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Larry

Larry

Recent Articles

Is it Time for a New GSP?

Lawrence Friedman
April 24, 2009 15:38

Several organizations ranging from non-governmental relief agencies to retailers have written to USTR Ron Kirk suggesting first that the USTR pursue early renewals for all U.S. unilateral preferences to support the world's poorest countries.  The letter also suggests that the Generalized System of ...

My Ironic Carbon Footprint

Lawrence Friedman
April 24, 2009 15:21

Today, for the first time this year, I rode my bike to work.  Well, sort of.I haven't been great about getting exercise in the now officially over off season.  So, I was leery of just heading out of my garage for the office.  From door to desk, it is 20 miles.  Instead, I loaded the bike into the ca...

No New NAFTA Negotiations

Lawrence Friedman
April 23, 2009 17:46

I think I already tweeted this (www.twitter.com/customslawblog).  I'm finding it difficult to figure out what to blog and what to just tweet.  Tweets are more toss-off little items that don't merit a blog post.  On the other hand, sometimes a simple link to some news item is important and should ge...

NYT: Drugs in the FAST Lane

Lawrence Friedman
April 23, 2009 17:36

Another example of a shipment of illegal drugs from Mexico coming through via the Free And Secure Trade channels.  These are important examples of two things.  First, CBP being alert and doing its job by finding these attempts at smuggling.  Second, the fact that ultimately C-TPAT, FAST, and other t...

Overdue Updates

Lawrence Friedman
April 22, 2009 22:58

I promised to get back to you on two things that I did not do.  I've been criticized in blog comments before for this, and I realize I should be careful about it.  On the other hand, it is my blog and sometimes I lose interest in something.I have updated my post on the decision regarding the Byrd A...