Silicon Valley: no other country has been able to match the tech hub.
    Shutterstock

    This geographic concentration started to raise concerns for many countries. Reasons include climate events disrupting supply chains, pandemics and increasingly, geopolitical concerns.

    In response to the rise in economic concentration, countries as diverse as Japan, South Korea, the European Union, India, Brazil and the US introduced policy actions to promote or return certain critical sectors to domestic production.

    Australia’s Future Made In Australia plan is a prime example of this.

    Trade disruptions

    Even before the Trump tariffs, the US and other countries were alarmed by China’s control over key manufacturing sectors, and its associated ability to disrupt trade and commerce.

    Australia experienced this first-hand when China imposed significant tariffs on wine and barley in response to Australia’s call for a COVID inquiry.

    China’s willingness to use its economic position was demonstrated on Friday when it announced not just retaliatory tariffs, but export restrictions on seven categories of rare earth minerals. These are critical to strategic US sectors affecting companies like Apple and defence contractor Lockheed Martin.

    Government support on the rise

    This shift to increased economic resilience through self-reliance has led to a big surge in government intervention through industrial policies.

    The objective of industrial policy is to target certain sectors in order to change the structure of economic activity within a country. It uses government policy to promote investment in sectors deemed under-served by markets.

    While all countries have used some level of industrial policy, historically it was mainly confined to developing economies. It has been used sparingly since the 1970s. Between 2009 and 2017, the total number of industrial policies used by countries was less than 200.

    Between 2017 and 2023 the use of industrial policy increased nine-fold. In 2023, there were roughly 2,500 industrial policy interventions put in place with two-thirds introduced by advanced economies. Almost 48% were concentrated in three: China, the EU and the US.

    Intervening in markets

    Generally, industrial policy has been out of favour with mainstream economists. It is very hard to get right as it relies on an in-depth knowledge of industries as well as an ability to predict the future.

    Providing funding for one sector means less funding available for others. This could undermine new technologies or other as-yet unseen opportunities. It involves shifting resources from existing, efficient uses to less efficient uses.

    It rarely works. A prime example are the many countries that have spent billions of dollars trying to recreate a domestic Silicon Valley with no success.

    However, Trump is trying to do just that, on an economy-wide scale, mainly through tariffs. The tariffs announced also imply the US will go it alone. The approach takes fragmentation to a new level, where bilateral negotiations are the name of the game.

    Shifting global alliances

    Meanwhile the response from other nations such as Canada, Southeast Asian economies and even Europe, is to diversify and form new alliances without the US.

    Indeed, the Canadian Prime Minister’s first trip overseas was not, as tradition dictates, to the US, but to Europe and the UK, whom he dubbed “reliable” partners.

    Becoming more isolated and pushing other countries to China may not be what the US intends, but it is happening.

    Last week, Japan and South Korea announced a joint strategy with China to promote regional trade. The EU’s trade representative went to Beijing shortly after the tariff announcement where the two nations announced plans to “deepen trade and investment” ties.

    The risks of highly integrated supply chains in the face of security concerns, or changes in a trading partner’s domestic policy, have become glaringly clear.

    How countries choose to address these concerns, especially through the widespread use of industrial policy, will create further disruption to markets. While it is considered politically expedient for security concerns, this will raise prices and limit choice in domestic markets. As the old adage reminds us, there is no free lunch.

    Susan Stone does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Bringing manufacturing back from overseas isn’t an easy solution to Trump’s trade war – https://theconversation.com/bringing-manufacturing-back-from-overseas-isnt-an-easy-solution-to-trumps-trade-war-253744

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Mfume, Maryland Congressional Delegation Members Demand Answers on Tariff Impact on Port of Baltimore

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Kweisi Mfume (MD-07)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, U.S. Representative Kweisi Mfume (D-MD-07) led a letter alongside U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks (both D-MD) and Representatives Steny Hoyer (D-MD-05), Jamie Raskin (D-MD-08), Glenn Ivey (D-MD-04), Sarah Elfreth (D-MD-03), April McClain Delaney (D-MD-06) and Johnny Olszewski (D-MD-02) calling on the Administration to detail the repercussions of newly announced tariffs on the Port of Baltimore. This letter, sent to United States Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, raises the lawmakers’ concerns regarding the latest announcement on tariffs, the costs for the American consumer, and the potential shock wave to major ports, industries, and workforces.

    “The Port of Baltimore is one of the nation’s most vital hubs for commerce, and it plays a crucial role in national supply chains,” said the lawmakers.

    “We are especially concerned about the latest announcement on tariffs considering the economic consequences for the American consumer. These tariffs effectively serve as a sales tax on consumers, placing the burden of revenue raising on American families. While White House trade adviser Peter Navarro stated recently that these tariffs are expected to raise about $600 billion a year in revenue, economists have clarified that the impact to consumers on spending will significantly reduce these revenue estimates. Instead, experts indicate these tariffs will raise prices for already-struggling consumers, trigger layoffs in industries with customers who rely on imports, and plunge our nation into a recession,” the lawmakers continued.

    The Members also emphasized the resiliency of the Port of Baltimore after the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in their letter and its ability to retain its standing as the nation’s top-ranked port for wheeled farm and construction machinery and the second most utilized port for importing cars in 2024.

    Considering the importance of the Port of Baltimore’s function in the local, state, national, and global economies, the lawmakers requested a response from Secretary Lutnick to the following inquiries within the next 14 days:

    1. What mechanism is the Department of Commerce utilizing to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of the tariffs issued under the Executive Order?
       
    2. What efforts will the Department of Commerce take to track how these tariffs impact everyday costs for the American consumer, and national and local economies?
       
    3. What are the long-term implications of these tariffs on our nation’s major ports, and on our national supply chains?
       
    4. How, specifically, do you expect the announced tariffs will impact automobile and light vehicle imports, coal exports, and agricultural equipment imports and exports?
       
    5. Will the Administration waive tariffs on certain goods or sectors, or provide aid to impacted small businesses, impacted workers (i.e. farmers, dockworkers, etc.), and industries, in response to significant negative economic outcomes in the United States?

    Full text of the letter can be viewed here and below. 

    April 7, 2025

    The Honorable Howard Lutnick
    Secretary of Commerce
    1401 Constitution Avenue NW
    Washington, D.C. 20230

    Re: Implications of Newly Announced Tariffs on the Port of Baltimore

    Dear Secretary Lutnick:

    We write to you today to communicate our extreme concern about the implications of the recently announced tariff regime on the Port of Baltimore (the “Port”). On April 2, 2025, President Trump issued an Executive Order, titled Regulating Imports with a Reciprocal Tariff to Rectify Trade Practices that Contribute to Large and Persistent Annual United States Goods Trade Deficits (the “Executive Order”), that announced a minimum 10% tariff on all imported goods, to take effect April 5. On April 9, higher levels of “reciprocal” tariffs will be placed on goods imported from nations with which the United States has a trade deficit. This latest action comes one week after the Administration’s Executive Order titled, Adjusting Imports of Automobiles and Automobile Parts into the United States, which announced tariffs targeted at individual industries (i.e. automobiles, steel, aluminum) and countries (i.e. Canada, Mexico, China).

    The Port of Baltimore is one of the nation’s most vital hubs for commerce, and it plays a crucial role in national supply chains. Last year, when the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed, the Port was closed for nearly two months, causing significant disruption to our economy. The state of Maryland estimates that approximately 15,000 direct jobs and 139,000 indirect jobs depend on the Port of Baltimore, generating an estimated $3.3 billion in personal revenue, $2.6 billion in business income, and more than $395 million in taxes. The local economic impact was such that the United States Small Business Administration and the United States Department of Labor responded by issuing Economic Injury Disaster Loans and Dislocated Worker Grants for businesses and workers that were directly affected by the bridge’s collapse and closure of the 
    Port.

    Despite the collapse, Baltimore’s resiliency speaks to the Port’s ability to retain its standing as our Nation’s top ranked Port for wheeled farm and construction machinery, and reigns as the nation’s second most utilized port for importing cars in 2024. In 2024, the Port of Baltimore exported more than $2.9 billion and imported nearly $23 billion in automobiles and light trucks. Additionally, the Port exported more than $2.92 billion in coal and more than $1.1 billion in agricultural equipment and materials. Overall, the Port of Baltimore exports roughly 28% of the nation’s coal, making it the second-largest coal exporting port in the United States.

