The export compliance survey is closing soon! Please lend a hand- you will receive a copy of the results report after the webinar.

After implementing an export management solution, DecisionOne has announced an increase in export productivity by 50% along with increased compliance with complex trade regulations.

Surface trade for the North America Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) has increased by 1.7% in July versus June 2009 however when compared to the same period in 2008, trade was 28% lower:

Registration begins tomorrow, October 1, for the annual CBP Trade Symposium, being held December 8-10th, 2009.

DecisionOne Automates its Exports with Management Dynamics

Technology Support Services Company Improves Export Productivity by 50% while Maintaining Compliance with Complex Trade Regulations

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ, September 30, 2009 – Management Dynamics, a leading provider of Global Trade Management (GTM) solutions, today announced that DecisionOne, a leading provider of technology support services, implemented its Export On-Demand solution, a complete export compliance solution targeted to the needs of small- and medium-sized exporters. Available on-demand without any hardware or software required, the solution has enabled DecisionOne to improve its export productivity by 50 percent without increasing staff.

With 1,500 export orders per year, DecisionOne required a simple to use, flexible compliance solution that could easily support expanding volumes for oversees repair, returns and replacement parts and deploy quickly without costly software or hardware. Available on a flexible, on-demand architecture, Management Dynamics’ Export On-Demand addressed the company’s needs with product classification, restricted party screening and document generation capabilities, enabling multiple functions to be performed simultaneously and release shipments to carriers more efficiently.

“We needed an efficient way to maintain our export compliance and streamline export processes all with the ability to quickly scale to support our Logistics and Repair business,” said Dan Harkins, Vice President of Supply Chain, at DecisionOne. “Our existing system was outdated, cumbersome and required a costly upgrade. Management Dynamics offered an easy-to-use, cost-effective solution that automates our export shipments and ensures compliance with all export regulations.”

Management Dynamics’ Export On-Demand solution helps a company to establish an export compliance program with the know-how developed from Management Dynamics’ experience automating compliance for some of the world’s largest exporters. This foundation allows compliance teams to manage key aspects of trade compliance with the Export Administration Regulations (EAR), as recommended by the Bureau of Industry & Security (BIS), for the small- or medium-sized business by centralizing product compliance data, screening trade parties and generating all required documentation for cross-border transactions.

As a result of Management Dynamics’ Export On-Demand solution, DecisionOne has realized the following benefits:

• Powerful Export Compliance Program – With complete process automation and access to the industry’s most comprehensive Global Trade Content, DecisionOne is effectively managing export compliance, mitigating the risk of potential fines or loss of export privileges.
• Enhanced Productivity – A comprehensive product master, workflow tools, and screening engines have enabled DecisionOne to improve export productivity by 50 percent without additional staff.
• Established Central Control – State-of-the-art dashboard views and workflow tools help organize the compliance process and coordinate key processes with other business groups.
• Improved Compliance Operations – Ability to collect, monitor and analyze key compliance metrics for ongoing performance review of its operations.

"Small -and medium-sized companies that are growing internationally are shifting from viewing compliance as a tactical issue to implementing more strategic risk management programs and technologies that generate real cost savings," said Jim Preuninger, CEO of Management Dynamics. "With our on-demand solution, DecisionOne was able to rapidly implement and improve team productivity while strenthening their compliance program to better support accelerating international sales."

About DecisionOne

DecisionOne is a premier partner to hardware OEMs and IT Service Providers, delivering reliable, low-cost maintenance and support solutions. We leverage our comprehensive North American service footprint along with best-practice frameworks and methodologies to support data centers, desktop/notebook environments, networks, printers, and specialized equipment. We excel in complex and demanding environments by tailoring our onsite, remote, and logistics services to create positive business and operating results. Learn more about DecisionOne and our 50 years of experience in IT services by visiting us on the web at http://www.decisionone.com/.

About Management Dynamics, Inc.
Management Dynamics is a leading provider of global trade management solutions that improve the performance of global supply chains for importers, exporters, logistics service providers, and carriers. The company's solutions synchronize the flow of information among trading partners, optimize supply chain execution decisions, and streamline import and export processes to ensure regulatory compliance and minimize cost and risk involved in cross-border transactions. Management Dynamics’ time-proven solutions are used by more than 13,000 global users at some of the world's most successful 3PLs, carriers, manufacturers, retailers, and high technology companies. For more information, please visit http://www.managementdynamics.com/.

