Attention foreign traders! Chile officially joined the international trademark registration system!

I. Chile officially joined the Madrid system for the international registration of Trademarks

        Chile recently joined the Madrid System for the international registration of Trademarks by depositing a protocol with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). In accordance with the relevant provisions, the protocol entered into force in Chile on 4 July 2022.

        This milestone marks the further integration of Chilean and international trademark application and registration systems. There are now 126 countries participating in the system.

        Under the Madrid system, trademark applicants can carry out international registrations in a relatively centralized manner, rather than having to hire agents in each country to file applications for them. The system could also benefit companies in other countries. For example, these companies can designate Chile in their international trademark applications.

II. Mexico issued final ruling on sunset anti-dumping review of hot-rolled steel sheet from China

        Mexico’s Ministry of Economic Affairs announced in the official daily that it decided to end the sunset review of anti-dumping investigation against hot-rolled steel from China, and continue to impose anti-dumping duties of us $335 / ton on imports from Tangshan Iron and Steel Group Co., LTD., and us $354.92 / ton on products from other companies. The tax period will start from December 23, 2020 and will last for five years.

        The Mexican customs tariff numbers of the products involved are 7208.36.01, 7208.37.01, 7208.38.01, 7208.39.01 and 7225.30.07.

III. China remains Peru’s largest trading partner

        According to the latest report of Peru’s Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism, the trade volume between China and Peru in the first two months of this year was 4.86 billion US dollars, down 6.9% year-on-year, accounting for 30.0% of Peru’s total foreign trade. Peru’s export to China was US $2.475 billion, down 24.8% year on year, and its import from China was US $2.385 billion, up 23.7% year on year. Peru’s trade surplus with China was US $90 million.

China remains Peru’s largest trading partner and largest exporter.

        In the past 12 months, Peru’s trade with China accounted for 32% of its total foreign trade. China is still the main export destination of Peru’s fishery and mining industries, accounting for 49% and 48% of their total exports respectively.

IV. China remains the largest source of goods for panama’s Colon Free Trade Zone 

        The trade volume of Panama’s Colon Free Trade Zone in January and February reached $3.443 billion, up 41% year-on-year, according to data released recently by the zone.

        Trade volume in the FREE trade Zone has recovered to pre-COVID-19 levels in 2020. Trade in electronics, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, perfumes and cosmetics, general clothing, base metals (all except precious metals such as gold, silver and platinum) and alcoholic beverages contributed to the growth.

        In terms of source, China is still the main supplier of goods in the FTZ, accounting for 63% of the total imports, followed by the European Union (5.1%), the United States (4.9%), the United Kingdom (2.6%) and Mexico (2.5%).

V. The IMF downgraded Bolivia’s GDP growth for this year to 3.8%

        The Latest INTERNATIONAL Monetary Fund forecast that Bolivia’s GROSS domestic product will grow by 3.8 per cent in 2022. The figure is 0.2 percentage points lower than the IMF’s forecast of 4 percent in October 2021.

        The 3.8 percent growth rate is 1.3 percentage points lower than the 5.1 percent figure given by the Bolivian Economy Ministry and the Central Bank of Bolivia (BCB).

        On the other hand, the IMF forecasts inflation of 3.2 percent and unemployment of 4.5 percent in 2022. In 2023, Bolivia’s economy is expected to grow 3.7 percent.

VI. The Argentine Immigration Bureau cancelled the stamp of entry and exit passports

        Interior Minister Pedro de Pedro announced in a post on social media that Argentina’s immigration authority will replace the practice of stamping passports at entry and exit with digital registration. The measure, which will take effect from April 25, aims to improve the time and security of entry and exit procedures.

        In this case, travellers “will be able to complete the process more quickly because immigration registration is simplified, waiting times for travellers are reduced, it is simpler, at the same time it is less expensive, and it is safer because the risk of fraud is reduced and the administrative burden is removed”.

        It is learnt that the new rules will be implemented at air and sea crossings first, and then gradually at land crossings.

VII. Cosco Shipping Group announced to exempt 6 fees

        Recently, COSCO Shipping group issued a notice to exempt 6 fees during the period of lockdown in Shanghai, including the original bill of lading that has not been issued. If telex release or sea waybill is needed, the service fee will be exempted. Additional demurrage fees due to the containment of the epidemic in Shanghai.

        Previously, COSCO Shipping has issued a special service guide for Shanghai and surrounding areas. It is clear that during the period of Shanghai lockdown, the booking business of the company will not be affected, and customers can submit electronic booking application through coSCO Shipping E-commerce platform or foreign trade e-commerce platform, and handle electronic packing with the booking confirmation letter.

Article source：South America through