    We are especially concerned about the latest announcement on tariffs considering the economic consequences for the American consumer. These tariffs effectively serve as a sales tax on consumers, placing the burden of revenue raising on American families. While White House trade adviser Peter Navarro stated recently that these tariffs are expected to raise about $600 billion a year in revenue, economists have clarified that the impact to consumers on spending will significantly reduce these revenue estimates. Instead, experts indicate these tariffs will raise prices for already-struggling consumers, trigger layoffs in industries with customers who rely on imports, and plunge our nation into a recession. 

    Considering the Port of Baltimore’s critical importance to the economic wellbeing of the city, state, and our nation, we request a response to the following inquiries within 14 days:

    1. What mechanism is the Department of Commerce utilizing to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of the tariffs issued under the Executive Order?
       
    2. What efforts will the Department of Commerce take to track how these tariffs impact everyday costs for the American consumer, and national and local economies? 
       
    3. What are the long-term implications of these tariffs on our nation’s major ports, and on our national supply chains?
       
    4. How, specifically, do you expect the announced tariffs will impact automobile and light vehicle imports, coal exports, and agricultural equipment imports and exports?
       
    5. Will the Administration waive tariffs on certain goods or sectors, or provide aid to impacted small businesses, impacted workers (i.e. farmers, dockworkers, etc.), and industries, in response to significant negative economic outcomes in the United States?

    Thank you for your prompt attention to this important matter. We look forward to your reply.

    Sincerely,

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: On holding auctions on April 9, 2025 to place OFZ issue No. 26221RMFS and issue No. 52005RMFS

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    For bidders

    We inform you that, based on the letter of the Bank of Russia and in accordance with Part I. General Part and Part II. Stock Market Section of the Rules for Conducting Trading on the Stock Market, Deposit Market and Credit Market of Moscow Exchange PJSC, the order establishes the form, time, term and procedure for holding auctions for the placement and trading of the following federal loan bonds:

    1.

    Name of the Issuer Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation
    Name of security Federal loan bonds with constant coupon income
    State registration number of the issue 26221RMFS from 06.02.2017
    Date of the auction April 9, 2025
    Information about the placement (trading mode, placement form) The placement of Bonds will be carried out in the Trading Mode “Placement: Auction” by holding an Auction to determine the placement price. BoardId: PACT (Settlements: Ruble)
    Trade code SU26221RMFS0
    ISIN code RO000A0ZHKhFM1
    Calculation code B01
    Additional conditions of placement The share of non-competitive bids in relation to the total volume of bids submitted by the Bidder may not exceed 90%.
    Trading time Trading hours: bid collection period: 12:00 – 12:30; bid execution period: 13:00 – 18:00.

    2.

    Name of the Issuer Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation
    Name of security federal loan bonds with indexed par value
    State registration number of the issue 52005RMFS from 03/09/2023
    Date of the auction April 9, 2025
    Information about the placement (trading mode, placement form) The placement of Bonds will be carried out in the Trading Mode “Placement: Auction” by holding an Auction to determine the placement price. BoardId: PACT (Settlements: Ruble)
    Trade code SE52005RMFS4
    ISIN code RO000A105SV1
    Calculation code B01
    Additional conditions of placement The share of non-competitive bids in relation to the total volume of bids submitted by the Bidder may not exceed 90%.
    Trading time Trading hours: bid collection period: 14:30 – 15:00; bid execution period: 15:30 – 18:00.

    Contact information for media 7 (495) 363-3232Pr@moex.kom

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    HTTPS: //VVV. MOEX.K.MO/N89268

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SCHUMER: TRUMP TARIFFS LIKELY TO DRIVE NEW YORK RIGHT INTO A RECESSION; NYC METRO AREA IS ESPECIALLY VULNERABLE AS ONE OF LARGEST TRADE HUBS IN WORLD; SENATOR DETAILS NUMBERS THAT COULD ROT VARIETY OF…

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Charles E Schumer

    Schumer Warns Over 260,000 NY Jobs Tied To Exports At “Direct Hit” Risk; JP Morgan Says Chance For National Recession Now At 60%–But Schumer Says For New York, That Risk Is Even Higher With EU Seeking To Retaliate At NYC Financial, Accounting & Tech Sector

    Schumer Crunches Numbers To Say, As Of Right Now, Current Tariff Plan Could Cost NYC At Least $20 Billion Dollars; NYC Metropolitan Area Exports Second Most Goods Of Any U.S. Metropolitan Area – Much Of This Could Just Cease With NYC Revenues, Jobs, Investments All Nosediving

    Schumer: Donald Trump’s Pinball Tariff Strategy Will Wreak Total Havoc On NYC & Could Drive A Deep & Needless Recession; Put Down The Golf Club & Pick Up The Papers

    With tariff chaos wreaking havoc on the U.S. economy, U.S. Senator Charles Schumer, today, issued a dire warning, with the numbers and the data to back it up: Trump tariffs are likely to drive New York’s economy right into a recession. 

    “President Trump’s pinball tariff strategy will wreak total havoc on New York City and is likely to drive us right into a recession,” Schumer said. “We’ve crunched the numbers, and what doesn’t look good for the nation, looks far worse for New York City. Some of the Big Apple’s core sectors are being targeted already, New Yorkers face roughly $20 billion dollars in increased costs, and a staggering 260,000 New York jobs are under threat, unless Donald Trump backs off—and that is exactly what I am urging today. Back off, President Trump.”

    Schumer, today, cited numbers that he predicts would go beyond the JP Morgan chances of a national recession while citing specific New York industries and sectors that would be especially slammed as the President’s pinball plans knock out some of New York’s most resilient industries—from finance, to tech and accounting. However, Schumer also cited tourism, fashion and other lifestyle industries across the city that would be equally damaged. 

    Schumer explained an ominous fact, detailing how New York and its metro area is especially vulnerable to the President’s needless tariff war because it is one of the world’s largest trade hubs. Schumer explained that the New York port and area import and export hubs hum with activity that pumps billions of dollars into the New York City economy each year.  

    Specifically, Schumer said that the President’s plans also put over 260,000 New York jobs tied to exports at, what he calls, a “direct hit” economic risk. Schumer explained that JP Morgan released data showing the nation’s chances of a recession are now at 60%–but Schumer says, in New York, the number is much higher. Schumer also said that, right now, the European Union is seeking to retaliate directly at New York City’s financial, accounting and tech sectors. He warned, today, that Asia would be next.  

    Just last week, JP Morgan said that the chance of a recession substantially increased due to President Donald Trump’s tariff announcement. The report, headlined “There will be blood” and dated April 3, warned, “these policies, if sustained, would likely push the US and possibly global economy into recession this year. An update of our probability scenario tree makes this point, raising the risk of a recession this year to 60%.”

    “Disruptive U.S. policies have been recognized as the biggest risk to the global outlook all year,” JP Morgan said last week, adding that the country’s trade policy has turned less business friendly than anticipated.

    “The effect is likely to be magnified through tariff retaliation, a slide in U.S. business sentiment and supply-chain disruptions,” JP Morgan warned. S&P Global, the rating firm, also raised its “subjective” probability of a U.S. recession last week.

    Schumer also pointed to Barclays, and brokerages HSBC, Deutsche Bank and BofA warned last Thursday that the U.S. economy faces a higher risk of slipping into a recession this year if the President’s tariffs remain in place.

    Financial reports say that if the tariffs are sustained, “recession risks will likely rise materially,” Deutsche Bank said in a note, while BofA noted the economy could be pushed to “the precipice of recession,” according to reports. Both Deutsche Bank and BofA predicted tariffs could ‘potentially shave 1-1.5 percentage points from U.S. economic growth this year.’

    And today, Goldman Sachs has now sounded their own alarm, saying the chances of a recession have increased greatly.

    Schumer echoed these warnings and other reports saying Trump’s tariff increase is “largest tax hike since 1968”—comparable to Smoot-Hawley, Schumer says.  

    As for New York City, Schumer is seeing red. Specifically:

    1. Schumer says that Trump’s tariffs will raise costs for NYC and threaten to put the Big Apple straight into a recession:
  • Schumer detailed how NYC is particularly vulnerable:
    • NYC is one of the largest trade hubs in the country, with more than $200 Billion in trade in goods alone each year ($100b imports, $100b exports) – Schumer says this entire subset economy has been fractured, no matter what the President does right now.
    • Schumer can say that Trump’s tariffs will mean a nearly $20 Billion-dollar DIRECT HIT to NYC, and that’s before other countries try to retaliate. Schumer says the EU and Asia have begun the process.
    • 80,000 jobs were already at risk before Trump’s latest announcement, which now threatens the more than 250,000 jobs in New York that are dependent on exports and could be threatened by retaliation.
  • Schumer says key NYC industries are already feeling the effects:
    • NYC’s biggest industries are in information services (financial, accounting, tech), which are the focus of the EU’s potential retaliation, and Schumer says it is clear that Asia will begin retaliation this week.
    • Tourism: Countries like Canada are boycotting travel to US, which has already seen a 23% drop in Canadian travel to US. But Schumer says the pinball tariff strategy will also constrict tourism on a global scale, constricting the global economy and weakening the dollar.  
    • Fashion/Garment industry is facing price increases of 10 to 17% — Schumer says NYC is a fashion and garment hub, from leathers to other textiles, and that the current tariff ‘plan’ will rip the threads out of the NYC fashion and commerce economy.

