WTDC News – July 2, 2020: USMCA, Caribbean reopens

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New WTDC website launch  
This week WTDC relaunched our website wtdc.com. We welcome you to visit! This faster platform will allow WTDC to publish informative content for new and future customers.   Visit the new WTDC.com  

  President Trump, Canadian President Trudeau, and Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto sign the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement during a ceremony in Buenos Aires, on the margins of the G-20 Leaders' Summit on November 30, 2018. [State Department photo by Ron Przysucha / Public Domain]

USMCA trade deal now in effect  
On July 1, 2020, the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) went into effect. The deal was signed during the G-20 Leaders Summit in 2018 and replaces the North American Free Trade Agreement established in 1994. According to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, “The new United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) will support mutually beneficial trade leading to freer markets, fairer trade, and robust economic growth in North America.” Key elements include: Intellectual Property Digital Trade De minimis Financial Services Environment Click the stories below for additional information.
USTR: USMCA Fact Sheet    

WTDC Internship Program  
Last week Andre Malha, a student at Palmer Trinity School, completed his summer internship at WTDC. The majority of Mr. Malha’s internship was completed remotely to comply with social distancing guidelines. We wish Mr. Malha continued success in his studies and on the soccer pitch!  
WTDC Internship Program  

 


Combating COVID-19  
Stay tuned to our social media next week as Sergio’s Restaurants announces their private-public partnership to distribute masks for Miami-Dade County hotels and restaurants. WTDC is donating warehousing and fulfillment services at no-cost for this initiative. Pictured above: Carlos Gazitua, CEO of Sergio’s Restaurants, and Sean P. Gazitua, President & CEO of WTDC.  
WTDC – Logistics for Medical Equipment & Supplies
Sergio’s Restaurants – Now delivering Cuban food nationwide      



Caribbean reopens for tourist travel – with restrictions  
Economies in the Caribbean are opening to tourist travel again and many destinations require COVID-19 testing prior to entry. Increased travel to the Caribbean will bring more passengers through South Florida airports leading to more traffic in the duty free stores, welcomed traffic for many of WTDC’s customers. As South Florida is a major hub for cargo and supplies to the Caribbean, more travelers should also have a positive impact on the cargo levels at South Florida ports. In the Bahamas, a negative COVID-19 test taken within 10 days of entry is required of all tourists or they can take one upon arrival. Aruba also requires testing and opened to Canadian, European, and Caribbean tourists on July 1 – but Americans will have to wait until July 10.
Below is a look at some of some of the tourism reopening dates:
o   USVI June 1
o   Antigua June 1
o   St. Lucia June 1
o   Jamaica June 15
o   Mexico Cancun area on June 15 o   Bahamas July 1
o   Aruba July 1
o   Dominican Republic July 1
o   Puerto Rico July 15    
NYT: 5 Caribbean Vacation Destinations Reopening this Summer