After several years of negotiation and political posturing, 15 countries signed the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) trade agreement on November 15, 2020. The RCEP includes several countries from the Southeast Asia and the Pacific region, including Australia, Brunei, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam.
International Trade
International Trade Update: Himalaya Clause Covenant not to Sue Affords Immunity to Carrier’s Contractors
By Stephen Hanemann on
Posted in Admiralty and Maritime
In matters of international trade, a bill of lading often serves as the contract of carriage between a shipper and carrier for transportation of goods. A Himalaya clause is a provision contained in certain bills of lading protecting carrier’s servants, agents, and independent contractors from third-party claims by limiting shipper’s rights to bring suit against…
International Trade Update: Unreasonable Deviation Precludes COGSA Limitation
By Stephen Hanemann on
Posted in Admiralty and Maritime
The Carriage of Goods by Sea Act (“COGSA”) provides that it shall “apply to all contracts for carriage of goods by sea to or from ports of the United States in foreign trade.” In matters involving international trade, contracts for carriage – involving goods shipped to or from the United States via a foreign seaport…