    Schumer has fought to help New York push back against these pinball tariffs, forcing a vote to rescind Trump’s disastrous tariffs and protect NY consumers.

    Following Democrats’ successful effort to force a Senate vote to pull back Trump’s tariffs on Canada, Schumer pushed an amendment to rescind any tariffs put in place after January 20, 2025 that have increased the costs of groceries, medicines, or other everyday goods, while leaving in place tariffs on adversaries like China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. Schumer explained he authored the amendment because Congress should be prioritizing reducing costs for families and small businesses, not taxing middle class families to pay for tax cuts for billionaires.

    “Bottom line, Schumer says, Donald Trump’s tariff strategy will wreak total havoc on the New York City economy and is likely to drive us straight into a recession. I urge the President to back off. Put down the golf clubs and pick up the papers and have a look at what is going on because it is anything but ‘great.’”

MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Yuri Trutnev discussed the development of bilateral trade and economic relations with the President of the Republic of Namibia Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwai

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    In Windhoek (Namibia), Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation – Plenipotentiary Representative of the President of the Russian Federation in the Far Eastern Federal District, Co-Chairman of the Intergovernmental Russian-Namibian Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation Yuri Trutnev discussed the development of bilateral trade and economic relations with the President of the Republic of Namibia Netumbo Nandi-Ndayitwa.

    “We have worked well as a team within the intergovernmental commission. And we are also committed to continuing this work. We expect our friends to engage in the process of creating added value in Namibia, which will contribute to the development of the economy and the reduction of poverty in the country. The figures for trade and economic turnover, of course, do not correspond to the level of our political cooperation. We must achieve the equivalent of economic cooperation with political cooperation. We have a long history, and the ties between our countries are only getting stronger. I want to assure you that this direction will continue,” said Netumbo Nandi-Ndaytwa.

    Yuri Trutnev congratulated Netumbo Nandi-Ndaytwa on his election as President of the Republic of Namibia, as well as as Chairman of the South West Africa People’s Organization party.

    “We have worked together for many years in the Intergovernmental Russian-Namibian Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation, created to strengthen the friendship between our peoples. I am sincerely grateful for our joint work. This work has produced results. The volume of bilateral trade and economic relations has doubled. But we have something to do next. Considering your attitude towards the Russian Federation, I very much hope that the friendship between the countries will develop. I want to assure you that I will do everything possible for this,” said Yuri Trutnev.

    The prospects for implementing joint projects in the fields of industry, subsoil use and geological exploration, energy, agriculture, science and education were discussed.

    “No matter what large Russian company Namibia works with, first and foremost it will work with the Government of the Russian Federation. This is a different level of responsibility. It is important for the Government of Russia to improve our relations and benefit both countries. Together with the state corporation Rosatom, one of the leading energy companies in the world, the Government of the Russian Federation is ready to continue negotiations on expanding the possibilities of using nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. We are ready to consider other proposals for cooperation in the field of mining and processing of minerals, science and education. As a result of our work, the quota for the education of Namibian students in Russia has increased. The world is changing, and changing quickly. We are ready for these changes and are grateful to Namibia for maintaining a friendly attitude towards our country,” noted Yuri Trutnev.

    The holding of the 11th meeting of the Intergovernmental Russian-Namibian Commission, which is planned for Windhoek, was also discussed.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA Astronaut to Answer Questions from Students in Florida

    Source: NASA

    Students from Dade City, Florida, will have the chance to connect with NASA astronaut Nichole Ayers as she answers prerecorded science, technology, engineering, and mathematics-related questions from aboard the International Space Station.
    Watch the 20-minute space-to-Earth call at 1 p.m. EDT on Friday, April 11, on NASA+ and learn how to watch NASA content on various platforms, including social media.
    The event, hosted by Academy at the Farm and open to students and their families, will occur in Dade City. Academy at the Farm is a charter school that plans to use the event to connect the students with space exploration and the work being done aboard the space station.
    Media interested in covering the event must RSVP by 5 p.m., Wednesday, April 9, to Ashley Cantwell at acantwell@academyatthefarm.com or 813-957-8878.
    For more than 24 years, astronauts have continuously lived and worked aboard the space station, testing technologies, performing science, and developing skills needed to explore farther from Earth. Astronauts aboard the orbiting laboratory communicate with NASA’s Mission Control Center in Houston 24 hours a day through SCaN’s (Space Communications and Navigation) Near Space Network.
    Important research and technology investigations taking place aboard the space station benefit people on Earth and lays the groundwork for other agency missions. As part of NASA’s Artemis campaign, the agency will send astronauts to the Moon to prepare for future human exploration of Mars; inspiring Artemis Generation explorers and ensuring the United States continues to lead in space exploration and discovery.
    See videos and lesson plans highlighting space station research at:
    https://www.nasa.gov/stemonstation
    -end-
    Gerelle DodsonHeadquarters, Washington202-358-1600gerelle.q.dodson@nasa.gov
    Sandra JonesJohnson Space Center, Houston281-483-5111sandra.p.jones@nasa.gov

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Bitex Wealth Rises to Top 3 Auto-Trading Platforms Among German Crypto Users

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    London, UK, April 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In a market saturated with promises but short on performance, one platform is quickly becoming the talk of Germany’s crypto scene. Bitex Wealth, a leading AI-powered trading platform, has officially ranked among the Top 3 auto-trading solutions used by German investors, according to data compiled by multiple FinTech analytics sources in Q1 2025.

    With its cutting-edge automation tools, instant withdrawal capability, and client-focused features, Bitex Wealth is being recognized not only for its technology, but also for its results. German users have responded in record numbers, with thousands of traders — from beginners to professionals — citing Bitex Wealth as their go-to platform for daily passive profits and seamless crypto investing.

    The platform’s dramatic rise has also led to a surge in Bitex Wealth Bewertungen across the German crypto community, reflecting a broad wave of trust and satisfaction from active users.

    Proven Performance for the German Market

    Germany has long been seen as a cautious, regulation-oriented investment market. Yet Bitex Wealth has defied expectations by building massive traction among German crypto investors. The company’s success lies in its balance between innovation and control — offering institutional-grade automation without compromising user flexibility or security.

    The company’s AI engine now executes over 70,000 trades per day, powered by real-time market scanning, predictive analysis, and adaptive learning based on user preferences. Whether users are trading BTC, ETH, or altcoin pairs, the system ensures that every trade is data-driven, risk-adjusted, and optimized for the best entry and exit.

    More importantly, the system is fully automated, enabling users to generate consistent profits without spending hours studying charts or tracking news cycles. According to recent Bitex Wealth Bewertungen, most German users activate the system within minutes and start seeing daily returns within the first week.

    What German Users Are Saying

    Bitex Wealth’s rise in Germany is not a marketing success — it’s a performance story. The platform’s rapid growth is backed by a wave of satisfied users who are eager to share how it has changed the way they invest.

    Here are three verified testimonials from German clients:

    Lena B. – Hamburg, Germany
    “I joined Bitex Wealth in January after reading positive Bitex Wealth Bewertungen. I was skeptical at first, but after 45 days, my portfolio had grown by 64%. I don’t need to babysit the market anymore — the AI does it better than I ever could.”

    Jonas H. – Berlin, Germany
    “I’ve used several platforms before, but Bitex Wealth is the first one that actually delivered consistent results. Withdrawals are instant, the interface is clean, and I get daily updates on my performance. German efficiency in crypto form!”

    Monika F. – Frankfurt, Germany
    “As someone who works full-time, I never had time for active trading. Bitex Wealth’s auto-trading changed everything. I make money while I sleep, and the platform is fully compliant and easy to use. Best decision I’ve made in 2025.”

    These sentiments are echoed in hundreds of Bitex Wealth Bewertungen shared across social media, forums, and financial news sites — with many users highlighting profitability, simplicity, and trust as the platform’s core strengths.

    Instant Withdrawals and Total Transparency

    One of Bitex Wealth’s standout features — and a reason it ranked so highly among German users — is its instant withdrawal infrastructure. Unlike traditional platforms that impose long waiting periods or minimum limits, Bitex Wealth allows users to withdraw profits instantly, 24/7, with no delays or hidden fees.

