US President Donald Trump issued a Presidential Proclamation that suspends and limits flights from Europe into the United States in an effort to stop the spread of the coronavirus COVID-19. There was initial confusion, as President Trump initially mentioned this would apply to all flights, including passenger and cargo, but he clarified shortly thereafter that it would apply to passenger flights only. Additionally, the first announcement excluded flights from the UK and Ireland, but Trump later announced that the restriction would apply to those countries as well.
This recent government action adds a new layer of uncertainty to an industry that is already facing unprecedented complexities in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In our most recent episode of Talking Trade, I spoke with Michael Ford, VP of Government and Industry Affairs at BDP, and Marianne Rowden, President of AAEI, and sought their insight and perspective regarding how this new restriction may have downstream effects for the industry. We also review steps that companies can take to mitigate some of the disruptions caused by COVID-19, recap how US government agencies like CBP and the FDA are operating in the wake of the proclamation, and discuss the future of the industry as a whole as we navigate the uncharted waters of COVID-19.
Tune in below for the full episode.
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