THE FUTURE OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE

September/October 2020

A series of 6 (free) webinars by renowned experts focusing on the global trends in customs & trade.

The Global Legal Customs Association (a network of independent customs and international trade attorneys from around the globe) invites you to a series of six free webinars focusing on key trends in customs and trade.

The remaining webinars will run on 1, 8, 15 and 22 October 2020 (after the sessions of 17 and 24 September). You can register hereunder for each webinar separately.

Deadlock in the WTO: what is next for trade and disputes?

Thursday 22 October 2020, CET 4.00 pm – 5.15 pm

Session #6/6

As illustrated in some of the previous webinars, rules based trade is under pressure and the WTO is facing its biggest existential crisis since it was established. Trade experts from diverse jurisdictions across the globe will discuss its current shortcomings, the need for reform and will try to give some insight into the near future of the WTO and its institutions.

Our expert panel will consist of:

Welcome by Bert Gevers (President GLCA, Loyens & Loeff Brussels) who will also act as moderator.

Thank you for your interest.

Please click on the button hereunder to register for the webinar on the Zoom platform and be provided with your personal link to connect:

REGISTER HERE

You may also register for any of the other webinars of the series by returning to the webpage of the THE FUTURE OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE webinars series.

We look forward to your participation.

The rise of national security: how national security concerns are reshaping international trade with friends (and enemies)

Thursday 17 September 2020, CET 4.00 pm – 5.15 pm

Session #1/6

In recent years national security concerns have reshaped international trade causing countries to impose additional duties and trade restrictions. Since 2017 the US has not only imposed special tariffs (Section 301/232) on 470 billion $ of annual imports, but have at the same time introduced significant trade restrictions via new export controls, economic sanctions, investment restrictions and other trade related measures. These measures not only target traditional rivals China or Russia, but also impacted neighbors like Mexico and Canada and allies across Europe.

In this webinar we will among other discuss the status and outlook for US trade policies, the difficult position (and opportunities) of close neighbor Canada, the reaction of China (and the worsened position of Hong Kong) and the delicate role of Russia in international trade.

Our expert panel will consist of:

Welcome by Bert Gevers (President GLCA, Loyens & Loeff Brussels) who will also act as moderator

Between a rock and a hard place: how the EU tries to navigate its turbulent trade waters

Thursday 24 September 2020, CET 4.00 pm – 5.15 pm

Session #2/6

For the EU, still the largest trading bloc, it remains difficult to find a position in the middle of the ongoing trade-war between the US and China, growing national security concerns of its own, the internal divide and Brexit and its continued strong believe in free trade (and free trade trade agreements), multilateralism and the multilateral institutions. We will also discuss the position of Switzerland, its special relationship with the EU and its own international trade policy (Switzerland does for example have an FTA with China).

Our expert panel will consist of:

Welcome by Bert Gevers (President GLCA, Loyens & Loeff Brussels) who will also act as moderator.

Behind the scenes of the trade wars: how supply chains are being re-routed

Thursday 1 October 2020, CET 4.00 pm – 5.15 pm

Session #3/6

The ongoing trade wars together with the impact of Covid significantly affect existing supply chains urging economic operators to onshore production or to re-route existing supply chains. In this webinar we will discuss some of these popular new routes in Asia, Africa, the Middle East and the Americas explaining opportunities, main challenges and pitfalls.

Our expert panel will consist of:

Welcome by Bert Gevers (President GLCA, Loyens & Loeff Brussels) who will also act as moderator

Deep Dive: The ending story of Brexit ?

Thursday 8 October 2020, CET 4.00 pm – 5.15 pm

Session #4/6

More than 4 years after the Brexit vote and only 3 months before the end of the transition period nothing is certain yet about the future relationship between the EU and the UK… Experts from the UK and the EU will discuss the status of the future relationship and inform operators on the do’s and don’ts !

Our expert panel will consist of:

Welcome by Bert Gevers (President GLCA, Loyens & Loeff Brussels) who will also act as moderator.

Deep Dive: USMCA and its wider impact on trade

Thursday 15 October 2020, CET 4.00 pm – 5.15 pm

Session #5/6

On 1 July 2020 the USMCA entered into force replacing the 25 year old NAFTA. USMCA significantly alters the rules on on the basis of which companies have structured their global supply chains and companies are challenged to ensure continued compliance. Experts from US, Mexico and Canada will discuss the main points of attention and the challenges for national and international companies wishing to benefit from the new agreement.

Our expert panel will consist of:

Welcome by Bert Gevers (President GLCA, Loyens & Loeff Brussels) who will also act as moderator.