United States

The U.S. Department of Labor has released a new report raising serious concerns about the enforcement of labor laws in Honduras under the Dominican Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement (DR-CAFTA). The report is in response to a letter sent by the AFL-CIO and 26 Honduran unions and civil society organizations alleging that the government of Honduras has failed to effectively enforce its labor laws. Officials with the Labor Department say that they intend to follow up on all of these concerns within 12 months. (U.S. Labor Department)
 
The United States has signed an agreement with five East African nations to ease the flow of trade and open the door for further U.S. investment. The agreement reached with Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi commits all of those countries to work toward easing the flow of goods by reducing customs wait times, streamlining inspection processes, and harmonizing trade standards. All five countries are also members of the greater African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). (Reuters)