    Users can transfer their funds in crypto or fiat, directly to their wallet or bank account, with real-time transaction tracking and full reporting available inside the dashboard. This level of liquidity has earned praise in numerous Bitex Wealth Bewertungen, especially among German clients used to stringent banking protocols.

    Additionally, the platform provides transparent reporting, including:

    • Real-time trade logs
    • Weekly and monthly PnL summaries
    • Risk exposure dashboards
    • Full tax export functions compatible with German regulations

    AI Trading Without the Guesswork

    The success of Bitex Wealth in Germany is deeply connected to its streamlined user experience. Unlike overly complex exchanges or bot frameworks, Bitex Wealth is designed so that anyone can trade like a pro, without writing code, tweaking strategies, or understanding technical indicators.

    Features include:

    • One-click activation of AI trading
    • Customizable risk modes (Low, Medium, High)
    • Access to live performance statistics
    • Multi-asset trading (BTC, ETH, XRP, USDT, and more)
    • Mobile and desktop accessibility

    The AI adapts automatically to market volatility and adjusts position size and entry points dynamically. According to current Bitex Wealth Bewertungen, users across all experience levels report stable and growing portfolios, even during turbulent market phases.

    Designed for Security and Compliance

    Security is a critical concern for German users — and Bitex Wealth has built its infrastructure accordingly. The platform uses:

    Two-factor authentication (2FA) 

    • Cold wallet storage for client funds
    • GDPR-compliant data processing
    • Encrypted trade logs and secure user dashboards
    • Partnered AML/KYC providers approved in the EU
    • This focus on compliance and transparency further boosts the platform’s credibility, making it an attractive solution for both casual investors and high-net-worth individuals.

    Bitex Wealth Is Just Getting Started

    As 2025 unfolds, Bitex Wealth continues to gain momentum — not just in Germany, but across the EU. Its entry into the Top 3 auto-trading platforms for German crypto users marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of retail investing.

    With its powerful AI engine, real-time payouts, proven profitability, and unmatched user satisfaction reflected in countless Bitex Wealth Bewertungen, Bitex Wealth isn’t just another trading platform — it’s setting a new standard for what crypto trading should look like.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: DDG Hill stresses trade’s role in innovation at IP and Innovation Researchers of Asia event

    Source: WTO

    Headline: DDG Hill stresses trade’s role in innovation at IP and Innovation Researchers of Asia event

    DDG Hill reflected on the symbolic timing of the negotiations of the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS), which coincided with the release into the public domain of the World Wide Web, developed at the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) in Geneva. She noted how these two developments reshaped the global economy, embedding intellectual property into trade policy just as digital technology began redefining how knowledge is created and shared.
    DDG Hill also emphasized how a balanced IP framework can support innovation ecosystems and attract investment. “Well-conceived and balanced IP regimes enable global collaboration, particularly in regions that have embraced technology as a strategic driver of growth,” she noted.
    Now in its 7th year, the annual IPIRA conference serves as an important platform for supporting emerging IP scholarship and research. This year’s edition saw the presentations of over 200 papers from scholars from 150 institutions focusing on a wide range of themes related to IP and innovation. Hasan Kleib, Deputy Director General at the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) also addressed participants in the conference. The event brought together over 300 legal scholars and intellectual property (IP) researchers from across Asia and beyond.
    Participants praised IPIRA’s role in shaping the regional intellectual property landscape. “IPIRA has significantly helped us refine our research and elevate the overall quality of our scholarship,” said Associate Professor Althaf Marsoof of the Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.
    Dr. Henny Marlyna, Assistant Professor at Universitas Indonesia, echoed this sentiment: “IPIRA has encouraged me to view intellectual property not just as a legal field, but as a powerful tool for shaping innovation policy and fostering economic and social development.”

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    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: China initiates WTO dispute regarding US “reciprocal tariffs”

    Source: WTO

    Headline: China initiates WTO dispute regarding US “reciprocal tariffs”

    China claims the measures are inconsistent with the United States’ obligations under various provisions of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) 1994, the Agreement on Customs Valuation, and the Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures.
    Further information is available in document WT/DS638/1
    What is a request for consultations?
    The request for consultations formally initiates a dispute in the WTO. Consultations give the parties an opportunity to discuss the matter and to find a satisfactory solution without proceeding further with litigation. After 60 days, if consultations have failed to resolve the dispute, the complainant may request adjudication by a panel.

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    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Moldova formally accepts Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies

    Source: World Trade Organization

    DG Okonjo-Iweala said: “I thank Moldova for joining the collective effort to bring this historic Agreement into force. This is a signal of Moldova’s commitment to playing an active role in promoting ocean sustainability and safeguarding the livelihoods and food security of millions of people who depend on it. I encourage more members to promptly ratify this Agreement so that it can start delivering its full benefits – only 15 more are needed.”

    Ambassador Cuc said: “For a small and landlocked country like the Republic of Moldova, the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies is about protecting ecosystems and promoting fairness in global trade. As Moldova depends on fish imports, we are particularly interested in how to manage fisheries worldwide in a sustainable manner, in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Our ratification of the Agreement also represents the Republic of Moldova’s efforts towards upholding the rules-based multilateral trading system.”

    Moldova’s instrument of acceptance brings to 96 the total number of WTO members that have formally accepted the Agreement. For it to enter into force, formal acceptances from two-thirds of WTO members are required.

    By adopting the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies by consensus at the WTO’s 12th Ministerial Conference in Geneva in June 2022, ministers set new, binding, multilateral rules to curb harmful fisheries subsidies. The Agreement prohibits subsidies for illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, for fishing overfished stocks, and for fishing on the unregulated high seas. In addition, the Agreement recognizes the needs of developing economies and least-developed countries by establishing a fund to provide technical assistance and capacity-building to help them implement the new obligations, if they have formally accepted the Agreement. 

    The Agreement can be accessed here.

    At the 12th Ministerial Conference, members also agreed to continue negotiations on outstanding fisheries subsidies issues, with a view to adopting additional provisions that would further strengthen the Agreement’s disciplines.

    The list of members that have deposited their instruments of acceptance is available here.

    Information for members on how to accept the Protocol of Amendment is available here.

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    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: DDG Ellard: WTO a pillar of security and predictability amid global uncertainty

    Source: World Trade Organization

    Addressing an audience of trade and investment professionals, DDG Ellard underscored the WTO’s importance in providing security and predictability for businesses worldwide.  “The WTO has helped reduce the share of people living in extreme poverty from 40% in 1995 to under 11% in 2022,” she noted.

    DDG Ellard highlighted that the WTO’s work extends well beyond tariffs. From streamlining customs procedures and promoting digital trade to enforcing intellectual property rights and ensuring food safety rules are based on science, the WTO provides a framework that underpins cross-border commerce for its 166 members.

    DDG Ellard cautioned, however, that the system is under strain. The WTO Secretariat’s preliminary analysis suggests that recent tariff measures by the United States and others could lead to a contraction of global merchandise trade volumes of around 1% this year – a significant downward revision of nearly four percentage points from earlier projections.

    At the same time, she stressed that the WTO remains relevant, noting that despite new trade measures, 74% of global trade still flows under WTO Most-Favoured-Nation (MFN) terms. She emphasized that this demonstrates the multilateral system continues to function effectively and is worth preserving.

    DDG Ellard called for a level-headed approach, underscoring the need for calm and cooperation in today’s turbulent environment. She urged members to use WTO tools, including its committees and the dispute settlement system, for addressing trade concerns.

    “There is an opportunity for dialogue and cooperation to work through issues, including at the WTO,” DDG Ellard said, calling on businesses to advocate for the rules-based system.

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    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Signing of modernised free trade agreement between EFTA and Ukraine

    Source: Switzerland – Department of Foreign Affairs in English

    On 8 April, the EFTA States and Ukraine signed a modernised free trade agreement (FTA) in Kyiv. Switzerland is thereby continuing its successful free trade policy and strengthening the competitiveness of its economy. By signing this agreement, Switzerland is strengthening its partnership and demonstrating its solidarity with the country at this critical time. The Federal Council approved the agreement on 2 April.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Press release – New screening rules for foreign investment in the EU

    Source: European Parliament

    On Tuesday, the International Trade Committee adopted revised rules for screening foreign investments in the EU.

    Under the new rules, more sectors, such as media services, critical raw materials and transport infrastructure, will be subject to mandatory screening by Member States, in order to identify and address foreign investment-related security or public order risks. The procedures applicable to national screening mechanisms will also be harmonised and the Commission will have the power to intervene on its own initiative or where there are disagreements between Member States about potential security or public order risks emanating from a specific foreign investment.

