China resumed customs operations for the import of fresh fruit and frozen goods through the Ha Khau border gate in the Guangxi region, Vietnam's Ministry of Industry and Trade said, according to an unofficial translation. Following weeks of piled up trucks on the Vietnam-China border due to the temporary closure of three border countries between the two countries, authorities of Pingxiang, Guangxi, China reopened the Hekou gate, known as the Kim Thanh II border gate on the Vietnamese side. The trade ministry highlighted the importance ofthis move for its export of dragon fruit.

The Russian Arbitration Association released the results of its survey looking into the impact of sanctions on commercial arbitration. The survey results showed that 21% of the respondents said they were aware of situations wherein arbitration institutions refused to administer cases due to sanctions and that 5% of respondents said they knew of cases wherein these institutions or their banks were unable to accept payments from sanctioned individuals or entities. Sixty-nine percent of the respondents reported using neutral currencies for contract payments, and 18% said they knew of cases wherein arbitrators refused to act in a case that involved a sanctioned party. RAA said the survey was "conducted among 182 respondents from various jurisdictions."

Hong Kong’s Trade and Industry Department issued a Jan. 14 notice reminding companies of its license for traders who “frequently” import or export “strategic commodities of relatively less sensitivity.” The “Approval-in-Principle Arrangement for Bulk Users of Strategic Commodities Licensing Service” streamlines and expedites the processing of license applications, the agency said. The notice outlines the updated application process, conditions for approval and which items are eligible for the license.

China declined to say last week whether it’s meeting its purchase commitments under the U.S.-China phase one deal but suggested doing so has been challenging. “China has worked hard to overcome the multiple adverse effects caused by the impact of the epidemic, the global economic recession, and supply chain disruptions,” a Commerce Ministry spokesperson told reporters Jan. 13. The spokesperson added that the agreement has been “beneficial” for both sides despite reports China isn’t buying enough U.S. goods (see 2111230014). China and the U.S. remain in communication, the spokesperson said, declining to say whether China wants to pursue phase two negotiations. “It is hoped that the U.S. side can create a favorable atmosphere and conditions for the expansion of trade cooperation between the two sides,” the spokesperson said.

China recently released its catalogues of goods subject to export and import licenses for 2022, according to unofficial translations of notices from the country’s customs agency. The lists feature various categories of goods that require licenses before they can be released by customs. The changes took effect Jan. 1.

Vietnam will prosecute a case involving goods and currency illegally transported across the Laos-Vietnam border, the state-run CustomsNews reported, according to an unofficial translation. Lao Bao Border Gate Customs Branch authorities inspected a vehicle and found two packages of goods, including $10,000 in cash, and over 1,700 grams of gold and 2,180 grams of silver with a total value of around $132,000. The customs branch transferred the case to Huong Hoa District Police, which will carry out the prosecution.

Sri Lanka kicked off construction the morning of Jan. 12 on the second phase of the Eastern Container Terminal at the Colombo Port in the capital city of Colombo, Sri Lanka President Gotabaya Rajapaksa said in a news release. Construction on the terminal, which is planned to be rolled out in three phases, will wrap up in 2024 and will cover an area of 75 hectares. The port will come equipped with 12 service truck cranes and 40 rail mounted gantry cranes and will cost $510 million, with the Ports Authority contributing $200 million. Sri Lankan construction company Access Engineering and Chinese company China Harbor Engineering are building the terminal.

Iran imposed retaliatory sanctions on 51 U.S. citizens over their alleged role in the death of former Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Gen. Qasem Soleimani, Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said. The listed individuals include former or current U.S. government, military and CIA officials along with national security advisers and private business owners. The list includes Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Mark Milley; Matthew Pottinger, former deputy national security adviser; Nikki Haley, former U.N. ambassador; and Erik Prince, founder of private military company Blackwater USA, now called Academi. Iran said the sanctions were made under the "Act on Countering Violations of Human Rights and Aventurist and Terrorist Actions of the United States of America in the Region." It said the U.S. "flagrantly breached" its international obligations in counterterrorism by participating in the death of the general.

Vietnam Customs initiated criminal prosecution against a furniture importer for trading banned goods at the Cat Lai Port, the state-run CustomsNews site reported.The 1st zone Sai Gon Seaport Customs Branch started prosecution against Duy Phuong Anh Trading and Forwarding Services Co. for importing used furniture after declaring it new, the report said. The company registered a declaration to bring in 49 items of furniture, but after physical inspection it became clear that the items were used dining tables, display cabinets, clocks, tables and chairs, CustomsNews said. The incorrect declaration violated Vietnamese law for the goods valued at nearly $11,000, the report said. A Duy Phuong Anh spokesperson said that when the company company ordered the goods it didn't know that they were used goods.

The Singapore Customs TradeNet will undergo extended system maintenance Jan. 23 4 a.m. to noon local time, it said Jan. 7. Singapore Customs advised users to avoid submitting applications during this time. This is in addition to the usual 4 a.m. to 8 a.m. Sunday maintenance.