Asia’s textile and apparel exporters await impact of bilateral FTAs

Posted on February 2, 2017 by Ed Zwirn

By Ed Zwirn, Jens Kastner 31 January 2017 (Read in WTIN.com)

As US President Donald Trump pulled America out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) on 23 January with an executive order, he signalled he will instead ask Asian TPP members for bilateral free trade agreements (FTAs). This includes countries such as Vietnam that rely on apparel and textile exports. The TPP was also to have included Canada, Mexico, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Chile, Peru, Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei.

But it is unclear whether there will be much enthusiasm among these former TPP partners for straight one-on-one trade deals with the US. Continue reading →

Grand Central Watch – ESSENTIAL TOP

Posted on February 1, 2017 by Ed Zwirn

Toot Your Own Horn

This beautiful, flowing top designed by the late artist Judith Carlson-DeAngelo features dolman sleeves, a flattering V-neck and a hi-low silhouette. It will be your new go-to top this season and all year long! Pair it with your favorite tapered pants or skinny jeans for an effortless, day-to-night look. Now available through Judith’s new VIDA designer collection!

TPP Trumped, Focus Switches to Bilateral Trade Deals

Posted on January 28, 2017 by Ed Zwirn

By Ed Zwirn (Read in Wards Auto, Jan. 27, 2017)

TPP opponents include Trump, protesters in Wellington, New Zealand.
Neal Ballantyne

Now that Trump has withdrawn the U.S. from the Trans-Pacific Partnership, the auto industry faces other trade-policy challenges, particularly the attempts to strike bilateral deals one-on-one with many countries at once. Continue reading →

Night and Day: Witchcraft

Posted on January 25, 2017 by Ed Zwirn

Witchcraft: Larry DeAngelo sings this popular song from 1957 composed by Cy Coleman with lyrics by Carolyn Leigh. It was released as a single by Frank Sinatra, and reached number twenty in the U.S., spending sixteen weeks on the charts.