    If the screening authority finds that the planned foreign investment project is likely to have a negative effect on security or public order, it will either have to authorise the project subject to mitigating measures, or prohibit it.

    The proposal was adopted by 31 votes in favour, 9 against and with 3 abstentions.

    Background

    The current foreign direct investment screening framework entered into force on 11 October 2020. It responded to growing concerns about certain foreign investors seeking to acquire control of EU firms that supply critical technologies, infrastructure or inputs, or hold sensitive information, and whose activities are critical for security or public order at EU level. The rules are designed to help identify and address security or public order risks relating to foreign direct investment involving at least two Member States or the EU as a whole. In January 2024, the Commission submitted a new proposal on the screening of foreign investment projects in the EU.

    Quote by the rapporteur

    Parliament’s rapporteur Raphaël Glucksmann (S&D, FR) said: “I am pleased that a strong pro-European majority has adopted an ambitious reform of the EU’s foreign investment screening mechanism. This reform will establish a more predictable system that ensures foreign investments do not compromise our security. Investors will benefit from greater clarity on procedures, while a harmonised scope and a reinforced role for the Commission will help ensure consistency across the Union.”


    Next steps

    After adoption in the International Trade Committee, Parliament as a whole will vote on the proposal in an upcoming plenary session, after which negotiations with member states on the final shape of the law can begin.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wyden, Welch, Grassley, Rounds Introduce Legislation to Stop Monopoly of Meat-Packing Industry, Promote Opportunity for Local Ranchers

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore)

    April 08, 2025

    Only four companies control 85% of the entire market in the beef industry

    Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Ron Wyden, D-Ore., Peter Welch, D-Vt. , Mike Rounds, R-S.D., and Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, today introduced bipartisan legislation to lower skyrocketing grocery bills – particularly for meat and eggs – by cracking down on America’s Big Four meatpackers that are undercutting local ranchers.

    Wyden, Welch, Rounds, and Grassley’s legislation would specifically strengthen the enforcement of existing price-fixing laws to ensure America’s Big Four meatpackers comply, which would allow more opportunities for ranchers and drive down meat prices for shoppers.

    “For too long, Oregon ranchers and consumers have been greedily exploited by the Big Four meatpackers that sneak their way around regulations,” Wyden said. “While local ranchers work tirelessly day and night to support their small business and feed families across the country, these big companies keep raking in bigger bills at the expense of local communities in red and blue states alike. It’s way past time to level the playing field for local ranchers and bring grocery prices down for consumers at the meat counter by better enforcing laws that are already on the books.”

    “Vermonters rely on fresh foods from local farmers and ranchers to feed their families,” Welch said. “But with meat and dairy prices at the grocery store soaring sky high, small producers across the country are struggling to make ends meet and support their businesses. The rapid consolidation of the meatpacking industry further cripples fair competition. Our bipartisan bill will bring down costs for consumers and create opportunities for producers in red and blue states alike.”

    “For decades, America’s Big Four meatpackers’ anticompetitive practices have made it harder for Iowa cattle producers to receive a fair price,” Grassley said. “Our bill empowers USDA, in coordination with the Justice Department and Federal Trade Commission, to crack down on bad actors, ensuring a fair and functional marketplace that supports everyone who produces and enjoys quality American meat.”

    “Anticompetitive practices in the meatpacking industry hurt producers and consumers alike,” Rounds said. “Currently, four large companies, two of which are foreign-owned, control over 80% of the meat processing market. Our legislation would establish an office within the USDA to investigate violations of the Packers and Stockyards Act of 1921, which will support competition in meat and poultry markets.”

    Today, just four companies control 85% of the beef market and 67% of the pork market, which is up from 36% and 34% in 1980. The Big Four meatpackers are profiteering middlemen that have created a system allowing them to accumulate billions of dollars on the backs of ranchers struggling to make ends meet and shoppers suffering expensive meat and egg prices.

    The Meat and Poultry Special Investigator Act would create and empower a team of investigators at the United States Department of Agriculture to prevent anticompetitive practices in the meat and poultry industry by enforcing existing antitrust laws, in coordination with the Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission.

    Cosponsors in the Senate include Senators Adam Schiff, D-Calif., Cindy Hyde-Smith, R-Miss., Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., John Hoeven, R-N.D., and Cory Booker, D-N.J.

    “Every week, California families sit at their kitchen tables and worry about how they will afford to put food on their kid’s plate,” Schiff said. “At a time when rising grocery prices are making those worries even worse, we need to ensure that large companies aren’t driving up costs through anti-competitive practices. I am proud to join my colleagues from around the country and on both sides of the aisle to hold price gougers accountable and ensure fair competition in our markets for farmers and consumers alike.”

    “The struggle to get by only gets worse for cattle producers year after year, and a lot of that is tied to consolidation in the meat packing industry.  It is certainly not the producers making a profit from the high prices consumers are paying, which indicates something has gone wrong,” Hyde-Smith said.  “This legislation is sorely needed to investigate and pursue any anti-competitive activities that are hurting producers and consumers alike.”

    “Small ranchers are struggling to compete with major meat and poultry corporations, meanwhile these giants rake in record profits and dominate the industry through anticompetitive means,” Blumenthal said. “Local ranchers and consumers alike deserve a fair and free market and strong enforcement against illegal practices like price fixing. That’s why I’m proud to support the Meat and Poultry Special Investigator Act which would crack down on these megacorporations and lower grocery store bills for Connecticut families.”

    The Meat and Poultry Special Investigator Act is endorsed by the National Farmers Union and the U.S. Cattlemen’s Association.

    “If the bad actors in the marketplace have nothing to hide, then they should have no problem with reinforcing USDA’s oversight authority through the measures provided in this bill. It’s not enough that producers stand on a level playing field in the marketplace – there also needs to be a referee, with a whistle, there to throw a flag when there’s a penalty. USCA fully supports the Meat Packing Special Investigator Act and would like to applaud our Champions for ‘Competition’ in the Senate who never waiver on supporting producers not just in Oregon, South Dakota, and Iowa – but across the countryside,” said Justin Tupper, President of the United States Cattlemen’s Association.

    “A special investigator at USDA is an important step to cracking down on unfair practices and leveling the playing field for independent livestock producers. Senators Wyden, Rounds, and Grassley get it—strong enforcement keeps monopolies in check. When family farmers and ranchers thrive, so do our rural communities,” said Rob Larew, President of the National Farmers Union.

    The text of the bill is here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: MeitY Notifies Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme; Strengthening India’s position as a global hub for electronics manufacturing.

    Source: Government of India

    MeitY Notifies Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme; Strengthening India’s position as a global hub for electronics manufacturing.

    Scheme Aims to Deepen India’s Electronics Ecosystem; Draft Guidelines Released for Stakeholder Feedback

    Electronics production Sees Five-Fold and Export Six-fold Growth in the Last Decade, says Union Minister

    India’s Smartphone Exports Cross ₹2 Lakh Crore Milestone; iPhone Alone Contributes ₹1.5 Lakh Crore for the FY 24-25

    Posted On: 08 APR 2025 9:49PM by PIB Delhi

    The Ministry of  Electronics and Information Technology(MeitY) today notified the Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme, marking a significant step towards strengthening India’s position as a global hub for electronics manufacturing.

    Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, Union Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that the notification of the Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme, is in continuation of the recent Cabinet decision. He further emphasized, ‘Our government has always been open-minded, consultative, and inclusive. We take everyone’s views into account before finalizing any law or policy.’

    Rapid Growth in Electronics Exports

    The Minister also highlighted the sector’s impressive growth trajectory. In the last financial year, smartphone exports surpassed ₹2 lakh crore, with iPhone exports alone accounting for approximately ₹1.5 lakh crore. Over the past decade, electronics production has grown five-fold and exports have grown more than six-fold, with export CAGR exceeding 20% and production CAGR over 17%.

    “Within a short time, the electronics manufacturing ecosystem—comprising component manufacturers and a diverse range of players—has developed substantially. Today, there are more than 400 production units, both big and small, manufacturing a variety of components,” he stated.

    Reflecting global industry trends, the Union Minister said that India’s journey in electronics manufacturing has evolved through distinct phases: beginning with finished goods, progressing to sub-assemblies, and now entering the critical phase of deep component manufacturing. The sector is steadily advancing into this third phase, which marks a significant leap in value addition, self-reliance, and ecosystem depth.

    Focus on Horizontal Expansion and Component Manufacturing

    Outlining the structure of the scheme, the Minister said that it is designed as a horizontal initiative with benefits spanning multiple sectors such as consumer electronics, medical devices, automobiles, power electronics, and electrical grids, thereby creating a strong multiplier effect across the economy.

