international intelligence Bulletin:
Fulfilling Your Need to Know
NEWS ALERT
Crackdown on Sale of Illegal and Unapproved Pharmaceuticals
PharmaLive reported on April 20, 2005 that arrests and property seizure show a crackdown on the sale of illegal and unapproved international pharmaceuticals. This is part of a multi-country effort. The objective is to protect U.S. consumers from products that may be harmful.
U.S.-Cuba Trade Association Organized
A U.S.-Cuba Trade Association (USCTA) has been organized with the mission "to protect current trade with Cuba, expand and increase the potential for future business, and promote the full normalization of commercial relations between the U.S. and Cuba." It is headed by Bill Reinsch (former Under Secretary of Commerce) and has special ties to the National Foreign Trade Council. It was formed by a group of companies, state agencies, and organizations.
Click here to view the U.S.-Cuba Trade Association website.
U.S. Sanctions on Syria Continue
President Bush notified Congress that he is continuing the national emergency that blocks the property of certain people and prohibits exporting certain goods to Syria. The sanctions will continue for another year. President Bush is doing this because "the actions and policies of the Government of Syria continue to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States."
Click here to view the text of the regulation.
U.S. Trade Gap Decreases
The Wall Street Journal reported on May 11, 2005 that during March, the U.S. trade deficit dropped to $54.99 billion. This is the lowest level it has been during the last six months. It was $60.57 billion in February. The decrease results from a drop in imports and a record number of exports that are offsetting soaring oil prices.