WASHINGTON — President-elect Donald Trump’s announcement of tariff plans sparked criticism Tuesday from Mexico, Canada and China and raised questions about whether the moves would violate international trade agreements — including one he renegotiated in his first term. Trump posted on social media Monday that as “one of my many first Executive Orders” he would impose a 25 percent tariff on all imports from Mexico and Canada and a 10% additional tariff on China. He said the tariffs are in response to the ongoing fentanyl epidemic, crime and illegal immigration. More than 90% of intercepted fentanyl trafficked by cartels is found at ports of entry, primarily in vehicles driven by U.S. citizens, according to Customs and Border Protection. “As everyone is aware, thousands of people are pouring through Mexico and Canada, bringing Crime and Drugs at levels never seen before,” Trump posted. “This Tariff will remain in effect until such time as Drugs, in particular Fentanyl, and all Illegal Aliens stop this Invasion of our Country!” “Both Mexico and Canada have the absolute right and power to easily solve this long simmering problem. We hereby demand that they use this power, and until such time that they do, it is time for them to pay a very big price!” Trump posted. On China, Trump posted that he had many talks about fentanyl and other drugs being sent into the United States, “But to no avail.” “Representatives of China told me that they would institute their maximum penalty, that of death, for any drug dealers caught doing this but, unfortunately, they never followed through, and drugs are pouring into our Country, mostly through Mexico, at levels never seen before,” Trump posted. Mexico is ranked as the top trading partner with the U.S., followed by Canada and then China, according to September U.S. Census Bureau data. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum wrote a letter to Trump on his tariff announcement and read it at a press conference Tuesday. She said that Mexico has “developed a comprehensive policy” to address the flow of migrants into the U.S., citing CBP statistics that found crossings at the southwest border are down by 75% from last year. Sheinbaum said that Mexico has seized different types of drugs and arrested people for charges related to drug trafficking but that drug consumption “is a problem of public health and consumption in your country’s society.” She warned that the tariffs will harm the motor industry and would cause job losses and inflation in both the U.S. and Mexico. “One tariff would be followed by another in response, and so on until we put at risk common businesses,” Sheinbaum said. She is planning on discussing the tariffs with Trump’s team. Ontario Premier Doug Ford posted on social media that the tariffs would be “devastating to workers and jobs in both Canada and the U.S.” He called on Canada’s government to take the border situation seriously and said that Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau must call the premiers for an “urgent meeting.” Liu Pengyu, a spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in the U.S., posted on social media that no one will win a trade or tariff war. “China-U.S. economic and trade cooperation is mutually beneficial in nature,” he wrote, adding that China has worked with the U.S. to address fentanyl trafficking from China. Trade agreement violations Trade experts warn that Trump’s 25% tariffs would violate the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, which the Trump administration negotiated during his first term, and cause trouble with the World Trade Organization. The agreement replaced the North American Free Trade Agreement in 2020, and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative says that the agreement is a “mutually beneficial win for North American workers, farmers, ranchers, and businesses.” Mary E. Lovely, senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics, said that Trump’s proposal would violate the agreement which requires low to zero tariffs on most products. PIIE is a nonprofit, nonpartisan trade research organization. “Tariffs are very low, obviously because of the USMCA, which President Trump himself renegotiated,” Lovely said. “So we know that tariffs of 25% would be very destabilizing to North American production networks, and in particular, to autos.” National Foreign Trade Council President Jake Colvin also said that the tariffs would be a “clear violation of the USMCA.” NFTC advocates on issues related to international tax and trade, global supply chains and national security policies. Colvin warned that the cost of tariffs can fall on business and consumers and noted the retaliation threat from Sheinbaum. “While we’re all familiar with the President-elect’s fondness for tariffs as a negotiating tool, it’s particularly troubling that he’s threatening to aim them at America’s