    The scheme focuses particularly on passive electronic components, which will be supported under the new initiative. In contrast, active components fall under the purview of the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM). The indicative list of passive components includes resistors, capacitors, connectors, inductors, speakers, relays, switches, oscillators, sensors, films, lenses, and many more—underscoring the depth and breadth of the scheme.

    Support for Capital Equipment and Tooling Industry

    Recognizing the importance of precision tools and capital goods in manufacturing, Shri Vaishnaw announced that the scheme will also support the design and manufacturing of capital equipment used in electronics production. “Just like the Semiconductor Mission encouraged companies like Applied Materials and Lam Research to invest in India, this scheme will promote a similar model for the electronics component ecosystem,” he said. Chemical and gas majors such as Linde has already begun establishing facilities in India, and several global players are in discussions to join the ecosystem.

    Tailored Incentives to Reflect Sector Needs

    Highlighting the structural nuances of the components sector, the Minister noted that electronic component manufacturing typically requires higher investment and has a longer gestation period compared to finished goods. Accordingly, the scheme will offer three incentive structures: i)Turnover-linked incentive ii) Capex-linked incentive iii)Hybrid incentive model

    The Minister emphasized that employment generation will be a mandatory requirement for all applicants, including both component manufacturers and capital equipment producers. This emphasis on job creation underlines the government’s continued commitment to inclusive growth and the development of a robust electronics manufacturing ecosystem in India.

    The notification can be accessed here

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    Dharmendra Tewari/Navin Sreejith/ Shatrunjay Kumar

     

     

    (Release ID: 2120240) Visitor Counter : 13

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister of Commerce & Industry Shri PiyushGoyal addresses Dubai-India Business Forum in Mumbai

    Source: Government of India

    Union Minister of Commerce & Industry Shri PiyushGoyal addresses Dubai-India Business Forum in Mumbai

    India-UAE partnership a model of prosperity, trust and shared vision, says Shri Goyal

    Posted On: 08 APR 2025 9:46PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Shri PiyushGoyal addressed the Dubai-India Business Forum organised by Dubai Chambers in Mumbai on Monday. The event was graced by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammad Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE.

    Welcoming His Highness on his first official visit to India, Shri Goyal said the presence of Sheikh Hamdansymbolises the deep historical connect and generational continuity between Mumbai and Dubai. Recalling that this year marks the centenary of the visit of Sheikh Saeed, the grandfather of Sheikh Hamdan, to India, the Minister noted that both cities share a welcoming spirit rooted in centuries-old cultural and commercial ties.

    Shri Goyal lauded Dubai’s contributions to social welfare, including the establishment of the first hospital for Indian workers in Dubai. “This is a heartwarming initiative, and we thank you on behalf of all Indians,” he added.

    Highlighting the special relationship between India and the UAE, Shri Goyal said it is built on trust and personal rapport between the leadership of both nations. “There have been six high-level visits between India and the UAE in just two years—three by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and three by top leaders of the UAE. This reflects the intimacy and strategic importance of our partnership,” he stated.

    Shri Goyal placed on record India’s appreciation for the UAE’s support in building the iconic Swaminarayan Hindu Temple in Abu Dhabi, calling it a symbol of mutual respect and shared values.

    The Minister acknowledged the UAE’s pivotal role in India’s outreach to Africa, investments in logistics and infrastructure, and efforts to build digital and commercial connectivity. He particularly appreciated the role of DP World in transforming India’s logistics ecosystem.

    Referring to the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between India and the UAE as a defining moment, Shri Goyal said, “Our goal to take non-oil trade to $100 billion is within reach. The speed and scale at which our partnership is growing is truly inspiring.”

    The Minister also spoke of new avenues of collaboration in education. “We have already launched an IIT campus in Dubai and are now planning campuses of Indian Institute of Management and Indian Institute of Foreign Trade. These initiatives reflect our commitment to deeper engagement in education and skill development,” he said.

    Shri Goyal said Dubai serves as a vital gateway for India’s trade and cultural exchange with the Middle East and expressed gratitude for the UAE’s support to the Indian diaspora, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Over 2 million Indians call the UAE home, and you have cared for them like your own family,” he noted.

    Quoting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Shri Goyal said, “India is not just a workforce, we are a world force.” He pointed out that India is the fastest-growing major economy and is poised to become the fourth-largest economy by the end of 2025 and third-largest by 2027. “From a $4 trillion economy today, we aim to reach $30-35 trillion by 2047,” he said, inviting Dubai to partner in India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation by its centenary of independence.

    Shri Goyal encouraged businesses from both countries to tap the immense potential in sectors such as nuclear energy, critical minerals, renewable energy, green hydrogen, fintech, AI, food security, and advanced manufacturing. He said, “This is just the tip of the iceberg. We have many mountains yet to climb, and I’m confident that the leadership and business communities of both nations will continue to inspire even greater achievements.”

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    Abhishek Dayal, Abhijith Narayanan/ Ishita Biswas

    (Release ID: 2120238) Visitor Counter : 46

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Meeting between Union Agriculture Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Israel’s Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Mr. Avi Dicter

    Source: Government of India

    Meeting between Union Agriculture Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Israel’s Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Mr. Avi Dicter

    Agreement signed to strengthen cooperation in the field of Agriculture

    Work Plan exchanged between India and Israel in Horticulture Sector

    Under the leadership of PM Shri Narendra Modi, India is continuously working to strengthen its agriculture sector- Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan

    India is a country that moves forward with the philosophy of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”- Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan

    Agreed to work together on food security, technology transfer, quality seeds, expanding CoEs, R&D, pest management, capacity building, and post-harvest technologies

    To explore a Five-Year Seed Improvement Plan (FYSIP) to boost agricultural productivity and sustainability

    Through joint efforts in agriculture, both countries will achieve meaningful outcomes and promote innovation and technology exchange

    Posted On: 08 APR 2025 6:42PM by PIB Delhi

    To enhance cooperation in the field of agriculture and food security, a high-level meeting was held today at the International Guest House, National Agricultural Science Complex, New Delhi, between the Union Minister for Agriculture, Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, and Israel’s Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Avi Dicter. The meeting marks the first official visit of Mr. Avi Dicter to India in his capacity as Agriculture and Food Security Minister of Israel.

    Both countries have taken a significant step forward in strengthening their agricultural partnership with the signing of Agriculture Cooperation Agreement and Work Plan during the high-level meeting held in New Delhi today. This Agreement will strengthen the cooperation in the fields of soil and water management, horticultural & agricultural production, post-harvest and processing technology, agriculture mechanization, animal husbandry and research & development.

    Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan highlighted that India believes in the ideals of “Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah, Sarve Santu Niramayah” (May all be happy, may all be free from illness) and “Parhit Saris Dharma Nahi Bhai” (There is no religion greater than serving others). He further emphasized that under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India is emerging as the fastest-growing major economy in the world.

    He praised the role of MASHAV in the success of India-Israel Agricultural Work Plans, particularly through the network of 43 Centers of Excellence (CoEs) of which 35 fully functional CoEs across India. He noted that Israel’s concept of Villages of Excellence (VoE), aiming to connect 30 villages to each CoE, is a transformative step towards rural outreach. The Hon’ble Minister extended a cordial invitation to Israel delegation for World Food India 2025.

    Mr. Avi Dicter, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security of Israel, highlighted that Israel and India share a deep bond and both countries can work together in the development of high yielding seed varietiesand technology among other areas. He also added that given the challenges of climate change innovation in the agriculture sector is required to ensure food security in future.

    The two sides agreed on the need to work together on several key areas, including food security, technology transfer, the development of high-quality seeds, the expansion of Centers of Excellence (CoE), research and development, pest management, capacity building, and the advancement of post-harvest technologies. Additionally, they agreed to explore to a Five-Year Seed Improvement Plan (FYSIP) to enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability.

    Considering the challenges of increasing population and decreasing landholdings, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan emphasized the need to enhance agricultural productivity. He underlined the importance of collaborative efforts between Indian and Israeli scientists to ensure that improved seeds reach farmers. The meeting also saw discussions on various innovations and other important issues related to agriculture.

    Israeli side also showed keen interest in india’s digital agriculture mission and the way it is empowering farmers in India.

    Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan reiterated India’s commitment to global welfare, highlighting how India and Israel can contribute significantly to resolving the global food security crisis. A Joint Working Group is being established to ensure continuous dialogue and the development of a clear roadmap with defined goals and timelines.

    Both sides shared challenges & priorities in their agriculture sector and also reviewed the ongoing collaborations in the horticulture sector. They also exchanged views on the issues related to market access.

