This past week, CTM covered the following issues. In China: * Export restrictions on gallium and germanium * Foreign Relations Law enters into force * Trade developments with Belgium and Africa In the U.S.: * Federal investment approval for Chinese-owned battery factory * Republican presidential candidates talk China trade In Europe: * EU anti-dumping duties

Chinese customs officials met with their Belgian counterparts last month and reached a number of agreements that will pave the way for more Belgian food exports. This came after China lifted a decade-long import ban on Belgian beef due to mad cow disease.

The European Parliament's Committee on International Trade recently released a draft opinion on the security and defense implications of China’s influence on critical infrastructure in the European Union.

Earlier this week, the European Commission imposed definitive anti-dumping duties on imports of stainless steel refillable kegs originating in China.

China's Foreign Relations Law entered into force on July 1. The law consolidates China's foreign policy, and provides an additional statutory basis for government action against foreign sanctions and long-arm jurisdiction.

The UK governmental body in charge of trade remedies has announced several "areas of research interest" that could have a significant impact on Chinese exporters.

China's Ministry of Commerce and Customs agency jointly announced today that they will restrict exports of products and materials containing gallium and germanium, which are widely used to make semiconductors and electronics. The new rules become effective on August 1.