European Commission presents Critical Medicines Act to tackle drug shortages On Tuesday, 11 March, European Commissioner for Health and Animal Welfare Olivér Várhelyi introduced the Critical Medicines Act (CMA), sharing that the proposal is needed to ensure the security of supply and availability of essential medicines in Europe. Várhelyi highlighted that the Act builds on the work of the Critical Medicines Alliance and will have a positive impact on EU competitiveness by creating a more stable and predictable market. The Act was initially mentioned in European...

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On 11 March 2025, the EU Council has reached political agreement regarding the proposed amendment to the Directive on Administrative Cooperation to facilitate the filing and exchanging of Pillar Two-related information in the EU (known as DAC9). DAC9 should now be formally adopted by the EU Council and published in the Official Journal of the EU. Once adopted, DAC9 would have to be implemented into national law of EU Member States by 31 December 2025, i.e., six months prior...

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In a recent ruling, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit upended years of settled law and ruled that sales and marketing expenses, by themselves, can be the basis for a finding of domestic industry in an International Trade Commission (ITC) enforcement action. This decision will make the ITC available to U.S. IP owners who import their goods from overseas and do not have a manufacturing base in the U.S. Lashify, Inc., a U.S.-based company that distributes, markets,...

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President Trump addressed a joint session of Congress on Tuesday, making it clear that he intends to continue the course he set when he took office on January 20. He reaffirmed broad-based tax cuts, increased tariffs, deregulation of US business, increased domestic energy production, along with maintaining America’s leadership in artificial intelligence (AI) and other critical technologies. He praised the work of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) for cutting the size of government, the new measures to restrict...

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The tariff landscape for importers remains fluid as new duties on Mexico, Canada, and China took effect this week, with additional announcements made. Here’s the latest on key developments. Mexico & Canada: The previously suspended 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada were reinstated Tuesday, with an amendment (click to read) taking effect at 12:01 AM today. The details of tariff enforcement are becoming complicated. For example, any Mexican or Canadian origin goods that qualify for free entry under the USMCA will NOT...

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EU leaders approve “ReArm Europe” plan to boost defence spending European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen unveiled the key elements of her proposed “ReArm Europe” plan on Tuesday (4 March), aimed at strengthening the EU’s defence spending and capabilities in response to the current era of rearmament. The plan includes €150 billion in subsidised loans to help member states bolster their defences. EU leaders endorsed its main lines on Thursday (6 March) during a special European Council meeting. Finally, Ms. Von der Leyen...

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The EIB Group Forum brings together senior policymakers, business leaders, academics, and civil society representatives to discuss Europe’s prosperity, security and global cooperation. President Calviño puts security of our societies at the heart of the EIB Group’s activity, thanks to investments in industries, security and defence, energy grids, green transition, social infrastructure and global partnerships.     The launch of the flagship EIB Group Investment Report calls for EU market integration, simplification and investments in innovation, echoing the most recent European Commission initiatives. Nadia Calviño, President of the European Investment...

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For transportation and logistics, chief concerns are the cost of trucks and steel as most are produced overseas. Whether or not you’re in the importing-exporting business, the planned tariffs are expected to impact most industries because every business needs goods — with many coming from other countries. For transportation and logistics, a chief concern is the future cost of trucks, as most are assembled in Mexico. The price of steel is also a concern, since most of it comes from Canada, Mexico, and Brazil via...

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Overview:  Talk emerged yesterday that the dramatic losses US equities amid recession fears in light of the rash of tariff announcements and threats would draw the new administration's attention. Commerce Secretary Lutnick suggested yesterday that President Trump may consider a compromise on Mexico and Canadian tariffs announced yesterday. There was no sign of that in the president's address to the joint session of Congress yesterday. US index futures are trading 0.6%-0.8% higher. The other significant development is the opening up...

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