    Besides the Ministers of Agriculture and Food Security of Israel, Ambassador Mr Reuven Azar and Yakov Poleg, Deputy Director General Foreign Trade and International Cooperationalso participated as part of members of the Israeli delegation. From the Indian side, Secretary DA&FW and DARE Sh. Devesh Chaturvedi along with Joint Secretaries of International Cooperation Division (IC), Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH), Natural Resource Management (NRM), Plant Protection (PP) and Joint Secretary (WANA) from Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) participated in the meeting.

    The meeting concluded with warm wishes for a successful and productive visit to India.

    *****

    PSF/KSR/AR

    (Release ID: 2120150) Visitor Counter : 55

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CFS urges public not to consume batch of prepackaged chocolate product suspected to contain metal fragments

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    CFS urges public not to consume batch of prepackaged chocolate product suspected to contain metal fragmentsBrand: Tony’s Chocolonely
    Place of origin: Belgium
    Pack size: 242 grams
    Batch number: L3234D
    Importer: The Dairy Farm Company Limited
    Best-before date: June 2025Issued at HKT 19:15

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Norcross, Hirono Introduce Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Donald Norcross (1st District of New Jersey)

    WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Representative Donald Norcross (D-NJ) and Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) reintroduced the Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act, bicameral legislation to guarantee the right of public sector employees to organize, act concertedly, and bargain collectively in states that currently do not afford these basic protections. The lawmakers were joined by Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) and Chris Deluzio (D-PA) in introducing the legislation.

    “I know the power of collective bargaining because I’ve lived it,” said Congressman Norcross, a union electrician, member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), and co-chair of the Congressional Labor Caucus. “I spent decades at the negotiating table standing up for working families—fighting for fair pay, safer jobs, and better benefits like health care and retirement. This bill ensures public-sector workers across the country have the same rights to a voice on their job and a seat at the table.”

    “Public sector workers teach our children, protect our safety, and keep our communities moving forward—they deserve the right to organize,” said Senator Hirono. “The Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act will help ensure that millions of public sector workers across our country have the federal protections they deserve as they fight for fair wages, benefits, and improved working conditions. Private sector workers are already guaranteed the right to organize under federal law, it should be common sense that public sector workers are afforded those same rights. As President Trump works to gut our public sector workforce, this bill is crucial to protect workers’ freedom to organize and bargain collectively. I’m proud to lead this important legislation with Representative Norcross to help ensure that every public employee has their voice heard in the workplace.”

    “No matter where they live, American workers in every sector should have the ability to form and join a union, or to collectively bargain to improve their workplace,” said Congressman Deluzio. “Public servants should have this right, just like other workers. Now is the time for solidarity: let’s come together and stand with hardworking Americans, defend the union way of life, and pass the bipartisan Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act.”

    “Passing this legislation has never been more urgent — especially now, as federal workers face unprecedented attacks on their collective bargaining rights,” said AFSCME President Lee Saunders. “We believe, as most Americans do, that every worker deserves a union — no matter who they work for. This bill is about something fundamental: respect. Respect for the public service workers who’ve devoted their careers to serving their communities. And respect means the freedom to negotiate.”

    “When workers stand together in a union, their jobs and lives improve. But in half of the country, the people who keep our cities and towns running are banned from collectively bargaining for a good union contract. Every day, the attacks on the fundamental freedoms of workers who keep our streets and water clean, our public transportation moving, and our children learning are increasing from the highest level of government. We need federal law to protect their rights to form a union and negotiate fair contracts that allow them to continue to do the work that is so essential to our communities. We call on every member of Congress to stand with working people and support the Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act,” said AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler.

    “For years now, the rights of workers like nurses, librarians, educators, and all our essential public servants who dedicate themselves to our communities have been chipped away at, despite their dedication and selfless service to their communities,” said Claude Cummings Jr., president of the Communications Workers of America. “That’s why the Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act is so vital. It protects public sector workers’ fundamental right to join together, bargain for fair pay, and stand up for decent working conditions. Congress needs to step up and pass this now and push back against efforts trying to undermine these essential rights.”

    “As education, healthcare and public service workers, our members make a difference in the lives of others every day. But too many states don’t allow the people who do the work to have a voice,” said Randi Weingarten, President of AFT. “The Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act would change that, ensuring public servants, no matter where they reside, have a means to influence their own lives. Whether it’s higher wages, safer working conditions, or a secure retirement, the ability to organize a union and bargain collectively lifts working families, students, patients, and entire communities up. That’s why we enthusiastically support this legislation and are committed to moving it forward.”

    The Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act would establish baseline federal protections to ensure all public service workers can join a union and negotiate workplace conditions—regardless of state law. The bill comes at a critical time, as recent federal actions have renewed attention on the collective bargaining rights of public employees, including those serving in national security-related agencies.

    Specifically, The Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act would set a minimum nationwide standard of collective bargaining rights that states must provide, including allowing public service workers to join together and have a voice on the job to improve both working conditions and the communities in which they live and work. The legislation gives public service workers the freedom to:

    • Join together in a union selected by a majority of employees;
    • Collectively bargain over wages, hours and terms and conditions of employment;
    • Access dispute resolution mechanisms;
    • Use voluntary payroll deduction for union dues;
    • Engage in concerted activities related to collective bargaining and mutual aid;
    • Have their union be free from requirements to hold rigged recertification elections; and
    • File suit in court to enforce their labor rights.

    Read the full bill text here. 

    The bill is supported by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME); the Communications Workers of America (CWA); American Federation of Teachers (AFT); AFL-CIO; Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU); Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO (DPE); International Brotherhood of Teamsters; International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM); International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE); International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE); International Union of Police Associations (IUPA); International Union of Painters & Allied Trades (IUPAT); Laborer’s International Union of North America (LiUNA); National Education Association (NEA); National Nurses United; Service Employees International Union (SEIU); Transport Workers Union of America (TWU); UNITE HERE!; United Autoworkers; United Steelworkers (USW).

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Crapo Statement at Hearing on President’s 2025 Trade Policy Agenda

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Idaho Mike Crapo

    Washington, D.C.–U.S. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) delivered the following remarks at a hearing entitled, “The President’s 2025 Trade Policy Agenda.” 

    As prepared for delivery:

    “Members and the public have questions and concerns about the recent tariff actions.  That’s ok.  We should think about tariff impacts and ask questions.  Thoughtful and respectful debate on the issues is good and why we call hearings, like this one, with the United States Trade Representative, Ambassador Jamieson Greer. 

    “We need to think strategically about tariff policy, including how to minimize unnecessary costs on American families.  I also recognize that although it is easy to see the costs arising from tariffs, it is far more difficult to assess the cost of denied market access opportunities. 

    “Tariffs can advance American interests in market access.  In the first Trump Administration, we used tariff threats to stop France from imposing discriminatory digital services taxes. 

    “Tariffs also forced China to discuss the systemic challenges between our two nations.  Frankly, every enforcement action—whether it is a WTO dispute, a Section 301 investigation or a preference program review—ultimately relies on the threat of tariffs to secure objectives.

    “Accordingly, it is important to contextualize the tariffs in the design of the larger policy.  The real headline then becomes the fundamental shift in trade policy since President Trump’s inauguration—where the United States actually plans to do trade again. 

    “My colleagues and I in Congress want to pursue a real trade policy.  That was put on hold during the Biden years.   We now have a President who will partner with us in that effort.  Together, we will enforce our rights; we will negotiate again; and we will expand opportunities for Americans. 

    “This Administration is not deliberating endlessly over whether ‘trade can be a force for good,’ like the past Administration.  Trade today is the centerpiece of our international economic engagement and we have plenty of substantive trade ideas to discuss. 

    “Businesses want certainty from good policies that will continue so they can invest confidently in prospects that create jobs and wealth. 

    “That is one of the primary reasons that I am working so hard to make the Trump Tax Cuts permanent—to provide businesses with the certainty they need to make long-term investments, to drive growth and to increase prosperity across all segments of the economy.

    “Contrast this kind of certainty and forward thinking on trade with that of the last four years, where the only ‘certainty’ was that you were going to lose ground because your government fundamentally rejected free markets, free enterprise and free trade. 

    “The last Administration turned to industrial policy because it was certain that the free market failed in delivering what government planners believed necessary for climate and social agendas. 

    “Indeed, China’s central planners saw their own strategic thinking in the Inflation Reduction Act’s approach of bestowing massive subsidies to stimulate investments that the market would not.

    “We can restore faith in free markets by making it easier than ever to do business in America.  The President’s Executive Order last week to assist major investors to navigate our regulatory system efficiently is a good start.  We plan to do more.