The European Union and the United States are in talks on forging a pact with OECD countries and China, if agreed, a global pact will be created to phase out import tariffs on goods such as wind turbines, renewables and green technologies.

After Iran announced intentions for new nuclear facilities, the US is seeking to expand sanctions on Iran, encouraging China and Russia to participate.

Trade Compliance update: China has appealed the WTO ruling siding with the US complaint that Chinese restrictions on importing and distributing foreign books, music, and movies violates WTO regulations.

With more stringent recycling and waste disposal laws now in place, European companies are finding it difficult to foot the additional costs of disposing of garbage responsibly. To avoid the expense of recycling the items or the associated taxes with destroying them, they are increasingly re-exporting the items to poor, developing countries in Asia and Africa.

Is President Obama a protectionist or pro-free trade? Both, according to a recent Los Angeles Times editorial. President Obama has been quoted as saying more jobs are created and costs are lowered in a free trade economy. But, the recent Stimulus plan angered many with the 'Buy American' clause attached to the plan.

Alan Bersin, former US Border Czar, has been nominated by President Obama as Customs & Border Protection (CBP) commissioner. Bersin is currently the special representative for border affairs, working with Mexican leaders and U.S. border-area agencies on challenges such as drugs and immigration.

Although I'm rushed for time today, there's an interesting editorial in the LA Times called "Obama and free trade: What's the deal?" written by, well, it doesn't really say.

The Life Sciences Summit on International Trade Compliance is coming up soon.

Cheryl Jenkins, Global Export Compliance and Security Integration at United Space Alliance has received special recognition from Cambridge Who's Who for her accomplishments in integrating trade compliance processes across projects including the International Space Station, the Space Shuttle, and future space projects (cool!)

In an era where cost-cutting is a common trend you probably hear about at least once a day, many companies have started turning to their supply chains, specifically sourcing and procurement functions, as a main area to help with boosting revenue and reducing costs. According to the 2009 Global Survey of Supply Chain Progress from CSC, Supply Chain Management Review, the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals and Michigan State University, 88% of respondents reported that objectives are in place for purchasing departments to produce cost-savings in the next year.

According to the 18th Annual Tends and Issues in Transportation and Logistics Study, sponsored by Capgemini Consulting and JDA Software, there's been a significant increase in the number of shippers who ranked cost-cutting as their top priority: 44% in 2009, compared to 35.5% in 2008 (not too surprising, given the state of the economy). Meanwhile, the number of shippers who ranked "improved customer service" was only 18%, compared to 26.6% in 2008. For more information and results of this study, check out the summary in Logistics Today.

Earlier this year, the US put an end to the Mexico Cross-Border Trucking Program and a new study has revealed that it has hurt the economy.

Supply Chain Brain recently featured an article about companies that are investing in compliance because of the fear of fines and penalties as well as the promise of a strong return on investment.

The Associated Press reported that as the G-20 summit will commense next week in Pittsburgh, many governments are tense with new report issued claims of more evidence of protectionism.

What? You mean politicians don't always keep their word? Even outside the US?

Canada's largest generic drug manufacturer has voluntarily recalled three of its medications "as a precautionary measure."

WSJ/Dow Jones Newswire reports that Mexico is seeking free trade with China and India. The entire article is below.

The Manufacturers Alliance for Productivity & Innovation (MAPI) has released a new report showing that the US is losing ground by stalling on incomplete free trade agreements, especially in Korea and India.

Come join Management Dynamics at the CSCMP Annual Conference next week! The conference will be held September 20-23 in Chicago. This is a premiere event for supply chain professionals looking to learn techniques for cutting supply chain costs, network with colleagues, discover new ways to remain competitive, and get solutions that will increase the efficiency of your supply chain. AND CSCMP has extended their early bird registration rate until 9/19 (two more days!).

SupplyChainBrain published an article yesterday, "Compliance is not just about avoiding risk, it is also about ROI" detailing the rise of the compliance department as a strategic operation rather than a means to avoid penalties.