closest allies and trading partners on the very first day of his administration,” he said in a statement. Sen. Charles E. Grassley, R-Iowa, said Tuesday in a conference call with Iowa reporters that the tariffs could be used as a negotiation tool, but said tariffs were tricky “because we in Iowa and throughout the agricultural community know that the first thing that’s retaliated against is agriculture.” “I just think we need to get tariffs down,” Grassley said in the call, according to RadioIowa and other outlets. “And that doesn’t bad mouth, in no way is that meant to disagree with Trump because I think he’s using tariffs as a negotiating tool.” Negotiation tool or not, the tariffs could also cause trouble with the World Trade Organization. “Both Canada and Mexico are members of the WTO. They’re supposed to get most-favored-nation rates at a minimum,” Lovely said. “He’d be in violation of our treaty under the WTO.” Most-favored-nation status is a tenet of the WTO that requires equal treatment among trading partners, meaning that if an advantage is offered to one country it must be extended across the board to others within the WTO, though there are some exceptions. China is also a member of the WTO and has most-favored-nation status. If the tariffs are imposed, the three countries could file to resolve the trade dispute with the WTO but that path would likely go nowhere. “There is an appellate body, which is supposed to take appeals, but the U.S. refuses to allow them to seat judges, so there isn’t a panel to hear the case,” Lovely said. If a case is lost, a member can appeal knowing the process won’t work, known as “appealing into the void.” It’s unclear how Trump will impose the tariffs, but one avenue he could use is through the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers law. The IEEPA grants the president control over economic transactions. But the law has several restrictions and checks, according to the Congressional Research Service, including consulting with Congress before exercising the authority and immediately transmitting a report afterward and again every six months the authority is in place. Congress can terminate the emergency through a privileged joint resolution, and it can be challenged through the judicial system, opening up Trump’s tariff plans to possible lawsuits. ©2024 CQ-Roll Call, Inc., All Rights Reserved. Visit cqrollcall.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.Lewandowski scores his 100th Champions League goal. He is the 3rd player to reach the milestone

Anthony Albanese snared in inner west real estate crunch

( MENAFN - Gulf Times) HE Minister of Environment and Climate Change Dr Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki al-Subaie on Thursday inaugurated the Radiation Data Monitoring and Analysis Unit in Qatar, which includes a monitoring platform, a data analysis and production section, and specialised stations for ionising radiation monitoring. During the opening, the minister was given a detailed explanation about the unit's operational mechanisms and technologies used to monitor and analyse radiation data, ensuring it remains within natural limits. It was emphasised that the unit aims to enhance protection of citizens and residents by enabling early detection of radiation levels that exceed natural thresholds, ensuring highest levels of radiation and nuclear safety on both regional and global levels. HE al-Subaie was also briefed on the unit's role in issuing early warnings in the event of any malfunction or abnormal increase in radiation levels, through its linked early warning system. He was further informed by specialised staff and expert overseeing the units operations. The minister praised this step as part of the ministry's ongoing efforts to protect both people and the environment from risks of ionising radiation. He highlighted that early detection and swift actions ensure radiation levels remain within natural limits, particularly in light of growing environmental challenges. Assistant Undersecretary for Environmental Affairs, Abdulhadi al-Marri, explained that this unit is a crucial tool for detecting nuclear radiation and issuing early warnings of any cross-border radioactive contamination, enabling ministry and relevant authorities to take preventive measures before radioactive clouds reach populated areas. He also mentioned that the team overseeing the unit had undergone advanced technical training, including office-based exercises and participation in "Watan 2024" field drill in collaboration with relevant agencies, demonstrating its capability to handle any radiation emergency. Director of Radiation Protection Department, Engineer Abdulrahman al-Abduljabar, stated that the new system for monitoring ionising radiation includes advanced marine stations, which are floating buoys with robust aluminum towers. These are equipped with