There has been a lot of recent buzz about companies relocating sourcing or manufacturing out of China. It’s easy to understand why. Supply chains are running at full steam as the economy is booming in many parts of the world, while in other parts economies are taking a hit from obstacles to open commerce and trade. Protectionist trade policies have led to new tariffs – actual and potential – and the accompanying cost increases have led to a general attitude of trade uncertainty, specifically between the US and China.  According to an Amber Road and AAEI 2018 report on Trade Trends, 77% of US importers surveyed consider shifting trade policies as their top challenge in the road ahead.  More than half of these companies also rank the cost of goods sold as their top concern. These higher tariffs add to the total landed cost, eventually affecting the price on the shelf.

Claiming preferential treatment under any free trade agreement is fairly easy. Statements on the commercial invoice or accompanying certificates at the time of import are enough for your customs broker to claim the lower duty rate on your behalf. Proving eligibility of a reduced duty claim is quite the opposite, whether you are an importer, exporter, or the producer of the good.

One indicator of the impact climate change is making on Vietnam is the migratory shift of inhabitants from the agriculturally-rich Mekong Delta to urban areas. According to government statistics, more than 1.7 million residents have relocated out of the vast expanse of fields, rivers and canals over the last ten years. Natural disasters have vexed the regional farmers trying to make a living of rice, shrimp, and fruit production and harvesting for export. One in-depth study on migration in deltas revealed that climate factors such as extreme floods, cyclones, erosion, and land degradation play a role in making natural resource-based livelihoods more difficult, further encouraging inhabitants to migrate.

After months of discussion and to-and-fro activity, the US and Canada reached a late hour agreement on a framework for a renewed trilateral trade agreement that will replace NAFTA. The “US-Mexico-Canada Agreement” or USMCA is a “new, modernized trade agreement”, according to the joint statement released on Sunday evening by US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland — the two top negotiators on USMCA.

Summer is ending, and it’s time to study up! Between CBP’s ACE updates, NAFTA re-negotiations, and anti-dumping and countervailing duties investigations – a lot of updates are expected in August.

So sharpen your pencils, organize a new binder, and tune in to Global Trade Academy’s webinar next week with international trade lawyer Robin Grover.

Trade Updates for NAFTA, ACE, and Anti-Dumping Investigations

Tuesday, August 21, at 2PM EST

Como está?

Zěnmeliǎo?

Translated: what's happening?

It may seem like you need a translator to understand the scope of rapid policy shifts in international trade, especially as countries like Canada, Brazil, and China respond to increased US tariffs and restrictions. 

Instead of turning to Google Translate, tune in to our upcoming webinar, where Suzanne Richer, Director of Trade Advisory Practices at Amber Road, will expand on how US trade changes have impacted legislation in other countries. 

The votes are in and the United Kingdom has chosen to leave the European Union. Brexit arose on June 23, 2016, when British citizens decided to cut ties with over 40 years of treaties and agreements that covered thousands of different subjects. Now, Brexit is scheduled to fully officiate by Friday 29 March, 2019, which means the countdown has already begun.

Amber Road’s new eBook, Getting Brexit-Ready in 2018, is your go-to guide for preparing for the major changes that Brexit will bring. In this case, 'major' means that all aspects of cross-border movement in Great Britain will be impacted. 

Tariffs...protectionism...trade wars?! While trading internationally with China has always been a difficult task, recent headlines make it seem like an impossible endeavor! But that is far from the truth. It is important for companies engaging in import and export activities in China to take into account all components of the supply chain and be proactive in an ever-changing environment. This global apparel leader did just that and enhanced their global supply chain capabilities as a result!

If your organization doesn’t leverage free trade agreements (FTAs), you’re likely missing out on significant cost savings. Or maybe your organization does leverage FTAs, but your manual processes are extremely complex and time consuming. With hundreds of available FTAs, each being unique in its qualification requirements, there are many benefits to be sought.

That's why global organizations implement duty management software to combat the complexities of free trade agreement qualifications. The new case study, Premium American Brand Saves Millions in NAFTA Duties with Amber Road, tells the story of an American born company known for creating and selling home maintenance products.

The majority of global trade professionals realize that their company could potentially save millions of dollars annually in duties and taxes by qualifying for various free trade agreements (FTAs). Unfortunately, many organizations fail to leverage even one FTA due to the complex and dynamic regulatory environment associated with each one. Attempting to manually qualify for an FTA can be incredibly daunting, and many of the companies using outdated duty management software could not only be paying millions of dollars more than necessary, but are also suffering from an extreme loss in productivity.