    “The Biden Administration provided us with only the “certainty” that in the face of a foreign government’s discriminatory policies, like digital services taxes, data localization or other non-tariff barriers, it would not stand up for its citizens because it believed that the so-called ‘right to regulate’ trumped the principle of free enterprise. 

    “Respectfully, democratic governments do not have rights—they exist to secure them for their citizens.

    “One immediately welcome change, under the Trump Administration, appeared last week in USTR’s National Trade Estimate.

    “Last year, the Biden Administration deliberately cut from the Estimate a number of discriminatory measures imposed by foreign governments on American businesses because it sided with those governments over our citizens.  This year’s Estimate is exhaustive because the Administration carefully identified all of the ways Americans lose out in the global marketplace.

    “Finally, the validity of free trade will be seen again.  The last Administration did not pursue market access in its negotiations.  Instead, it demanded governments to undertake a number of social and environmental commitments, even ones Congress did not approve domestically.  Not surprisingly, our partners did not put their trust in such negotiations. 

    “While tariffs inherently may be seen at odds with free trade, we must also acknowledge that many of our trading partners deploy barriers that have gone unchallenged for too long.  Free trade, by definition, must be reciprocal.  We do not have it if others can impose barriers on us unchallenged.

    “Our failure to enforce our rights over the last four years lost a lot of ground for us.  This cannot continue because what I am certain about is American goods and services are innovative, high quality and globally competitive. 

    “Senior Administration officials say that a number of countries are ‘coming to the table’ to engage with USTR.  We look forward to hearing about this engagement and the steps toward better opportunities for Americans.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: New Dems Demand that President Trump Abandon National Sales Tax on the American People, Work with Congress to Lower Costs

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Don Beyer (D-VA)

    Today, following President Trump’s decision to institute sweeping taxes on American consumers and businesses and engage in a global trade war with every single ally and trading partner, New Dems wrote to President Trump and his top advisors imploring the administration to change course on his erratic and unilateral tariff strategy. 

    The letter from New Democrat Coalition Chair Brad Schneider, Economic Growth and Cost of Living Working Group Chair Chrissy Houlahan, and Trade Task Force Chair Don Beyer reads in part: 

    Rather than engaging in an erratic and unilateral tariff strategy, we urge you to pursue a strategic and sustainable approach that strengthens our alliances, upholds international trade rules, and ensures fair competition through robust enforcement mechanisms. We urge you to focus on bringing down prices and implementing policies that support U.S. manufacturing, build supply chain resilience, and strengthen relationships with our trading partners. 

    Since President Trump announced this national sales tax, global markets have crashed, companies have begun laying off workers, small businesses are considering closing their doors, and American consumers are seeing higher prices on everything from groceries to electronics and more. 

    You can read the letter here or below: 

    Dear President Trump,

    As Members of the New Democrat Coalition, we write to express our deep concerns regarding your Administration’s approach to trade policy, particularly the imposition of sweeping tariffs on imports that are already raising costs for American consumers and businesses, undermining American competitiveness, and creating uncertainty that is stifling business investment and threatening jobs. We write on behalf of our constituents who were previously struggling to make ends meet and will now be forced to pay more for groceries, for new cars, for home appliances, and so much more. We can expect consumers to pause purchases, big and small, which will be a drain on our economy and diminish our children’s future prospects. 

    When used thoughtfully, strategic and targeted tariffs can be a tool to protect American workers, ensure fair trade practices, and defend U.S. economic interests. Unfortunately, your latest announcement of capricious and sweeping universal and reciprocal tariffs undermines these goals, and in fact, moves us in the opposite direction. American workers, families, and businesses will pay the price. 

    Tariffs function as taxes on American consumers and businesses, raising the costs of goods and materials essential for domestic manufacturing and production. Industries that rely on global supply chains, including agriculture, technology, and manufacturing, have already reported higher costs due to the tariffs in addition to increased sourcing challenges—both factors that are leading to price increases for American consumers. Many small businesses have made the difficult decision to pass these costs, which are a direct result of new tariffs, on to their customers and face significant challenges that will impact their ability to operate. Additionally, retaliatory tariffs from our trading partners have further restricted market access for American products, uniquely harming exporters and rural economies that depend on foreign markets to sell world class products. 

    The unpredictability of your Administration’s trade agenda, characterized by on-again, off-again tariffs imposed on our closest allies in violation of trade agreements that your own administration negotiated has created an environment of uncertainty for American businesses. Businesses of all sizes depend on certainty to thrive. That certainty comes in the form of policy continuity, a clear regulatory framework, and an equitable and transparent system to resolve trade disputes. Absent this certainty, businesses cannot invest in innovation, American workers, or expanding their operations to international markets. Make no mistake, your Administration’s trade agenda is slowing economic growth and job creation, weakening U.S. global leadership, and increasing the cost of doing business with the United States. 

    Rather than engaging in an erratic and unilateral tariff strategy, we urge you to pursue a strategic and sustainable approach that strengthens our alliances, upholds international trade rules, and ensures fair competition through robust enforcement mechanisms. We urge you to focus on bringing down prices and implementing policies that support U.S. manufacturing, build supply chain resilience, and strengthen relationships with our trading partners. 

    The Constitution clearly states that no president, Democrat or Republican, has the power to raise taxes on the American people without the consent of Congress. We call on your administration to engage in meaningful consultation with Congress to ensure that trade policy reflects the interests and values of the American people. Given the dire consequences of an escalating trade war, we underscore Congress’s constitutional role in trade policy and respectfully request a meeting with the United States Trade Representative, Ambassador Jamieson Greer, to discuss your Administration’s trade strategy. We urge your administration to focus on policies that advance American interests without burdening consumers, isolating our trusted trading partners, and harming U.S. global leadership. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kaine, Schumer, and Wyden Demand House Vote on Senate-Passed Tariff Legislation Ending Trade War with Canada

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), Democratic Senate Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), and Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee Ron Wyden (D-OR) sent a letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson demanding that he schedule a vote in the House of Representatives on Senate Joint Resolution 37, legislation led by Kaine to reverse President Trump’s tariffs on Canada, which amount to a 25 percent tax on imported goods. S.J. Res. 37 passed in the Senate last week by a 51-48 vote.

    “Plain and simple, the Trump Trade War is a Trump Tax on families, raising their costs by nearly $4,000 per year and devastating small businesses, forcing them to raise prices or lay off staff. It is a dangerous, foolish exercise that is wreaking havoc on the American economy and could tee up a recession,” wrote the senators.

    The senators continued, “Now that the Senate has weighed in, members of the House should have the opportunity to vote on whether to continue President Trump’s wrongheaded tariffs on Canada.”

    “Canada is the United States’ second largest trading partner and longtime ally,” the senators wrote. “This absurd and dangerous trade war has needlessly fractured the relationship between our two countries, thrown integrated manufacturing supply chains into disarray, and raised costs for American families and small businesses. The Senate has acted. The House should follow and schedule a vote without delay.”

    Full text of the letter is available here and below:

    Speaker Johnson:

    We call on you to move without delay to schedule a vote in the House of Representatives on Senate Joint Resolution 37, which would terminate President Trump’s foolish and misguided trade war with our ally, Canada.

    Plain and simple, the Trump Trade War is a Trump Tax on families, raising their costs by nearly $4,000 per year and devastating small businesses, forcing them to raise prices or lay off staff. It is a dangerous, foolish exercise that is wreaking havoc on the American economy and could tee up a recession. If the president doesn’t back off, Congress must take action – the Senate has already taken action to provide relief from tariffs on Canada, and the House should follow immediately.

    On February 2, President Trump declared a so-called emergency with regard to the flow of illicit drugs from Canada, despite evidence from Customs and Border Protection (CBP) that less 0.2 percent of fentanyl comes from our northern ally.

    This was clearly a pretext to abuse the emergency authorities under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to start a trade war with one of our closest allies and biggest trading partners. Situations like this are exactly why Congress created a privileged process to rescind emergencies under IEEPA.

    Last week, the Senate exercised this authority and voted on a bipartisan basis to rescind the president’s emergency and end this ridiculous trade war. The House of Representatives already sidestepped this responsibility once in March, taking extraordinary steps to avoid the question of the legitimacy of the president’s declared emergency. Now that the Senate has weighed in, members of the House should have the opportunity to vote on whether to continue President Trump’s wrongheaded tariffs on Canada.

    Canada is the United States’ second largest trading partner and longtime ally. This absurd and dangerous trade war has needlessly fractured the relationship between our two countries, thrown integrated manufacturing supply chains into disarray, and raised costs for American families and small businesses.

    The Senate has acted. The House should follow and schedule a vote without delay.

    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –