This summer marks one year since the groundbreaking United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) went into force. A dynamic free trade agreement that replaced NAFTA, the USMCA was engineered to boost the cross-border flow of goods and services by simplifying regulations, streamlining customs processes, and directly assisting traders. What makes the agreement so unique and significant? For Read More
If you run a small or medium-sized business, international trade could play a powerful role in your pandemic recovery plans. This is especially true for companies engaged in global e-commerce, which has seen rapid change and growing activity as people avoid retail stores and shop increasingly from home. On the surface, it may seem counterintuitive Read More
For companies that import or manufacture products in China, now is the time to prepare for significant supply chain disruptions due to the upcoming Chinese New Year. The official public holiday runs from February 11–17, 2021, but production facilities across China will close for varying amounts of time starting January 31 through the beginning Read More
Sometimes the most difficult part of negotiating an international contract is the language barrier. English is a second language for many of us and we do not all speak the same “English”. Wouldn’t it be great to cut through the English language barrier and reach common ground when negotiating international contracts? The solution is INCOTERMS® Read More
Many businesses around the country are suffering due to the economic impacts from the coronavirus (COVID-19). Small businesses are especially being hit hard, with thousands in survival mode.However, there may be some light at the end of the tunnel. For example, the Small Business Association (SBA) is offering loans and other debt relief, as well Read More
As the leader of an e-commerce company which is currently fulfilling domestic orders but contemplating expanding to include international sales, shipping logistics is a serious concern. Since the internet gained mainstream acceptance decades ago, the technology's ability to take a local company global has become crystal clear. However, leaping into cross-border commerce without solid 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 three Read More
For U.S. companies trading globally, these are uncertain times. Whether you’re a large exporter, a mid-sized manufacturer, or a growing e-commerce venture that’s quickly building cross-border success, you know the tremendous benefits that international commerce brings to the table—and to your bottom line. But you have also witnessed social, political and economic shifts that Read More
With the busy holiday season on the horizon, retailers – both online and brick-and-mortar – are busy finalizing discount offers and marketing strategies. They are verifying inventory, talking to suppliers, and stepping up staffing to ensure top quality customer service. If your business is aiming to maximize the value that the holiday shopping season brings Read More
