Latest news with #2025NationalTradeEstimateReportonForeignTradeBarriers
Korea Herald
26-05-2025
- Business
- Korea Herald
US calls for resolution of non-tariff barrier issues in latest trade consultation with S. Korea: sources
The United States asked South Korea to resolve various non-trade barrier issues in their latest round of working-level trade talks, government sources said Monday, as Seoul is seeking to get a reduction or exemption of the Donald Trump administration's tariffs. In last week's working-level consultations, Washington urged Seoul to handle non-trade barrier issues listed on the 2025 National Trade Estimate Report on Foreign Trade Barriers issued by the office of the US Trade Representative in March, according to sources familiar with the matter. The NTE report had touched on a wide range of Korea's non-tariff measures, including its import ban on American beef from cattle aged 30 months or older, South Korea's "offset" defense trade policy, emission-related regulations on imported cars and pricing policies for pharmaceuticals. The two countries held their second round of "technical discussions" in Washington last week as agreed in a meeting between South Korean Industry Minister Ahn Duk-geun and USTR Jamieson Greer on the sidelines of an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation trade ministers' meeting held on South Korea's southern island of Jeju earlier this month. South Korea has been seeking to gain a full exemption or reduction of the Trump administration's 25 percent reciprocal tariffs for the country, as well as sectoral tariffs on steel, automobile and other imports. "Among the list of requests from the US, there are some things that can be resolved by easing regulations, but there are also matters concerning market access, which require necessary procedures under the trade treaty procedure act," a senior trade official said on the condition of anonymity, apparently referring to Seoul's beef imports and high tariffs on imported rice. South Korea imposes a 513 percent tariff on rice imports, but implements a 5 percent tariff rate quota for up to 132,304 tons of yearly rice imports from the US. The Korean delegation is said to have explained such issues can be dealt with in accordance with procedures under the trade treaty law, such as a parliamentary report. The delegation also told the USTR that South Korea has been looking into Google's request to transfer the country's high-precision map data and approved the cultivation of US-grown living modified organism potatoes as part of efforts to resolve the non-tariff barrier issues, according to the sources. The government plans to leave the decision of sensitive trade issues to the next government as the country is set to hold its presidential election next Tuesday. (Yonhap)
The Star
27-04-2025
- Business
- The Star
Counterfeit goods persist despite govt curbs, renewed US complaints
JAKARTA: Rampant intellectual property (IP) infringements continue to persist, particularly in the trade of counterfeit products, despite repeated attempts to curb the practice through government measures as well as pressure from foreign countries, especially the United States. That is the reality on the ground, at least according to some merchants at Mangga Dua Morning Market in Ancol, North Jakarta, which has long attracted shoppers and bargain hunters in search of affordable luxury apparel and accessories such as handbags, wallets, toys and leather goods, never mind that many are knockoffs. At one stall with two employees, the shelves were stacked with knockoff luxury goods, from counterfeit Coach bags to Louis Vuitton wallets. Counterfeit goods of high-end brands cost more than Rp 1 million (US$59.26) on average, with the cheapest item priced at Rp 350,000, the employees said on Tuesday as they engaged in haggling with shoppers looking for better deals. Aristo, who has been selling wares at the market for over a decade, offers knockoffs of mid-range labels in his compact retail space, which is filled with a variety of counterfeit bags and backpacks for around Rp 150,000 a pop. He told The Jakarta Post on Tuesday that the market's merchants were divided into tiers: so-called premium sellers offered genuine luxury brands with price tags reaching several million rupiah, while low- to mid-level sellers offered knockoffs for an upper price range of Rp 500,000. Government raids were a regular occurrence at the market, Aristo said, especially those targeting 'premium sellers'. 'But as you can see, they are still here,' he said, pointing to a row of busy stalls nearby. According to Aristo, many Mangga Dua merchants source their goods from other wholesale markets in Jakarta. 'We sell whatever is right in front of us,' he said, suggesting that some merchants might not be aware that they were trading in counterfeit imports. Mangga Dua market has once again been brought into spotlight as a copyright piracy and trademark counterfeiting hub, this time in the 2025 National Trade Estimate Report on Foreign Trade Barriers from the Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR), along with a general mention of 'multiple online Indonesian marketplaces'. The report was published on March 31, just a few days before President Donald Trump unveiled his sweeping tariff policy for hundreds of nations on April 2, though he backtracked exactly a week later with a 90-day pause, reportedly to open space for negotiations with affected countries. In the linked 2024 Review of Notorious Markets for Counterfeiting and Piracy (Notorious Markets List), the USTR states: 'There has been little or no enforcement actions against counterfeit sellers.' It also referenced stakeholders' reports that 'warning letters issued to sellers have been largely ineffective' and their 'concerns about the lack of criminal prosecutions'. Trade Minister Budi Santoso said on April 20 that his office would continue to monitor and crack down 'strictly' on the domestic circulation of counterfeit goods. Moga Simatupang, the ministry's director general of consumer protection and trade order, told the Post on Monday (April 21) that the distribution of counterfeit goods might fall under offences that cannot be prosecuted without a complaint from the victim, as stipulated in Law No. 20/2016 on trademarks. He added that the IP Task Force, which comprises several ministries and state institutions, had conducted regular surveillance of various products that infringed intellectual property rights. 'Regarding the rampant [trade in] counterfeit goods at Mangga Dua, the government will immediately take follow-up action,' Moga said. Industry Ministry spokesperson Febri Hendri Antoni Arif emphasised that regulating imports was crucial in preventing the entry of counterfeit products, pointing to Industry Ministry Regulation No. 5/2024 that requires importers to have a trademark certificate before getting the green light from the Trade Ministry. The regulation was 'aimed at filtering and preventing counterfeit goods from being imported into the domestic market in Indonesia', Febri said in a statement on Tuesday. However, this regulation was short-lived and subsequently replaced by Trade Ministerial Regulation No. 8/2024, which eased imports and removed the requirement for trademark certification. According to Febri, the ministry had deemed as ineffectual efforts to trace and crack down on counterfeit goods in local markets amid a surge in import volumes, noting that it would be difficult for brand principals and trademark owners to file formal complaints since most were based overseas. Andry Satrio, an economist at the Institute for Development of Economics and Finance (INDEF), told the Post on Monday that curbing counterfeit goods was a delicate and challenging issue. For example, he said, if the government considered tightening import regulations, the US might view it as a form of trade barrier. This move could also restrict the flow of raw and auxiliary materials, which had led to protests last year from businesses with local operations and the government's eventual policy reversal. Andry also underlined that the trade in counterfeit goods involved illegal cross-border activities, so the government should strengthen the enforcement of IP rights through partnerships with other countries, such as Asean states. Bhima Yudhistira, executive director of the Centre of Economic and Law Studies (CELIOS), said on Monday that the counterfeit goods trade had become widespread in part due to lack of oversight in halting imports through unauthorised channels. The absence of sanctions for both producers and retailers of counterfeit goods was another contributing factor. 'Though the government has confiscated some illegal goods, it was not significant,' he said, adding that retail sales of illegal goods accounted for ten per cent of GDP. - The Jakarta Post/ANN
Business Recorder
21-04-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Strengthening intellectual property enforcement
The most strategic response to trade restrictions and tariff pressures lies not in retaliation, but in strengthening Intellectual Property enforcement – signaling Pakistan's commitment to a principles-based, innovation-driven economy. The 2025 National Trade Estimate Report on Foreign Trade Barriers released by the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) presents a clear assessment of the challenges international businesses face when operating in Pakistan. While several issues are noted – ranging from customs irregularities to foreign exchange constraints – one area that continues to stand out is the enforcement of Intellectual Property (IP) rights. Pakistan has made notable strides in reforming its IP landscape over the past few years. The creation of specialized IP tribunals and increased engagement with international stakeholders are commendable steps. However, as the report points out, implementation remains uneven, and enforcement mechanisms require further strengthening. Counterfeiting, piracy, and inconsistent legal interpretations continue to undermine the confidence of both domestic innovators and foreign investors. These issues are not just technical; they reflect deeper structural weaknesses that limit industrial expansion, foreign direct investment, and export diversification. Moreover, IP enforcement must be taken seriously by regulatory bodies and enforcement agencies. The role of relevant and qualified professionals – especially within IP tribunals – cannot be overstated. In mature legal systems, domain experts represent Banking, Corporate, Taxation, Consumer Courts and IP matters alike. Pakistan must adopt a similar model, appointing technically proficient personnel who understand the economic implications of intellectual capital. The concept of Intellectual Property is not new to Pakistan. As a Commonwealth nation, we enforced the Trademarks Act of 1940 and the Patents Act of 1919, post-Pakistan's independence. The legacy exists – it is the modernization that now demands our attention. Relevant and comprehensive training for adjudicators, examiners, and enforcement officials is essential to restoring credibility and efficiency. At a time when Pakistan is seeking to stabilize its economy, boost exports, and attract technology-led investment, the role of a strong IP regime becomes even more vital. IP enforcement should not be viewed in isolation – as a legal or administrative concern – but as a strategic lever for national development. Addressing the concerns highlighted in the USTR report – particularly those related to enforcement capacity and institutional transparency – can go a long way in reshaping Pakistan's image as a reliable trade partner. A commitment to consistent, fair, and transparent IP enforcement will send a powerful message: that Pakistan is ready to compete in a knowledge-based global economy. A constructive dialogue among the business community, policymakers, and enforcement bodies is incumbent. This may well be our final opportunity to take Intellectual Property seriously – not as a compliance issue, but as a foundational pillar for innovation, investment, and inclusive economic growth. The moment to act is now. Karimullah Adeni, Karachi Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
