Posts for June 15, 2010

CHINA TRIES TO BOOST INNOVATION

June 15, 2010 – Today in Manufacturing.net
Beijing heightened trade tensions with U.S. by taking steps that could make it harder for U.S. software, clean-energy and other cutting-edge companies to sell in Chinese market ... continue

GOV'T TO EMPLOYERS: DON'T INCREASE HEALTH CARE COSTS

June 15, 2010 – Today in Manufacturing.net
Obama administration told employers that if they don't jack up costs for workers, they won't have to worry about interference from the new health care law... continue

EUROZONE EXPORTS RISE AS CURRENCY DECLINES

June 15, 2010 – Today in Manufacturing.net
EU statistics agency says exports from 16 nations that use euro rose 18 percent in April, helped by euro's sharp fall against U.S. dollar and resurgent global trade ... continue

FOREIGN MANUFACTURERS’ LIABILITY

June 15, 2010 – FLAG Weekly Communication

The House Energy and Commerce Committee, Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection, holds a committee hearing Wednesday on H.R. 4678, the Foreign Manufacturers Legal Accountability Act. As the briefing memo describes the bill:

H.R. 4678, the Foreign Manufacturer Legal Accountability Act of 2010, introduced by Representative Sutton on February 24, 2010, requires foreign manufacturers and producers that import products into the United States to designate a registered agent who is authorized to accept service of process here in the United States. The agent would have to be registered in a state with a substantial connection to the importation, distribution, or sale of products of the foreign manufacturer or producer. CPSC, the Food and Drug Administration, and the Environmental Protection Agency would each be required to determine, based on the value or quantity of goods manufactured or produced, which foreign manufacturers and producers under their respective authority would be required to designate a registered agent. Registering an agent consistent with the Act constitutes acceptance by the manufacturer of personal jurisdiction of the state and federal courts of the state in which the agent is located. Finally, the Act prohibits the importation into the United States of products from foreign manufacturers that fail to designate a registered agent.

The bill grew out of frustrations over the difficulties in holding Chinese drywall manufacturers liable. One of the hearing witnesses is Bill Harmon, a retired policeman from Virginia whose troubles were featured in a New York Times story last year, “Thousands of Homeowners Cite Drywall for Ills.”