Emotions are running high in the debates about Great Britain leaving or staying in the European Union (EU) ahead of the EU referendum on June 23. The controversies also catch the headlines in other European countries, albeit to a lesser extent. So what exactly does this mean for the UK?

Topics: Certificate Management, Free Trade Agreements

Most global shippers know that free trade agreements (FTAs) and foreign trade zones (FTZs) are important duty management tools. But according to American Shipper research, only a fraction are fully utilizing these duty reduction vehicles. As discussions progress on sweeping trade pacts involving Asia, South America and Europe, it’s more important than ever to ensure you’re not leaving opportunities on the table.

Topics: Landed Cost Calculation, Duty Management, Global Trade Management, Foreign-Trade Zones, Free Trade Agreements

As of early February, the Office of the United States Trade Representative and the other 11 countries involved with the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) have signed the agreement and are working to submit it over to Congress for approval within the year. Reaching across 40% of the world’s economy, the TPP stands to set high standards for trade and provide new and substantial market access for U.S. retail companies.

Topics: Retail, Webinars, Duty Management, Global Trade Management, Free Trade Agreements

It’s no secret that free trade agreements (FTAs) offer a significant opportunity for duty savings. FTAs make it easier for companies to reduce the landed cost of sourced products, and improve profit margins on exported products.

Topics: Duty Management, Free Trade Agreements

Foreign-Trade Zones (FTZ) and free trade agreements (FTA) offer the most direct and significant duty and tariff reduction opportunities for importers and exporters, according to an April 2014 Aberdeen Group study. In fact, 57 percent of companies surveyed in the report have, or will build, FTZ infrastructure into their business to support global transformation and reduce total landed costs. Automating FTZ operations is the best way to ensure compliance with government regulations and save costs.

That's why Mercury Marine, a leading marine engine manufacturer, is using Amber Road’s Foreign-Trade Zone (FTZ) software to manage its FTZ operations at its new distribution center in St. Louis.

“We needed an easy way to support our quick turnaround times, manage the FTZ process and provide inventory visibility and tracking,” said Melanie Rohde, FTZ manager at Mercury Marine. “Choosing software over a broker, an in-house solution or error-prone manual processes was an easy decision.”

Topics: Landed Cost Calculation, Foreign-Trade Zones, Free Trade Agreements

Brands and retailers are expanding their international supply chains each day. As companies grow financially, the demand for production increases as well, resulting in the growth of manufacturing overseas. Currently, 48% of companies now do business in more than 50 countries and 32% do business in more than 100 countries.

Topics: Webinars, Import Management, Foreign-Trade Zones, Free Trade Agreements, Footwear

On October 13^th, Amber Road in conjunction with American Apparel & Footwear Association broadcasted a webinar entitled What the TPP Agreement Means for U.S. Retail Companies. Our presenters, Brian Collins from Amber Road and Dan Gardner from Trade Facilitators, Inc., received several questions throughout the webinar, but unfortunately he did not have time to address them all during the live broadcast. We have compiled their answers into a Q&A document - here is a preview:

Topics: Retail, Apparel, Webinars, Duty Management, Global Trade Management, Foreign-Trade Zones, Free Trade Agreements, Footwear

Next month, Amber Road will be a platinum sponsor at the USFIA 27^th Annual Apparel Importers Trade and Transportation Conference in New York City on Wednesday, November 4th. This event brings together several hundred industry professionals to hear the latest updates on trending trade and customs topics from high-level U.S. and international government officials and industry experts.

Topics: Retail, Apparel, Import Management, Export Compliance, Events, Free Trade Agreements

This month, Amber Road will be sponsoring Apparel East in New York City on October 29^th. Hosted by Apparel Magazine, this conference brings together top apparel brand and retail executives to discuss innovations within their business and challenges they face throughout their operations.

Topics: Retail, Apparel, GTM Best Practices, Events, Free Trade Agreements, Global Supply Chain

The U.S. government is currently negotiating its largest and most progressive trade agreement, the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA). The TPPA will create vast opportunities, as well as many compliance responsibilities, for U.S. companies.

Topics: Retail, Webinars, Duty Management, Free Trade Agreements, Global Supply Chain