Thanks to @chamberpost for posting this video of Tom Donohue, President & CEO of the US Chamber of Commerce, discussing strategies to increase US exports in the next 5 years.

Attention Ohio! You have many upcoming export seminars in your near future! I believe they are mostly for people interested in exporting to particular countries, but check out the Springfield Edge for a listing of all export seminars in Ohio.

Working with the Palestinian National BDS Committee, Brazil's Chamber of Deputies Committee on Foreign Relations and National Defense has recommended to the Brazilian Congress not to ratify the free trade agreement between Mercosur and Israel until “Israel accepts the creation of the Palestinian state on the 1967 borders”.

Israel's foreign trade with the five Mercosur companies totaled over $2 billion in 2008. Imports totaled $545 million, including $294 million from Brazil, $150 million from Argentina, and $700,000 from Venezuela. Exports totaled $1.36 billion, including $1.17 billion to Brazil (mostly fertilizers and agrochemical products), and $125 million to Argentina.

According to Business Week, the Chinese government is upset with the newly increased tire tariff imposed by the Obama Administration. The 35 percent increase comes in response to the U.S. steelworkers compliant to the U.S. Commerce Department that the Chinese government was subsidizing the steel industry.

The US Chamber of Commerce has a website called TradeRoots.org to promote free trade agreements, raise awareness about the benefits of international trade, and set the facts straight about various trade policies and issues such as the "Buy American" clause.

Bloomberg News is reporting that the US trade deficit has widened by 16% in July. Imports gained a record 4.7%.

For a great concise post on what constitutes free trade (in response to a New York Times article by Paul Krugman) head on over to International Economic Law blog. Here's a teaser.

Eric L. Hirschhorn will be nominated by Pres. Barack Obama for the position of Under Secretary of the US Commerce Department's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS). Hirschhorn is currently a partner at Winston & Strawn, the executive secretary of the Industry Coalition on Technology Transfer, and has also authored a handbook on export controls.

BIS has extended the denial of re-export privileges to Iran for Mahan Airways. The company may not directly or indirectly partipate or benefit from any transaction subject to EAR (Export Administration Regulations) for 180 days. It is also a violation of the EAR for any person to participate in a transaction subject to the EAR involving a denied party.

South Korea and New Zealand are starting their second round of free trade agreement negotiations next week.

We would like to invite you to participate in an industry survey on companies’ uses of an Export Management System. With the results, we hope to advance industry knowledge of best practices and better understand export compliance operations and processes across a wide spectrum of organizations.

Take the 2009 Export Compliance Survey

Your answers will be kept strictly confidential and will be reported anonymously.

The findings of the survey will be shared during an upcoming webinar on 'Key Strategies for Establishing an Export Management System' on October 13, 2009.

Management Dynamics is a leading provider of global trade management solutions that improve the performance of global supply chain for importers, exporters, logistics service providers, and carriers. Our solutions are used by more than 13,000 global users at some of the world’s most successful 3PLs, carriers, manufacturers, retailers, and high technology companies.

Take the 2009 Export Compliance Survey

The Washington Post reported that the U.S. Commerce Department has issued its premliminary findings that Chinese steel pipe producers are in violation of trade law because of received subsidies from the Chinese governement.

Trade compliance professionals are invited to participate in an industry survey on companies’ uses of an Export Management System.

With the results, we hope to advance industry knowledge of best practices and better understand export compliance operations and processes across a wide spectrum of organizations.

Just as I finished the post regarding the new labor lists, I received an email update that Sandler & Travis Trade Advisory Services will be having two upcoming webinars on the topic.

The Department of Labor has published three new reports containing details on countries where child or forced labor is used to make hundreds of goods that end up in the US.

A WTO panel has sided with the US in the complaint brought against China regarding the Chinese restrictions on importing and distributing of foreign books, music, and movies. Some considered this a "Hollywood vs. China" case.

DC Velocity recently published the results of a Panalpina survey showing that shippers place accurate landed cost high on their wish-list when selecting a 3PL.

When international trade lawyers analyze BIS, CBP, WTO, and other organizations' rulings for me, it makes my life easier. And if they have a email newsletter containing this analysis, all the better. Here is an excerpt from their latest alert (PDF):

CBP will be presenting a 10+2 Outreach seminar at the following locations in the month of September.

The Department of Agriculture has delayed enforcement for the Lacey Act requirements for some items including wood furniture.

According to the STRtrade newlsetter:

According to the International Centre for Trade & Sustainable Development, India has partnered in two new trade agreements: one with South Korea and another with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) trade block.

World Trade Magazine recently published the results of a survey that asked Chinese toy and game suppliers its plan to strengthen its export markets within the next 12 months.

According to the Wall Street Journal, consumers do not show a postive outlook to the economic upturn although exports have strengthened.

New revisions to the Cuban Assets Control Regulations and the Export Control Regulations took effect September 3rd. These changes effect U.S. exporters.

As described by the Associated Press, the US now faces $295 million annually in sanctions as a result of illegal subsidies to cotton growers. The case was originally brought to the WTO's attention by Brazil, the world's 5th largest cotton exporter. It was seen as a victory for Brazil and other struggling nations who rely on cotton as a cash crop.

The BIS has implemented the eased export restrictions, first signed into law by President Obama on April 13rd, 2009. The BIS's Export Arms Regulations are now updated to reflect the following changes:

Brazil and Mexico could be on the verge of creating a bilateral trade agreement, if President Felipe Calderon of Mexico gets his way. He recently urged lawmakers and companies to pursue a free trade agreement with the largest country in South America and the world's 8th largest economy.

Come join Management Dynamics at the CSCMP Annual Conference later this this month! The conference will be held September 20-23 in Chicago. This is a premiere event for supply chain professionals looking to learn techniques for cutting supply chain costs, network with colleagues, discover new ways to remain competitive, and get solutions that will increase the efficiency of your supply chain. AND CSCMP has extended their early bird registration rate until 9/19.

The New York Times reports that many leaders have gathered in India today to open discussions on the global trade and the world economy. India and the United States are most responsible for the economic collapse this last year, so this meeting will provide an opportunity to discuss outstanding trade issues and prepare for the upcoming G - 20 Summit in Pittsburgh later this month. The most talked about topic probably on their minds is the Doha Development Round negotiations.

Here are the specifics from the Proclamation:

United States Customs & Border Protection (CBP) has released updated help documents regarding the use of Free Trade Agreements on their website, including a helpful table of free trade agreements (PDF) in which the US participates.

The BIS has announced that the US-China High Tech Working Group will be September 29th in Washington DC. US and Chinese companies will be able to discuss export controls and high tech trade. The event is presented in partnership with the National Association of Manufactureres (NAM).

Bad news for NAFTA: Surface trade decreased by 31.5% in the month of June versus the same time last year, according to the BTS, a part of the Research and Innovative Technology Administration.

And you thought a bilateral trade agreement was difficult to negotiate!

The last few years have given Brazil, Russian, India, and China (BRIC) great gains in economic strength and GDP but we have all seen the global economy struggle lately. I happened to find this interesting video about "the next big player" on a money website but it's still interesting in terms of imports and exports.

The US Bureau of Industry & Security has updated their Major Case List (PDF).

As of late, economic conditions have forced carriers to reduce their rates to extremely low levels. Seemingly good news for shippers. However, now many carriers are saying that these rates have sunk to levels that are unsustainable, and they will be forced to raise them again in coming weeks. This could cause a couple of things to happen - first, the carriers could lose business because shippers are unable to pay more at this time for a service they are using less of. Second, if some carriers are unable to survive the recession, there will be fewer competitive options for shippers to choose from.

According to the Associated Press, the EU has recently signed a trade pact with Mauritius, Seychelles, Zimbabwe and Madagascar for trade tariffs to be slowly removed over the next fifteen years. The new deal, however, excludes agricultural products such as milk, vegetables and textiles, to name a few.

According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, Mexican officials have fired all 700 customs inspectors to root out corruption. 1,400 newly trained inspectors are hired as replacements. The new inspectors were heavily trained to detect fire arms, drugs, tvs, and other popular items smuggled into Mexico on a daily basis.

According to The Journal of Commerce trade surface transportation has fallen by 31 percent in June as compared to last year statistics. June was the ninth month in row showing a decline in trade and the eighth showing a double digit loss.