There are several factors currently impacting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the U.S. The biggest, of course, is the coronavirus (COVID-19), which has forced many businesses into survival mode. In addition to the current economic issues caused by the pandemic, there are other significant events in 2020, such as the U.S. presidential election Read More
The past year has been challenging for many businesses around the world impacted by the global trading system. However, a new report from DHL reveals that globalization is holding up under pressure; a trend that is anticipated to continue in 2020. The DHL Global Connectedness Index reported that shrinking international capital flows caused global Read More
The next Chinese New Year, falling on Saturday, January 25, is an auspicious occasion but also an event that promises to slow your company’s production and create supply-chain disruptions before, during, and after the holiday. Ushering in the Year of the Rat, factories in mainland China and Hong Kong typically shut down for approximately Read More
The holiday season is a critical period for most U.S. businesses, especially as more companies leverage the power of e-commerce to expand their international customer base. With e-commerce sales over the 2018 holidays totaling $126 billion, up from $108.2 billion in 2017, and 63% of shoppers around the world saying they will make most Read More
If your U.S. e-commerce business is considering a cross-border expansion, then America's neighbors—Canada and Mexico—are the obvious choice. While a contentious political climate regarding the U.S. trade relationship with Mexico may generate some nervousness around risk-taking south of the border, Mexico remains a huge and potentially rewarding market for American e-commerce retailers to target. Read More
If you have a global e-commerce business that sources low-value parts from other countries, then you should pay attention to the de minimis value threshold. This rule applies to the value of non-originating materials that can be shipped into the U.S. before duties and taxes are assessed. You’ll want to keep a watchful eye Read More
Being from Canada, I know that the country holds ample e-commerce opportunity for American businesses. Directly on our northern border, Canada is uniquely positioned to be a very profitable market for American e-commerce goods and services. Boasting an established and reliable Internet infrastructure, English-speaking population, and comparable culture to the U.S., selling in Read More
With a population of 55 million, a strong, business-friendly infrastructure, an expanding base of online shoppers—especially among smartphone users— and widespread use of English, South Africa represents a compelling option for U.S. businesses considering cross-border expansion. What’s equally attractive is that expanding your e-commerce business in South Africa could be a valuable entry Read More
When it’s time to expand your company’s international e-commerce footprint, where you get your start is important. With no language barrier keeping you from reaching its shoppers and years of close trade links with the U.S., conditions in the UK make it a natural starter market for international e-commerce expansion. That is to Read More
Like your business, the financial and regulatory environment you’re operating in is always changing. As you win or lose customers, hire new talent or manage employee departures, the marketplace around you is experiencing similar fluctuations. This is especially true if yours is one of the thousands of U.S. companies pursuing and benefiting from the Read More
