Articles
Import
To Rebuild America’s Economy, Keep Products at Home
Despite anecdotal evidence of a comeback brewing in domestic industry, wide-ranging new data repeatedly point to major—even mounting—manufacturing woes, including flatlining growth and record trade deficits. More importantly, advanced domestic manufacturing keeps failing a crucial competitive test: holding onto markets in its own enormous American backyard. Imports continue to gain at the expense of U.S. […]
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Comfort Zone: A Better, Faster FTZ
The Alternative Site Framework designation is changing the Foreign Trade Zone landscape, allowing shippers a more expedient process for streamlining the supply chain.
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Getting in the Zone: FTZs Fuel Improved Logistics
For decades, America’s foreign trade zones (FTZs) have provided a valuable platform for U.S. companies competing in global export markets. The FTZ program was established in 1934 to expedite and encourage foreign commerce. The nation’s 500 zones and subzones are secured areas, often near or adjacent to U.S. ports of entry, and are considered outside […]
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Import Data: It’s in the Bag
Computer carrying case manufacturer Targus gets a handle on duty drawback with global trade management software, unloading paperwork and packing in 30 percent higher refunds.
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Who’s Comparing Your Import Data?
If you don’t file accurate import data with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, you put your company at risk for penalties and fines, warns Kevin Shoemaker, director, global solutions for Integration Point Inc.
Read MoreSupply Chain Gain: Global Growth
Contingency suppliers, sourcing differentiation, special incentives, and a host of other strategies generate improvements in supply chains that reach around the world.
Read MoreGlobal Logistics – December 2010
China Full of Beans China’s consuming population continues to expand without pause, as demand for American Joe is now competing with a long-standing cultural mainstay —green tea. Starbucks has inked a deal with the Chinese provincial government of Yunnan to set up its first coffee bean farm. The Seattle chain is partnering with local growers […]
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Capitalizing on Mexico’s Economic Growth
Continuing economic development across Mexico is opening the doors to exciting growth opportunities for U.S. businesses. Mexico is already the United States’ third-largest trading partner, while the United States ranks first among Mexico’s trading partners. Mexico’s established manufacturing base has created many jobs and an increasingly prosperous working class. As a result, Mexico is attracting […]
Read MoreGlobal Logistics – September 2010
Audi Stops For Green Light Audi is pushing the accelerator in its pursuit of greener cars and a more sustainable supply chain. For example, in December 2009, Green Car Journal honored the German automotive manufacturer’s 2010 Audi A3 TDI as its Green Car of the Year. But the carmaker doesn’t stop there. Audi transports its […]
Read MoreLocating a Global Distribution Hub
Before adding a global distribution hub, hone your skills in compliance and cross-border import and export, advises John Miller, senior vice president global business development, Flash Global Logistics, Inc. He offers these tips on what companies should consider when locating and choosing a global distribution hub. Map your market. Determine your customer install base, which […]
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ISF Compliance: Solving 10+2
Importers and exporters must make sure CBP’s new 10+2 equation adds up. Here’s the formula for successful compliance.
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ISF Regulation: 10+2 Much?
Effective Jan. 26, 2010, U.S. ocean freight importers must complete a properly executed Importer Security Filing (ISF) before loading cargo onto a vessel at a foreign port. Also known as 10+2, the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulation, intended to ensure the safety of ocean containers entering U.S. ports, requires U.S. importers or agents to […]
Read MoreClearing Customs Quickly and Efficiently
Efficient customs clearance requires technical knowledge and respect for procedure, as well as an ability to understand the game, speak the language, and build good relationships throughout the supply chain. Mike McCarron, managing partner, MSM Transportation, offers 10 tips for fast, reliable customs clearance. 1. Focus on what you can control. When you ship globally, […]
Read MoreDealing With Customs
Many importers admit that understanding the U.S. Customs Service (USCS) process is like navigating a bureaucratic labyrinth. Here are some useful tips from importers familiar with USCS and its processes. 1. Know thy import specialist. In order to successfully negotiate the intricate parameters USCS uses to measure the import process, it is important to build […]
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