ladders, bases, and platforms to ease installation and operation. He pointed out the exceptional maritime anchoring system, which securely attaches buoys to sea floor using corrosion-resistant materials, ensuring comprehensive coverage of all directions along the country's coastline. He further explained that stations operate using advanced, sustainable, and alternative energy technologies, including solar panels, long-lasting lithium batteries, and wind-powered energy generation systems, with an operational lifespan of at least five years. Additionally, stations are equipped with satellite communication systems and coverage through phone or internet networks, ensuring continuous data transmission to monitoring unit. Eng. al-Abduljabar also highlighted the use of smart motor technology for programmed lowering of water quality sensors, as well as warning alarms, radar systems, and security features including panoramic cameras to protect the stations. He emphasised that the Radiation Data Monitoring and Analysis Unit is one of the most significant environmental technology projects in Qatar and one of the best in Middle East. It is part of a series of projects launched by the ministry in recent years to ensure protection of both people and environment, contributing to a safe and sustainable environmental framework in Qatar. Eng al-Abduljabar confirmed that Radiation Protection Department oversees this project, along with other initiatives aimed at ensuring nuclear and radiation security in Qatar, in collaboration with national and international organisations like International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The goal is to ensure comprehensive oversight of peaceful use of nuclear energy in various sectors, including industry, healthcare, agriculture, and research, thereby strengthening Qatar's position in the field of radiation safety. MENAFN26122024000067011011ID1109033789 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.

WILLIAMSPORT, Pa., Nov. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Richard A. Grafmyre CFP®, Chief Executive Officer of Penns Woods Bancorp, Inc., (NASDAQ:PWOD) has announced that the Company’s Board of Directors declared a fourth quarter 2024 cash dividend of $0.32 per share. The dividend is payable December 23, 2024 to shareholders of record December 10, 2024. About Penns Woods Bancorp, Inc. Penns Woods Bancorp, Inc. is the bank holding company for Jersey Shore State Bank and Luzerne Bank. The banks serve customers in North Central and North Eastern Pennsylvania through their retail banking, commercial banking, mortgage services and financial services divisions. Penns Woods Bancorp, Inc. stock is listed on the NASDAQ National Market under the symbol PWOD. Previous press releases and additional information can be obtained from the company’s website at www.pwod.com .

Social media influencer Paige Spiranac knows how to break the internet, that's for sure. Despite so much attention being on this Saturday's game between Ohio State and Michigan, the former San Diego State golfer found a way to steal the spotlight this afternoon. That's because she shared a photo of her wearing a black swimsuit while posing in a snowstorm. Spiranac, who has become a fan favorite in the golf community, decided to go out into the cold while wearing nothing but a black bikini. That may sound ridiculous, but that's what she did. "25 days of holiday outfits starts tomorrow on my Passes account," Spiranac wrote for her caption . In just an hour, Spiranac's post received over 164,000 views. It's not hard to see why. 25 days of holiday outfits starts tomorrow on my Passes account✨ Also running a discount! Click here to join- https://t.co/xGe8owC70m pic.twitter.com/RmbmTTnlyF Spiranac has been making headlines because of her wardrobe. At this point, she's used to receiving mixed reactions for her risqué content. “I was a competitive gymnast before I switched over to golf. And so, I was so comfortable being in leotards and when I started playing golf I didn’t have enough money to go out and buy a whole new golf-appropriate wardrobe,” Spiranac said . "So I would often wear athletic wear that I just had in my closet and that was leggings and tank tops. That’s how I learned the game of golf on public golf courses where there wasn’t a strict dress code." Getty Images. Besides, Spiranac is more than comfortable wearing just a swimsuit. After all, she's a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit legend. "It was the most confident and powerful and empowered that I have ever felt, and I carry that now,” Spiranac said. “Whatever I do, that's a big part of me and a badge that I'll hold forever, being a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model." Only time will tell if Spiranac has more holiday-themed swimsuit photos ready to go. Related: 'The Next Paige Spiranac' Is Turning Heads On Social Media