Thursday, December 31, 2020
The United Kingdom (UK) approved its second COVID-19 vaccine this week, while the European Union (EU) moved forward quickly with distribution of its first-approved vaccine to its Member States. United States (US) President Donald Trump signed another COVID relief measure linked to an Omnibus appropriations bill late on Sunday, after objecting initially to a number of provisions and calling for additional congressional action, which has kept the US Congress in Washington this week.
On the eve of Christmas Day, the UK and EU secured a deal outlining terms for the two trading partners after Britain exits the Customs Union on 31 December. This week, the EU also secured a deal with the People’s Republic of China (“China” or “PRC”) that addresses investments. Meanwhile, the US Government unveiled its new Aluminum Import Monitoring and Analysis (AIM) system and released two reports – one focused on human trafficking in the seafood supply chain and the other on American industries producing COVID-19 related goods. The US Government also moved this week to adjust upward its duties related to the ongoing large civil aircraft dispute with the EU.