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:

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).

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).

I just created this brief powerpoint to post onto my LinkedIn profile. Check it out for some good Global Trade Management and customs compliance facts! If you can't view the presentation below, visit:

According to the World Trade Organization, China has overtaken Germany as the world's largest exporter during the first half of 2009. China has been experiencing fast-paced growth the last several years but has previously not reached Germany's levels. From January through June 2009, China's total export volume amounted to $521.7 billion, slightly exceeding Germany's exports, which totaled $521.6 billion.

Bunzl Distribution announced recently that it has implemented a Global Trade Management platform from Management Dynamics to improves in-transit visibility and import compliance.

DHL has signed a joint settlement agreement with BIS and OFAC to the tune of a cool $9.44 million. BIS charged that DHL was aiding and abetting exports to sanctioned countries including Syria, Iran, and Sudan.

For anyone starting the process of automating your export compliance; or those of you wondering if there's a 'better way' to manage your exports, watch this brief (and free) video: